South Ayrshire Council Local Transport Strategy Environmental Report
South Ayrshire Council Local Transport Strategy 2009-2014 SEA Environmental Report
21st January 2009
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South Ayrshire Council Local Transport Strategy Environmental Report
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Local Transport Strategy: Project: Strategic Environmental Assessment Local Transport Strategy: Title: Strategic Environmental Assessment Environmental Report
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South Ayrshire Council Local Transport Strategy Environmental Report
Contents Non – Technical Summary ...... 1
1 Introduction ...... 8
1.1 General ...... 8
1.2 Key Facts ...... 8
1.3 Strategic Environmental Assessment Activities to Date ...... 9
2 Context ...... 10
2.1 Introduction ...... 10
2.2 South Ayrshire Council Local Transport Strategy ...... 10
2.3 Integration of SEA with the South Ayrshire Council’s LTS ...... 11
3 Relationship with other Plans, Programmes and Strategies (PPS) ...... 12
3.1 Transport and Planning Policy Context...... 12
3.2 National Context ...... 13
3.3 Regional Context ...... 14
3.4 Local Context ...... 15
4 Characteristics of the Environment ...... 24
4.1 Baseline Data and Sources ...... 24
4.2 Data Limitations ...... 27
4.3 Current and Future State of the Environment ...... 27
5 Environmental Issues, Objectives and Indicators ...... 40
5.1 Environmental Issues and Objectives ...... 40
5.2 SEA Indicators ...... 47
6 Assessment Methodology ...... 51
6.1 Assessment of the LTS Vision and Objectives ...... 51
South Ayrshire Council Local Transport Strategy Environmental Report
6.2 Assessment of Investment Hierarchy ...... 51
6.3 Assessment of Policies and Proposals ...... 51
7 Environmental Assessment ...... 58
7.1 Assessment of the LTS Vision ...... 58
7.2 Assessment of LTS Objectives ...... 59
7.3 Assessment of LTS Investment Hierarchy ...... 61
7.4 Assessment of Proposals and Policies ...... 63
8 Enhancements, Alternatives and Mitigation ...... 79
9 Residual and Cumulative Effects Assessment ...... 87
9.1 Residual Effects ...... 87
9.2 Cumulative Effects Assessment ...... 91
10 Consultation ...... 97
10.1 Consultation to date ...... 97
10.2 Next Steps ...... 97
10.3 How to comment on the Report ...... 98
11 Monitoring Strategy ...... 99
11.1 Targets ...... 99
12 Conclusions ...... 102
13 Glossary and References ...... 103
13.1 Abbreviations ...... 103
13.2 Glossary ...... 104
13.3 References ...... 105
South Ayrshire Council Local Transport Strategy Environmental Report
Appendices
Appendix A: PPS Review
Appendix B: Scoping Consultation Responses
Appendix C: Environmental Baseline
Appendix D: Compatibility Assessment
Appendix E: Environmental Assessment
Appendix F: Residual Effects
Appendix G: Cumulative Effects Assessment
List of Tables and Figures
Table 1.1: Description of Plans Programmes and Strategies (PPS) Contents ...... 8
Table 1.2: Activities to Date ...... 9
Table 3.1: Summary of PPS Review ...... 17
Table 4.1: Baseline Data and Sources ...... 24
Table 4.2: Transport Emissions in Central South Ayrshire 2003 ...... 27
Table 4.3: Projected Transport Emissions (2010) – South Ayrshire ...... 28
Table 4.4: South Ayrshire’s Landscape Character and Land Use ...... 34
Table 5.1: SEA Objectives and Indicator Questions ...... 47
Table 6.1: Significance of Environmental Effects ...... 54
Table 7.1: Proposals/policies assessed as having an overall positive effect on the environment ...... 64
Table 7.2: Enhanceable Positive Policies and Proposals ...... 71
Table 7.3: Policies and Proposals Assessed as having Neutral Environmental Effects ...... 73
Table 7.4: Policies and Proposals Assessed as Having a Negative Effect on the Environment ...... 74
South Ayrshire Council Local Transport Strategy Environmental Report
Table 7.5: Proposals and Policies with Uncertain Environmental Effects ...... 77
Table 8.1: Enhancements to positive policies and proposals ...... 79
Table 8.2: Alternatives to Neutral Policies and Proposals ...... 81
Table 8.3: Alternatives and Mitigation for Negative Policies and Proposals ...... 82
Table 8.4: Alternatives to Uncertain Policies and Proposals ...... 84
Table 9.1: Residual Effects of a Road Scheme Proposal ...... 89
Table 9.2: Adverse Residual Effects after Secondary Mitigation ...... 90
Table 10.1: Milestone Activities ...... 98
Table 11.1: Monitoring Performance Indicators ...... 100
Figure 2.1: Diagram of Integrated LTS and SEA ...... 11
Figure 3.1: Local Transport Strategy Hierarchy ...... 12
Figure 4.1: Biodiversity Designations ...... 32
Figure 4.2: Landscape Designations and Character Areas ...... 33
Figure 4.3: Cultural Heritage Designations ...... 36
Figure 4.4: Geological Designations ...... 38
South Ayrshire Council Local Transport Strategy Environmental Report
Non – Technical Summary
Introduction
South Ayrshire Council is preparing a Local Transport Strategy (LTS) which will set out a programme of transport projects for the period up to 2014 and the Council’s position on transport policy, whilst identifying longer term schemes beyond 2014.
As part of the preparation of the LTS, a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) is being carried out, in accordance with the requirements of the Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005. The purpose of an SEA is to consider the likely environmental effects of certain plans, programmes and strategies by public sector organisations.
This Non-Technical Summary provides information on the Environmental Report that has been prepared to describe and assess the likely significant environmental effects of the interventions considered in the LTS.
Consultation
The Environmental Report will be published for public consultation with the draft report of the Local Transport Strategy. Consultation on these documents will commence in 23rd January 2009 and run for a period of six weeks to the 6th March 2009.
Consultation responses should be directed in writing to South Ayrshire Council by letter or email. To obtain a copy of the report or to respond through the consultation process contact:
Manager – Roads and Transportation South Ayrshire Council Burns House Burns Statue Square Ayr KA7 1UT
Email: [email protected]
Summary of the Objectives and Content of the Local Transport Strategy
The LTS has been prepared to review the strengths and weaknesses of the current transport situation in South Ayrshire, identify problems, causes, constraints and opportunities, set meaningful objectives, generate transport options, appraise the strategy and develop a monitoring regime. It has been structured to comply with the methodology of the Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance (STAG) as well as complying with the Government’s objectives of:
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South Ayrshire Council Local Transport Strategy Environmental Report
safeguarding the environment; improving safety; supporting the economy; enabling integration; improving accessibility; and facilitating social inclusion. Specific objectives and targets will be set to address existing transport issues within South Ayrshire in order to meet changing needs such as growth in housing, congestion problems and deteriorating infrastructure. In addition, South Ayrshire also has a high rate of car ownership which reflects both the buoyancy of the local economy and poor public transport in the rural areas. As a result, South Ayrshire requires an efficient, inclusive and integrated transport network system.
Stages of Assessment
SEA is a systematic method for considering the likely environmental effects of the programme and aims to integrate environmental factors into policy preparation and decision-making. It also has an important role to play in increasing public participation and facilitating openness and transparency in decision-making. The key steps of the SEA that have been undertaken so far are:
Scoping – sets out sufficient information on the South Ayrshire Council LTS to enable the Consultation Authorities and others (i.e. Scottish Natural Heritage, Scottish Environment Protection Agency, Historic Scotland and Health Scotland) to form a view on the scope, level of detail and consultation period that will be appropriate; and
Environmental Assessment – an environmental assessment has been undertaken of the LTS vision and objectives using the SEA objectives to assess the potential effects against the environmental baseline.
Following the consultation period South Ayrshire Council will review all of the consultation responses and decide whether to make changes before it adopts the LTS. Further information on the next steps is described at the end of this summary.
The Current State of the Scottish Environment and Objectives of the SEA
To enable the full environmental assessment to evaluate the changes that could result from implementation of the LTS, a description of the current state of the environment, along with a prediction of its future state without the LTS, was produced for each of the identified environmental topics. Environmental issues associated with each of these topics were also identified. The following is a summary of the state of the environment and issues by topic:
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Biodiversity, Flora and Fauna
South Ayrshire has a number of international, national and local conservation designations. There are two Special Protection Areas (SPAs) Ailsa Craig and the Glen App - Galloway Moors. There are also two Special Areas of Conservation (SAC), the Lendalfoot Hills Complex and Merrick Kells. South Ayrshire also has 17 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
There are over a hundred future local wildlife sites in South Ayrshire, which illustrates that biodiversity issues are not just confined to currently designated areas. There is therefore the potential for transport infrastructure to lead to fragmentation of habitats and wildlife corridors, resulting in isolation of populations of rare or threatened species.
Population
South Ayrshire comprises of six major towns Ayr, Prestwick, Troon, Maybole, Coylton and Girvan. There is also an extensive rural area containing many small, remote villages. According to the 2001 census, the South Ayrshire population is around 112,000; this is expected to fall to approximately 111,000 people in 2014. Unemployment in South Ayrshire is similar to that of the rest of Scotland at 5.5 per cent. There are, however, localized areas of relatively high unemployment in areas such as Girvan.
Noise
Transport related noise can have a harmful effect on the quality of life of communities, environmentally sensitive receptors and sensitive receptors. Background noise in South Ayrshire is relatively low in comparison to many areas within the UK. None of the residential properties adjacent to the main trunk road, the A77, experience road noise levels higher than 60 ≤ to <65 dB (A) Lden and ≤50 dB (A) Lnight.
Human Health
The health of South Ayrshire’s population is equivalent to that of Scotland with 68 per cent considered to be in good health. Life expectancy for males in South Ayrshire is 74.5 years (Scottish average 74.2 years), and females 79.1 years (Scottish average 79.2 years). In terms of physical activity, the percentage of people in South Ayrshire walking (12.2 per cent) and cycling (0.17 per cent) is slightly below the Scottish average.
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Although South Ayrshire has seen a decline in the number of fatalities arising from road collisions, there are still high levels of road traffic collisions along the A77.
Water
There are a number of watercourses in South Ayrshire that have been identified as being susceptible to flooding, and therefore should be considered when assessing options for the transport strategy.
The water quality of the major rivers in South Ayrshire are classified as grade B (good) and the water quality of the other major watercourses are generally classified as fair to excellent. Due to targets for water quality improvement set out in the Water Framework Directive and Water Environment (Controlled Activities) Regulations 2005 (CAR) it is forecast that water quality in South Ayrshire should either remain at current levels or improve.
Soils and Geology
South Ayrshire has 14 nationally designated geological Sites of Special Scientific Interest. 69 per cent of land in South Ayrshire is used for agriculture; much of this agricultural land is of particularly high quality. There are also over 1000 potentially contaminated sites that pose a contamination risk if disturbed, and therefore must be considered when assessing options for this transport strategy.
Air Quality
Transport related emissions to air are recognised as a major source of air pollution. Air quality in South Ayrshire is generally good and there are currently no Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs). In the event that any of the national air quality objectives are not met, then there is the possibility of AQMA(s) being declared by the Council in parts of South Ayrshire. It is predicted that air quality will remain good in South Ayrshire in 2010, with pollutant levels unlikely to exceed NAQS objective levels (South Ayrshire Council, 2006).
Climatic Factors
The main human influence on the global climate is the emission of greenhouse gases
including carbon dioxide (CO2) methane and oxides of nitrogen (NOx). Transport is a major contributor to CO2 and NOx emissions. South Ayrshire contributes towards approximately 18 per cent of Scotland’s CO2 emissions.
Overall CO2 emissions are expected to rise over much of the West of Scotland, reflecting the growth in traffic expected to 2021.
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Material Assets
South Ayrshire has high levels of private car ownership, which is reflected in 2001 statistics which show that only 11 per cent of the working population accessed employment by public transport compared to the Scottish average of 15 per cent. This is likely to continue without the promotion of public and fuel efficient transport schemes.
South Ayrshire also has a number of congestion hotspots due to high levels of commuter traffic, including Whitletts roundabout and Maybole town centre on the A77 trunk road and Ayr town centre.
The availability of aggregate resources for the future has been ascertained and therefore should be avoided in the locating and routeing of new transport infrastructure.
Cultural Heritage
Transport can affect cultural heritage in a number of ways. Transport related air pollution in urban areas can increase the erosion rates of listed buildings. Within South Ayrshire there are 91 Scheduled Monuments, including Crossraguel Abbey and Culzean Castle, 74 ‘A’ Listed Buildings, 20 Conservation Areas and nine Historic Gardens and Designed Landscapes (HGDL). A further 31 HGDLs have been proposed for designation over the next five years.
Landscape and Visual
There are four Scenic Areas in South Ayrshire, designated for their particular landscape quality; these are the Heads of Ayr, the Carrick Hills, South Carrick uplands and South Carrick coastline. Greenbelt has also been designated by the Council around Ayr, Prestwick and Troon. There are 47 Tree Preservation Orders that exist in the area.
Environmental Assessment Methodology
An in-depth assessment of the significant environmental effects of the LTS was carried out against SEA environmental objectives. Recommendations were suggested throughout the appraisal where necessary to improve or reduce the environmental effects of certain policies, proposals and key projects.
Of the 75 proposals and policies, 50 were assessed as having a positive contribution to the environment and a number of proposals and policies were assessed as having both negative and positive effects on the environment. Further alternatives and mitigation have been recommended as a direct result of the environmental assessment in order to minimise significant adverse affects or enhance potential environmental benefits. In addition significant cumulative effects of the proposals and policies have also been reviewed.
Six options for South Ayrshire Council’s overall vision were considered by the LTS. The alternative proposals were assessed based on their predicted impact on the environmental objectives and the preferred environmental option was selected to form the final LTS, this is to:
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South Ayrshire Council Local Transport Strategy Environmental Report
“Maintain the existing network and implement a complete package of measures on the whole network.”
Environmental Assessment Findings
The environmental assessment process resulted in 46 policies and proposals considered to have overall beneficial effects on the environment. It was possible that four of these policies and proposals could be improved to have further benefits and so recommendations were put forward for their enhancement.
Five policies and proposals were assessed as having neutral effects and overall adverse effects to the environment were found to be possible as a result of six proposals. A further four policies and proposals had uncertain overall effects. Alternatives were put forward for each of the policies and proposals with overall neutral, adverse and uncertain effects.
Many of the proposals and policies were altered as a direct result of the Environmental Assessment. Other important outcomes included a commitment to promoting low carbon technologies and standards, which highlights the Council’s commitment to Scotland’s Climate Change programme. Where alternatives and recommendations were not accepted, the residual negative impacts on the environment remained and further measures were considered to reduce these effects. Any remaining negative effects were taken forward to the cumulative assessment stage.
The cumulative effects assessment of the LTS policies and proposals considered the net beneficial effects and residual adverse effects of the individual policies and proposals. Beneficial cumulative effects were considered likely for air quality, water, climatic factors, health, population, noise, material assets and cultural heritage. Effects on biodiversity were thought to be overall neutral. Cumulatively it was predicted that there would be slight adverse effects to the landscape, soils, geology and land use mainly as a result of the Road Scheme proposals.
Overall, the cumulative effect of the whole LTS has a regional long term beneficial effect on the environment, with considerable contributions to protection and enhancement of natural capital.
Monitoring
The purpose of SEA monitoring will be to ensure that mitigation is effective and that any early or unexpected effects are recognised and addressed so that appropriate remedial action can be taken. Environmental monitoring is important to inform future transport programmes and it should be viewed as an ongoing learning process.
A monitoring programme has been developed, with targets relating to the SEA objectives. Monitoring should be undertaken for the potentially significant environmental effects of the LTS and only those that are directly associated with the components of the LTS.
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Examples of monitoring targets include:
Landscape – Continued protection whilst preventing unnecessary development;
Health – A 40 per cent reduction in road collisions by 2010;
Soils, Geology and Land Use – Aim to maintain and conserve the current soil condition; and
Air Quality – Maintain levels below Regulation limit values.
The monitoring strategy for the SEA has been closely linked to that of the LTS.
Programme
The programme for the Strategic Environmental Assessment of the LTS is outlined below:
Milestone Activity Publication Dates
Screening This is not a requirement because the Strategy comes under Section 5(3) of the Act Scoping Report November 2007 Consultation Period (5 weeks) Environmental Assessments September 2008 Environmental Report Published with January 2009 Consultation Draft LTS Public and Statutory Consultation 23rd January to 6th March 2009 Post – Adoption Statement Spring 2009
The Post - Adoption Statement is the final stage of the SEA process and will be published shortly after the LTS has been formally adopted. It will describe how consultation comments have been taken into account for the final South Ayrshire Council LTS.
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South Ayrshire Council Local Transport Strategy Environmental Report
1 Introduction
1.1 General The purpose of the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) is to identify, describe and evaluate the likely significant environmental effects of implementing the South Ayrshire Council Local Transport Strategy (LTS) and to propose suggestions for alternative policies and proposals where considered appropriate. The Environmental Report is the key consultation document in the SEA process as it provides an explanation of how the environmental considerations have been accounted for within the LTS design and allows an opportunity for the public and the Consultation Authorities to comment.
This report has been prepared in accordance with the Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005.
1.2 Key Facts The key facts relating to the South Ayrshire LTS are set out below in Table 1.1
Table 1.1: Description of Plans Programmes and Strategies (PPS) Contents
Key Fact Detail
Responsible Authority South Ayrshire Council (the Council) Title of Programme Local Transport Strategy (LTS) Plan Subject Transport Requirement The Transport (Scotland) Act 2005 Period covered by the Up to 2014 plan Frequency of updates 5 years Area covered South Ayrshire Purpose Sets out a programme of transport projects up to 2014 and the Council’s position on transport policy. In addition, identifies longer term schemes beyond 2014. Contact Details Manager – Roads and Transportation South Ayrshire Council Burns House Burns Statue Square Ayr KA7 1UT Email: [email protected]
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1.3 Strategic Environmental Assessment Activities to Date The main Strategic Environmental Assessment activities to date are set out in Table 1.2.
Table 1.2: Activities to Date
Activity Date
Introduction to Strategic Environmental Assessment, 30th Jan 07 programme and Scoping Report
Meeting with South Ayrshire Council on Scoping Report 13th May 07
Scoping Report Statutory Consultation 16th November 07
Workshops with Jacobs Consultancy Transport Team to discuss the Local Transport Strategy vision, objectives and May 07 – Feb 08 proposals and Strategic Environmental Assessment recommendations.
Email Agreement of action recommendations by the Strategic September 08 Environmental Assessment
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2 Context
2.1 Introduction This Chapter provides an overview of the purpose of South Ayrshire Council’s (SAC) Local Transport Strategy (LTS) and the policy context in which it operates. A comprehensive review of plans, programmes and strategies linked to the LTS is detailed.
2.2 South Ayrshire Council Local Transport Strategy The first LTS published in 2001 by South Ayrshire Council, covering the period from 2001 to 2006 was the South Ayrshire Transport Initiative (SATIN). SATIN set out the Council’s policies, targets, schemes and programmes, incorporating regional and national transport policy. Of the major transport interventions identified in SATIN, all but two (multi-modal interchange projects at Barassie and Ayr railway stations) were implemented.
The second LTS, which is the subject of this SEA, covers the period 2009 to 2014 and is required by the Transport (Scotland) Act 2005. The role of the LTS is to set out the Council’s case for local and regional transport improvements and to detail a framework for delivering an integrated, efficient and effective transport system for South Ayrshire. Specific objectives and targets will be set to address existing transport issues within South Ayrshire in order to meet changing needs such as growth in housing, congestion problems and deteriorating infrastructure. The LTS will be structured to comply with the methodology of the Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance (STAG) and remain focused on the Government’s objectives of:
Ssafeguarding the environment; Improving safety; Supporting the economy; Enabling integration; Improving accessibility; and Facilitating social inclusion.
The Draft of the second LTS will be submitted for consultation in January 2009 and if approved, the adopted LTS will be in place for a period of five years.
The aim of the LTS is to set out an integrated strategy for the Council that works towards economic, environmental, and social sustainability by providing an accessible and integrated transport network. The strategy will seek to meet the main objectives set out by the Scottish Government and to link with other key strategies and policies.
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2.3 Integration of SEA with the South Ayrshire Council’s LTS The phases and integration of the Local Transport Strategy and Strategic Environmental Assessment are set out in Figure 2.1.
SEA LTS
SEA Stage A: Set the environmental context for the Set the context for the LTS (review of Context, LTS (review of relevant PPS). old LTS and relevant PPS). Objectives & Baseline Data Establish the relevant environmental Public and Stakeholder Liaison and baseline data. consultation– throughout plan development. Identify existing and potential future environmental/issues/ problems. STAG objectives. Set out SEA objectives and indicators.
SEA Stage B: Scoping in/ out of issues to be Scoping considered in assessment.
Outline methodology for assessing alternatives/ options. Programme and timescales for the SEA.
Scoping Report and Consultation. Monitoring Objective Setting – Identify SMART objectives by Transport Forum.
Policy Options – identification of policy SEA Stage C: Modify objectives following options and STAG appraisal of the Environmental consultation. Test compatibility options. Assessment between SEA and LTS objectives. Formation of draft actions for implementation. Assess each intervention in terms of its
environmental implications against SEA Monitoring strategy. objectives and baseline.
Where environmental issues are identified, put forward alternative interventions including modification/mitigation and undertake assessment.
Propose a monitoring programme.
Environmental Report and Public Consultative draft LTS including public Consultation. consultation.
SEA Stage D: Preparation of Post Adoption Adoption of LTS. Monitoring Statement.
Figure 2.1: Diagram of Integrated LTS and SEA
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3 Relationship with other Plans, Programmes and Strategies (PPS)
The SEA Act requires that the Environmental Report includes an outline of the programmes relationship with other relevant plans, programmes and strategies (PPS). This section provides an outline of the policy context within which the LTS operates and the constraints and targets that this context imposes. This review has identified environmental issues and problems pertinent to the LTS which have informed all subsequent SEA tasks. A full PPS review is presented in Appendix A.
3.1 Transport and Planning Policy Context The LTS falls within a hierarchical structure of PPS relating to transport and planning. Key PPS influencing the SAC LTS include the National Transport Strategy (NTS) 2006, Regional Transport Strategy (RTS) for the West of Scotland 2008-2021, National Planning Framework (NPF) 2004, Ayrshire Joint Structure Plan 2007, and South Ayrshire Local Plan 2007. Objectives, targets and actions familiar to these documents will be reflected in the SAC LTS. These PPS have also been subject to SEA and the findings of these have been accounted in this environmental report. The relationship between the SAC LTS and key transport and planning PPS and associated SEA’s is illustrated in Figure 2.2.
National Transport National Planning Strategy (NTS) and SEA Framework
West of Scotland Ayrshire Joint Structure Regional Transport Plan 2007 Strategy (RTS) and SEA
SAC Local Transport South Ayrshire Local
Strategy Consultative Plan 2007 Draft (LTS) and SEA
Figure 3.1: Local Transport Strategy Hierarchy
The following sections provide detail on these PPS and their influence on the formation of the SAC LTS.
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3.2 National Context The NTS, along with Scottish Government’s publications Scottish Planning Policy 17: Planning for Transport and the National Planning Framework, sets the national policy context within which the LTS operates.
These documents together reflect the Scottish Government’s five key objectives as set out in Scotland‟s Transport Future (2004), which are to:
Promote economic growth by building, enhancing, managing and maintaining transport services, infrastructure and network to maximise their efficiency;
Promote social inclusion by connecting remote and disadvantaged communities and increasing the accessibility of the transport network;
Protect our environment and improve health by building and investing in public transport and other types of efficient and sustainable transport, which minimise emissions and consumption of resources and energy;
Improve safety of journeys by reducing collisions and enhancing the personal safety of pedestrians, drivers, passengers and staff; and
Improve integration by making journey planning and ticketing easier and working to ensure smooth connection between different forms of transport (Scottish Government, 2004)
SPP17: Planning for Transport
SPP17: Planning for Transport promotes an integrated approach to land use planning, economic development, transport and the environment. The document promotes a choice of transport modes, reduced car usage as well as increased walking, cycling and public transport. In order to support the Scottish Government’s vision of an economy that can flourish and where communities can function without significant environmental and social problems associated with car dependency, traffic congestion and pollution, it requires consideration of the following objectives. These are to:
To meet European and UK commitments and targets on greenhouse gases and local air quality;
To maintain and enhance the natural and built environment, through avoiding or mitigating adverse environmental impacts, minimising environmental intrusion and retaining, improving and enhancing areas for biodiversity;
To maintain and enhance the quality of urban life, particularly the vitality and viability of urban centres;
To reinforce the rural economy and way of life; and
To ensure that the impact of development proposals on transport networks does not compromise their safety or efficiency (Scottish Government, 2005).
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The LTS demonstrates how the Council’s transport policies will play their part in achieving national objectives as set out in the NTS.
A SEA was undertaken for the NTS and an Environmental Report to accompany the draft NTS was published in May 2006. The SEA findings relative to the NTS have been taken into consideration in the preparation of this SEA.
3.3 Regional Context Regional Transport Strategy (RTS)
The LTS forms part of the framework of the Regional Transport Strategy for the West of Scotland 2008 to 2021. The Regional Transport Strategy (RTS) outlines Strathclyde Partnership for Transport’s (SPT) intended delivery mechanisms for achieving the best possible transport outcomes for the West of Scotland up to 2021. It provides a long-term vision for transport policy and includes projects and transport initiatives to meet the needs of the area (SPT, 2008). The RTS area covers 12 Local Authorities including South Ayrshire.
The purpose of the RTS is to set out the transport policies, measures and improvements that will enable the overall vision for transport in the West of Scotland to be realised (SPT, 2008). This vision is to produce a:
„World class sustainable transport system that acts as a catalyst for an improved quality of life for all‟ (SPT, 2008).
The RTS strategy objectives are to provide:
Safety and Security, to improve safety and personal security on the transport system;
Modal Shift, to increase the proportion of trips undertaken by walking, cycling and public transport;
Excellent Transport System, to enhance the attractiveness, reliability and integration of the transport network;
Effectiveness and Efficiency, to ensure the provision of effective and efficient transport infrastructure and services to improve connectivity for people and freight;
Access for All, to promote and facilitate access that recognises the transport requirements of all;
Environment and Health, to improve health and protect the environment by minimising emissions and consumption of resources and energy by the transport system; and
Economy, Transport and Land Use Planning, to support land-use planning strategies, regeneration and development by integrating transport provision (SPT, 2008).
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These objectives, together with the overall vision, will influence those proposed for the LTS.
An Environmental Report accompanying the consultative draft RTS was published in January 2007 and a Post Adoption Statement has been prepared. The RTS SEA findings have been taken into consideration in the preparation of this SEA.
3.4 Local Context Ayrshire Joint Structure Plan
The approved Ayrshire Joint Structure Plan (2007) provides a strategic land use context to 2025. The plan emphasises that transport should be considered comprehensively from the outset of the land-development process and that new developments should be promoted in locations accessible to different transport modes to ensure good accessibility and to strengthen communities and centres. The Structure Plan also acknowledges environmental issues associated with road transport and the importance of reducing car-dependence. These policies have influenced proposals put forward for the LTS. These policies are:
TRANS 1 - Land Use and Transport offers guidance on the integration of transport modes and land use, for example ensuring that adequate access is provided for a range of modes to ensure economic viability throughout the Structure Plan area. The policy also favours appropriate measures to minimise negative impacts of transport;
TRANS 2 - Rail Investment encourages the three Ayrshire Councils to increase rail capacity and encourage greater use of the rail network, whilst safeguarding existing rail infrastructure;
TRANS 3 - Strategic Road Development gives priority to the promotion and development of 4 key trunk roads in Ayrshire, and offers a presumption in favour of supporting factors such as the safeguarding of land or improving safety on the strategic road network;
TRANS 4 - Public Transport states that Councils should work in conjunction with the relevant transport bodies to maintain, enahance and develop existing and potential new public transport provision;
TRANS 5 - Freight Transport supports facilities for the convenient and effective haulage of freight, and includes a presumption towards shiffting away from road haluage to rail and sea where practicable; and
TRANS 6 - Town Centre Traffic Management offers guidance on the provisions of town centre traffic management within Core Investment Areas and Investment Corridors.
No formal SEA has been undertaken for the Ayrshire Joint Structure Plan as work on the current version of the Structure Plan was initiated in 2003, prior to the implementation of the Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005. The Structure Plan has however been subject to Sustainability Appraisal during the formal consultative draft stage, findings of which are accounted in this SEA.
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South Ayrshire Local Plan
The purpose of the Local Plan is to provide the statutory land-use planning framework for all of South Ayrshire. The Local Plan alongside the Joint Structure Plan forms a key part of the Development Plan for the area.
The overall vision of the South Ayrshire Local Plan 2007 is to provide a co-ordinated land use strategy which contributes to a strong and diverse economy, ensures adequate provision of housing, jobs, education and leisure, and maintains the environmental quality of the area.
The Council’s overall vision for South Ayrshire comprises five elements. These are to:
Be recognised as having one of the most attractive and safe environments in Scotland managed in a sustainable fashion, for the benefit of residents, businesses and visitors;
Achieve a strong and diverse local economy offering secure and quality employment opportunities, with an economic growth rate above the Scottish average;
Create opportunities for life long learning, that encourage full participation in community and cultural life;
Foster a caring community, supporting those in need, and seeking to overcome disadvantages; and
Develop a responsible community leadership role that achieves progress through the combined involvement and effort of the Council’s own workforce, the community, businesses, public agencies and the voluntary sector (South Ayrshire Council, 2007).
The Local Plan emphasises the importance of an effective and efficient transport system in ensuring the economic health of South Ayrshire. However, it stresses that economic benefits have to be considered in light of the impact that traffic and roads have on the environment, including pollution, safety and congestion. It therefore sets out the following key aims, which are to:
Reduce car dependency and the need for travel;
Deliver infrastructure improvements to the trunk road network;
Assist in the efficient management of traffic circulation especially within urban areas;
Fund road improvement schemes: Millar Road / Dalblair Road Link, Ayr and Murdoch’s Loan, Alloway; and
Promote economic development whilst also seeking to encourage the provision and expansion of a wide range of transport options; especially cycling, walking and public transport (South Ayrshire Council, 2007).
The LTS is compatible with the aims, objectives, and policies of the Local Plan.
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Other Relevant PPS
A comprehensive review of international, national, regional and local PPS has been undertaken to highlight environmental objectives pertinent to transport policies in line with Schedule 3 of the Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005. Environmental media likely to be affected by the LTS have been identified and used to provide appropriate focus for this SEA. The PPS review is summarised in Table 3.1, full details of which are presented in Appendix A.
Table 3.1: Summary of PPS Review
Environmental PPS Implications for LTS Topic
Biodiversity, Flora Convention on Wetlands of The LTS should aim to protect Scottish Ramsar sites from and Fauna International Importance loss or damage by new infrastructure. (Ramsar Convention)
The Convention on Biological The integration and sustainable use of biological diversity Diversity (Rio Convention) will need to be clearly incorporated into the LTS with adherence to the UK and Scottish National Biodiversity Plans and any processes or activities that would cause adverse impacts should be identified and subsequently monitored.
Global Programme of Action for The LTS should take into consideration the impacts and the Protection of the Marine suitable mitigation of infrastructure proposals on the marine Environment from Land-Based environment including flooding, run-off and coastline Activities erosion.
Bern Convention on the The LTS should aim to protect Appendix 1 and 11 sites from Conservation of European loss or damage by development. Wildlife and Natural Habitats
Council Directive 79/409/EEC The LTS must ensure the integrity of SPA’s is not on the conservation of wild birds compromised through development or operation. An (The 'Birds Directive') Appropriate Assessment must be conducted if development is either within, adjacent or up to 15km from an SPA and consultation with SNH is recommended.
Council Directive 92/43/EEC on The LTS must ensure the integrity of SAC’s is not the Conservation of natural compromised through development or operation. An habitats and of wild fauna and Appropriate Assessment must be conducted if development flora (The 'Habitats' Directive) is either within, adjacent or up to 15km from an SPA and consultation with SNH is recommended.
The Pan-European Biological The LTS should integrate biological diversity within transport and Landscape Diversity proposals. Strategy
EU Biodiversity Strategy COM The LTS should identify measures to protect ecological
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Environmental PPS Implications for LTS Topic
98(42) resources, including Natura 2000 sites, habitat networks and wildlife corridors.
The Conservation (Habitats &c.) The LTS proposals must comply with this legislation. Regulations 1994 (‘Habitats Regulations’)
UK Biodiversity Action Plan The LTS should seek to support, via mitigation measures or route identification, the targets identified in the UK and Scottish BAPs for species and habitats most likely to be affected.
Nature Conservation (Scotland) The LTS should protect biodiversity and avoid adverse Act 2004 impacts on SSSIs.
Scotland's Biodiversity - It's In The LTS should support promote biodiversity conservation Your Hands: A Strategy for the and enhancement. conservation and enhancement of biodiversity in Scotland
National Planning Policy The LTS should ensure that transport infrastructure Guideline (NPPG) 14 Natural proposals would not adversely affect Scotland's natural Heritage heritage, and identify enhancement opportunities where possible. Natural heritage policies contained within Structure Plans should be adhered to.
Ayrshire Local Biodiversity The LTS should support the aims and objectives of the Action Plan (LBAP) – LBAP and promote biodiversity where possible. Safeguarding our Natural Environment (2001)
South Ayrshire Wildlife Strategy The LTS should support the aims and objectives of the (2002) LBAP and promote wildlife conservation and enhancement where possible.
Population A Better Future Together - The The LTS should support the Plan through increasing the South Ayrshire Community Plan proportion of people that walk, cycle or travel on public
2006 - 2010 transport, and reduce transport related CO2 emissions. It should also improve foot and cycle paths in both urban and rural areas and develop transport and communications for service industries, with actions to develop transport links to the M74, Prestwick Airport, the ports at Troon and Ayr as well as the rest of the UK, and reduce the number of serious road collisions.
Improving Health in Scotland – The LTS should support physical and social improvements. The Challenge
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Environmental PPS Implications for LTS Topic
Closing the Opportunity Gap The LTS should improve access for rural communities.
Human Health Let’s Make Scotland More The LTS should identify improved to links to facilities and Active promote walking and cycling opportunities where possible.
Land Reform (Scotland) Act The LTS should keep the countryside open to walkers, 2003 cyclists and equestrians, through maintaining access to all existing and proposed paths.
Improving Health in Scotland – The LTS should support physical and social improvements. The Challenge
South Ayrshire Council’s Joint The LTS should seek to address health issues through the Health Improvement Plan (JHIP) promotion of cycling and walking where possible.
South Ayrshire Council’s Joint The LTS should consider the needs of all community Community Care Plan (2001- groups, including the elderly and those with disabilities. 2004)
Soils, Geology and EU Thematic Strategy for Soil The LTS should prevent any adverse impacts associated Land use Protection with transport infrastructure.
South Ayrshire Council’s The LTS should take into consideration areas identified as Inspection Strategy for the contaminated in decision making. identification and remediation of contaminated land October 2001 Reviewed 2003
Water Water Framework Directive The LTS should ensure that adverse impacts on the water (2000/60/EC) environment, including abstractions, dams, water flows and engineering works affecting watercourse banks and beds are avoided where possible. Aims of the Scotland and other regional and local River Basement Management Plans (RBMPs) should be considered.
Water Environment and Water Scope to complement the activities of SEPA in developing Services (Scotland) Act 2003 RBMPs and applying Controlled Activities Regulations (WEWS Act) (CAR) should be considered during the preparation of the LTS.
The Water Environment The LTS should take into account the requirements of the (Controlled Activities Scotland) 'CAR' regulations when identifying new transport proposals. Regulations 2005 (The 'CAR' Regulations)
Scotland's Bathing Waters: A Impacts from run-off should be considered within the LTS Strategy for Improvement and the use of SUDS should be promoted.
SPP 7 Planning and Flooding The LTS should take into account flood risk during
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Environmental PPS Implications for LTS Topic
identification of sites for transport infrastructure. The potential effects of climate change should also be considered.
Air Quality The Air Quality Framework Sustainable transport measures and measures to reduce Directive (1996/62/EC) the need to travel should be considered.
EU Thematic Strategy on Air The LTS should consider transport's impacts on human Pollution health and contribute to necessary transport related emission reductions to meet 2020 target.
The Air Quality Strategy for The LTS should reduce air pollutants to help achieve the England, Scotland, Wales and objectives as set out in the Strategy, through emphasising Northern Ireland. Working sustainable transportation.
Together for Clean Air Addendum
Air Quality Limit Values The LTS should seek to address air quality issues and (Scotland) Regulations 2007 comply with requirements of the Regulations.
Local Air Quality Management; The LTS should support achieving these targets through Updating and Screening minimising emissions where possible. Assessment 2006 (South Ayrshire)
The Future of Air Transport - Glasgow Prestwick Airport is likely to be developed to White Paper and the Civil accommodate the likely increase in passenger and freight Aviation Bill (2003) traffic once current capacity of around 3 million passengers per annum is reached, within 5 to 10 years. This is not within the scope of the LTS, but requirements for road and rail infrastructure support, such as M77 and A77 should be considered.
Climatic Factors Kyoto Protocol The LTS should support achievement of Kyoto targets, minimising emissions where possible.
European Climate Change Promote modal shift, new technologies and cleaner fuels Programme (including First and which would positively promote a reduction in transport
Second Programmes) related CO2 emissions.
UK Climate Change Programme LTS should contribute to achievement of UK wide emission reduction targets and consider measures e.g. through reducing the need to travel and encouraging sustainable transport modes.
Draft Climate Change Bill Take into account role of transport in meeting Scotland's share of carbon reductions and identify steps to adapt to climate change.
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Environmental PPS Implications for LTS Topic
Changing Our Ways - Scotland's The LTS should contribute to meeting these targets. Climate Change Programme Through for example promotion of sustainable travel through modal shift.
South Ayrshire’s Climate The LTS should incorporate climate change targets and Change Declaration actions as set by SAC.
Material Assets European Transport Policy for The LTS should adhere to these principles and establish a 2010 White Paper sustainable transport system.
The Future of Air Transport The LTS should consider the environmental implications White Paper associated with Glasgow Prestwick Airport expansion proposals.
Scotland's National Transport The LTS should take provisions of the NTS into account and Strategy (and associated SEA) aim for efficient transport infrastructure, reduction in the number of car journeys and increased opportunities for walking, cycling and use of public transport.
The Transport (Scotland) Act The LTS must adhere to these Regulations. 2005
West of Scotland Transport The LTS SEA should take into consideration the Partnership SEA Environmental environmental objectives as laid out by the RTS SEA. Report
Building a Better Scotland The LTS should promote sustainable transport proposals. Infrastructure Investment Plan: Investing in the Future of Scotland
SPP 17 Planning for Transport LTS proposals relating to strategic transport choices should include more sustainable transport proposals for passenger and freight journeys. The LTS should recognise the importance of integrating land use and transport while helping to reduce the overall need to travel.
Council Directive 99/31/EC ' The LTS should promote the prevention of waste, and the Landfill Directive' recycling and recovery of waste in transport infrastructure proposals.
Taking Sustainable Resources The LTS should consider sustainable waste management Forward: A Thematic Strategy practices. on the Prevention and Recycling of Waste
The National Waste Strategy The LTS should consider opportunities for reducing the
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Environmental PPS Implications for LTS Topic
environmental impacts of waste.
The National Waste Plan The LTS should consider opportunities for waste reduction and reuse where possible. Available waste disposal facilities and sustainable methods of transporting waste should also be taken into consideration.
NPPG 10 Planning and Waste The LTS should promote the prevention of waste, and Management. recycling and recovery of waste in transport infrastructure proposals.
National Waste Strategy: The LTS should take into consideration waste generation. Scotland. Ayrshire, Dumfries and Galloway. (2003)
Cultural Heritage The Planning (Listed Buildings The LTS should take into account the authorisation set out and Conservation Areas) in the Act should any alterations to a Listed Building be (Scotland) Act 1997 required as a result of any proposal.
The Protection of Wrecks Act The LTS should take into account the requirements of this 1973 Act should any proposals result in works being undertaken in waters off the coast of South Ayrshire.
Ancient Monuments and The LTS should take into account the protection offered to Archaeological Areas Act 1979 historical sites when considering proposal options.
Passed to the Future: Historic The LTS and associated SEA should be developed within Scotland's Policy for the the guidelines and principles set out within this document. Sustainable Management of the Historic Environment
Memorandum of Guidance on The LTS should take into account the protection offered to Listed Buildings and these historical sites when considering proposal options. Conservation Areas 1998
NPPG 5 Archaeology and The protection and preservation of archaeological remains Planning must be taken into account and, where appropriate, sites of national and international sites of archaeological importance should be enhanced.
NPPG 18 Planning and the The historic environment should be protected and taken into Historic Environment account when making strategic locational decisions.
Transport and Works (Scotland) The LTS must adhere to these Regulations. Act 2007
Landscape European Landscape The LTS should reflect the aims of the Convention, through Convention considering potential impacts of infrastructure development proposals on designated and non designated landscapes,
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Environmental PPS Implications for LTS Topic
particularly in terms of potential loss of distinguishing features.
The Pan-European Biological Integration of landscape diversity into the LTS. (Biodiversity and Landscape Diversity discussed under 'biodiversity, flora and fauna') Strategy
Natural Heritage Futures The LTS can contribute to these priorities by taking into account biological and landscape sensitivities around key transport corridors.
NPPG 14 Natural Heritage The LTS should ensure that transport infrastructure proposals do not adversely affect Scotland's natural heritage and identify enhancement opportunities where possible.
SPP 21 Green Belts These policy aims should be taken into account within the LTS during strategic locational and infrastructure proposals.
South Ayrshire Forestry The LTS should adhere to the Strategy’s aim to safeguard Strategy forested areas, encourage public access to these areas and consider forestry haulage routes in the proposals.
Noise EU Environmental Noise The LTS should consider the implications of noise levels Directive (2002/49/EC) imposed by new infrastructure developments and include identification of areas where detailed regional assessments may be required.
In addition to PPS related to specific environmental media, a raft of Sustainable Development PPS are outlined in Appendix A. These require that LTS proposals further improvements in social and economic conditions in addition to those relating to the environment.
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4 Characteristics of the Environment
Schedule 3 of the Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005 (the SEA Act) requires that this Environmental Report includes a description of the environmental characteristics of areas likely to be significantly affected by the SAC LTS. This Chapter provides an overview of the environmental baseline for the SEA that has been used to develop SEA objectives and indicator questions and inform environmental assessment. Section 3.1 provides a summary of the baseline data that has been used to inform the assessment process, and its sources. Section 3.2 details limitations within the baseline data, and Section 3.3 summarises current and future baseline conditions within South Ayrshire relevant to the LTS. The full baseline is presented in Appendix C.
4.1 Baseline Data and Sources Table 4.1 presents a summary of the environmental features considered within this SEA and corresponding sources of data.
Table 4.1: Baseline Data and Sources
SEA Topic Baseline Data Sources
Biodiversity, RAMSAR sites; Special Areas of Conservation SNH 2006 (Jacobs GIS flora & fauna (SACs); Special Protection Areas (SPAs); Dataset); National Nature Reserves (NNRs); Biosphere South Ayrshire Council Reserves; Sites of Special Scientific Interest (2007) Geographical (SSSIs); RSPB Wildlife reserves; National Information Systems; Vegetation Classification surveys; Forestry and RSPB website; Macaulay Woodland: Semi-Natural Woodland, Ancient Institute; Forestry Woodland, National Inventory of Woodlands; Commission website; Bogs: Intermediate Raised Bog Inventory and Central Scotland Forest Raised Bog Inventory; SWT Reserves; South Trust website; Scottish Ayrshire Wildlife Sites; Important Bird Areas; Wildlife Trust; Marine Consultation Areas; Protected Species; South Ayrshire Council Local Biodiversity Species and Habitats; Habitat (2007) Wildlife Strategy; conservation; General. SNH website; Ayrshire Local Biodiversity Action Plan; JNCC website; BirdLife International; NTS SEA, RTS SEA, SEPA (State of Scotland’s Environment (2003) & (2006))
Population Operational and Waste Disposal Areas; Regional SEPA: National Waste Parks, Galloway Forest Park; General population Strategy (1999) and statistics, age profile, economic activity, aspects National Waste Plan of deprivation, health indicators (limiting long term (2003); Visit Scotland,
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SEA Topic Baseline Data Sources
illness, coronary heart disease related hospital SNH, SAC GIS; General admissions etc.); general recreation activities; Register Office for Outdoor and cultural recreational areas – Amenity Scotland (Census 2001 Value, Cultural Association, Tourist areas. data, SCROL); Office of National Statistics; SNH; SAC website, Forestry Commission, Visit Scotland;
Human Health; Road collisions; SCROL; Health NHS Health Scotland; NHS National Services Scotland (Scottish Health Statistics); Scottish Government Health Department; IDSS; Office of National Statistics.
Noise Scottish Noise Maps; Aviation related noise Scottish Government; Civil Aviation Authority
Soils, Local geology; Land use; Contaminated Land; South Ayrshire Council’s Geology and Soils; Areas affected by former mineral working Inspection Strategy for Land Use requiring restoration and improvement; Land the identification and vulnerable to erosion; Nitrate Vulnerable Zones; remediation of Prime and Improved Agricultural Land; Geology: contaminated land preferred opencast coal areas, sands and gravels October 2001 Reviewed reserves, safeguarded limestone reserves, 2003; Adopted South bauxitic clay reserves; Unstable Land; General Ayrshire Local Plan – Consolidated text of the Adopted Local Plan 2007;
South Ayrshire’s Forestry
Strategy; Scottish Vacant and Derelict Land Survey; Scottish Enterprise; SAC; AEA Energy and Environment (formerly NETCEN); The Coal Authority; SEPA; MLURI; BGS; SAC GIS
Water Ayrshire 100 year flooding; areas below 5m SAC GIS; SEPA above sea level; Domestic Water Catchment (Indicative River and Areas; High Water Mark; Coastal classifications; Coastal Flood Map Water quality classifications and associated (Scotland) (2006) and biodiversity designations; Fluvial and coastal flood River Basin Management
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SEA Topic Baseline Data Sources
risk areas; River basins and catchments and Plan Characterisation Plans; Coastal environment including: bathing Reports (2005)); Jacobs’ waters, transitional waters, estuaries and GIS database coastlines
Air Quality Carbon Dioxide Emissions by Source (Scotland); AEA Energy and Carbon emissions by transport mode; Air Quality Environment (formerly Management Areas; Air quality exceedence areas NETCEN); SEPA; and ambient air quality; Ambient Air Quality; National Air Emissions Emissions Maps 2004; Dust; General Inventory (NAEI); Jacobs’ GIS database; SAC; UK Air Quality Archive; DTI
Climatic UKCIP02 scenarios including national and UKCIP; Scottish Factors regional scenarios; Climatic trends; NETCEN data Government; SNIFFER on greenhouse gas emissions; Scottish Climate (2006 Online Handbook Change Programme 2006; Effects of and areas of Climate Trends across most likely to be affected by climate change; Scotland); AEA Energy Flooding and predicted sea level rise and Environment; UK Air Quality Archive; SNH; SEPA; NAEI
Material Energy generation by source; Energy SPP6 SEA; DTI; Assets consumption data; Travel – distance; Freight Department for Transport; Intensity; Travel mode (Scottish Transport Scottish Government; Statistics); Travel – accessibility; Index of carbon LTS Public Consultation; dioxide emissions divided by GDP; Environmental Scottish Household infrastructure (e.g. flood defences, dams); Road Survey; NTS SEA; SEPA; infrastructure including roads and critical load Jacobs’ GIS database; exceedence; Public transport infrastructure SAC; RTS; SAC GIS; including: ferry routes, rail, railway stations, SAC Local Plan; safeguarded UK Civil Aerodromes; Existing land use; Minerals;
Cultural World Heritage Sites including existing and Historic Scotland; SAC Heritage proposed; Historic Gardens and Designed GIS; Jacobs GIS Landscapes; Archaeology Consultation Triggers; Database; SAC Local Conservation Areas; Listed Buildings; Scheduled Plan; Receiver of Wrecks Ancient Monuments including existing and proposed; Protected wrecks; Historic landscapes and townscapes
Landscape Rare/distinctive landscape characters; National SNH; Historic Scotland; Scenic Areas; Sensitive Landscape Character SAC GIS; Jacobs GIS
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SEA Topic Baseline Data Sources
Areas; Landscape Character Areas; Greenbelt Database; SAC Local Plan
4.2 Data Limitations The SEA for the Council’s LTS has been constrained by the absence of a:
Climate Change Action Plan to set local targets following signing of Scotland’s Climate Change Declaration.
A Climate Change Action Plan would have enabled a South Ayrshire specific assessment of transport related CO2e emissions, in addition to supplementing data on future CO2e trends within the region.
4.3 Current and Future State of the Environment An analysis of the current and predicted future state of the environment has been conducted in line with Section 3 of the Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005. This section summarises the findings of this analysis by environmental media.
Air Quality
Current
Air quality in South Ayrshire is generally good. Table 4.2 details the major transport related pollutant levels in Central South Ayrshire in 2003 (the most up to date data available from the National Atmospheric Emissions Inventory).
Table 4.2: Transport Emissions in Central South Ayrshire 2003
Transport (per Total Emission (per Pollutant 2 2 annum/tonnes/km ) annum/tonnes/km )
Benzene 0.29 0.65
Carbon Monoxide 128 145
Carbon Dioxide as CO2 912 5,074 Lead 0.01 0.17
Nitrogen Oxides as NO2 23 42
PM10 (Particulate Matter < 10um) 1.3 2.4 Non Methane VOC 10 27 (National Atmospheric Emissions Inventory, 2006)
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Areas which experience air pollution levels exceeding European emission thresholds are required under the National Air Quality Standards (NAQS) to establish Air Quality Management Areas (AQMA’s). To establish the requirement for AQMAs, monitoring of transport emissions is carried out at a number of locations where emission levels are likely to be high. Monitoring results indicate that no current issues exist for Carbon Monoxide, Benzene, or NO2. However, raised levels of PM10 are found in Maybole and Coylton due to road traffic. Additional raised levels of PM10 are found as a result of quarrying in the vicinity of the quarries at Craigie, Tormitchell, and Hillhouse (South Ayrshire Council, 2006). However, levels are not sufficiently high as to warrant the establishment of an AQMA, and none have been established in South Ayrshire.
Future
It is predicted that air quality will remain good in South Ayrshire in 2010, with pollutant levels unlikely to exceed NAQS objective levels. The UK Air Quality Archive (2007) has predicted
levels of NO2, PM10, and Benzene in South Ayrshire for 2010. These are detailed in Table 3.3.
Table 4.3: Projected Transport Emissions (2010) – South Ayrshire
Pollutant South Ayrshire
3 NO2 (ug/m annual mean) 3.8
PM10 (Particulate Matter < 10um) 12 (ug/m3 annual mean)
Benzene (ug/m3 annual mean) 0.05 (UK Air Quality Archive, 2007)
It is possible however that localised exceedence of NAQS levels for PM10 will be experienced in Maybole, Coylton and Sandgate, Ayr as a result of road traffic, and increased flights from Glasgow Prestwick Airport may also increase emissions in the area. These areas will be monitored, and AQMA’s established if required.
Stricter NAQS emission limits for Benzene due to come into force in 2010 may also affect the establishment of AQMA’s for this pollutant (South Ayrshire Council, 2006).
Climatic Factors
Current
South Ayrshire’s carbon emissions for 2003 (as at postcode KA7 1DR) were 912 tonnes of carbon per annum per km2 emitted from road transport, of a national total of 5,074 tonnes per annum per km2. This equates to 18 per cent of the Scottish total. (National Atmospheric Emissions Inventory, 2006).
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Future
Carbon emissions resulting from transport for South Ayrshire in 2010 are predicted to be 748,730 tonnes (Ayrshire Joint Structure Plan Consultative Draft 2025 Technical Report TR03/2004.)
Health
The baseline for health in South Ayrshire covers data relating to the issues of general health, traffic collisions, and recreational facilities.
Current
Just over 68 per cent of South Ayrshire’s population is considered to be in good health, which is equivalent to the Scottish average. Just fewer than ten per cent of the population however were considered to be in not good health and 22 per cent in fairly good health. The life expectancy of people living in South Ayrshire compares well to other Scottish regions, with life expectancy for males in South Ayrshire at 74.5 years (Scottish average 74.2 years), and females 79.1 years (Scottish average 79.2 years) (General Register Office for Scotland, 2005 and 2006). In terms of physical activity, the percentage of people in South Ayrshire walking (12.2 per cent) and cycling (0.17 per cent) is slightly below the Scottish average (14.2 per cent and 0.18 per cent respectively).
There has been a decline in the number of fatalities arising from collisions on South Ayrshire’s roads from 31 in 2001 to 20 in 2005 (Scottish Government Road Accidents Scotland 2005). The majority of fatalities occur on trunk roads. The A77, particularly between Bogend Toll and Ardwell, is a particular black spot and experienced 314 collisions of which 78 resulted in serious injuries and 15 in fatalities between 1999 and 2004 (South Ayrshire Council, 2005).
Outdoor recreational facilities which support healthy populations in South Ayrshire are numerous. They include forest and country parks, footpaths and cycle paths. Forest and country parks include Galloway Forest Park and the Country Park at Culzean Castle. National Cycle Route 7 passes through Ayrshire from the south. Other cycle and path networks within South Ayrshire include the Alloway Burton route, Ayr Auchincruive route, the River Ayr Way and the National Byway Routes (South Ayrshire Council, 2007iv).
There are also currently eight fixed, automated cycle counters located in South Ayrshire; four of which are currently operational as part of South Ayrshire’s new Local Cycle Network (LCN). These counters are located at Holmston Road, Maybole Road, Monument Road and Dalmellington Road. The data shows that there has been an increase in usage of the cycle network, particularly at Southwoods, Troon. However, cycle flows recorded at Ayr Esplanade and Prestwick Esplanade has declined since 2003 and 2005 respectively (South Ayrshire Council, 2007vi).
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Future
The trend for increased life expectancy in South Ayrshire is predicted to continue, whilst fatalities resulting from road collisions are forecast to decline due to upgrading of the A77. Increases in levels of physical activity are expected as a result of a planning and promotion emphasis on walking and cycling, and the linking of green spaces.
Biodiversity, Flora and Fauna
Current
South Ayrshire contains a wide variety of important habitats and species. South Ayrshire’s Local Biodiversity Action Plan has identified 11 priority species for use as indicators of environmental issues and habitat quality. These are the Northern Brown Argus, Corncrake, Brown Hare, Water Vole, Oyster Plant, Song Thrush, Lesser Whitethroat, Pipistrelle Bat, Hen Harrier, Black Grouse and Pink Meadowcap.
In addition, the region contains international, national and locally designated sites. Sites protected under European legislation include two Special Protection Areas (SPA’s), Ailsa Craig and the Glen App - Galloway Moors, and two Special Areas of Conservation (SAC’s), the Lendalfoot Hills Complex and Merrick Kells (JNCC, 2007ii). National sites in South Ayrshire comprise 17 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI’s) designated for biological reasons, and three SSSI’s designated for their biological and geological features. These are Ailsa Craig, Ballantrae Shingle Beach, Craig Wood, Craighead Quarry, Dundonald Wood, Girvan to Ballantrae Coast, Turnberry Lighthouse to Port Murray, Knockdaw, Aldons Hill, Littleton and Balhamie Hills, Bennane Head Grasslands, Knockdolian Hill, Maidens to Doonfoot, Martnaham Loch and Wood, River Ayr Gorge (Part), South Threave, Troon Golf Links and Foreshore, Turnberry Dunes, Feoch Meadows, Glen App and Galloway Moors, and Auchalton. International and nationally designated sites are illustrated in Figure 4.1.
In addition, the protection of non-statutory designated sites has also been recognised as important (South Ayrshire Local Plan (2007) and Ayrshire Biodiversity Action Plan). Sites considered important for biodiversity at the local level include four Wildlife Sites, over 100 provisional South Ayrshire Wildlife Sites, 56 Ornithological Sites, two Important Bird Areas, and four Scottish Wildlife Trust sites. In addition, the South Ayrshire Wildlife Strategy has identified 18 important wildlife and green corridors within the Council area.
Future
There are no candidate SAC’s or SPA’s in the area, and no future SSSI’s, RAMSAR sites, or non-statutory biodiversity designations have been identified. Therefore further international, national, and local designations are unlikely.
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Population
Current
The results from the 2001 Census indicate South Ayrshire’s population to be 112,097 which approximates to two per cent of Scotland’s total population (5,116,900) (SCROL, 2001ii). Approximately 11 per cent of South Ayrshire’s population live in settlements of less than 500 people. The majority of the population lives in the major settlements of Ayr (46,392), Troon (14,766) and Prestwick (14,934) along with the smaller towns of Girvan (6,992) and Maybole (4,552). The percentage of South Ayrshire's population of working age was recorded to be approximately 60 per cent, slightly lower than the Scottish average of 62 per cent (SCROL 2001ii)
South Ayrshire’s unemployment rate (5.5 per cent) compares similarly with other areas of Scotland however; there are localized areas of high unemployment as a result of economic restructuring, such as in Girvan and North Ayr, where Priority Partnership areas have been designated to encourage new investment. Tarbolton, Mossblown and Annbank have also been recognized as requiring priority investment areas to aid economic regeneration.
There has been recent growth in manufacturing within the high technology and precision engineering industry, which now accounts for around 15 per cent of industry employment (SCROL, 2001).
Future
The population of South Ayrshire is forecast to decrease from 112,097 people in 2001 to 111,065 people in 2013 whilst growth is expected in the employment sectors of manufacturing, training, education and air transport. A reduction in levels of deprivation in current priority areas is predicted.
Landscape
Current
South Ayrshire’s landscape, whilst dominated by agriculture, is varied. A landscape character assessment has identified 16 landscape character types in the region. These are presented in Table 3.4 alongside associated land uses, and further illustrated in Figure 4.2. The main population centres and industry in South Ayrshire are generally located along 70km of coastline.
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Figure 4.1: Biodiversity Designations
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Figure 4.2: Landscape Designations and Character Areas
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Table 4.4: South Ayrshire’s Landscape Character and Land Use
Lanscape Character Type Land Use
Ayrshire Lowlands Agriculture, Grazing, Urban
Lowlands Grazing, Agriculture, Mineral Extraction
Golfing, Mineral Extraction, Urban, Industrial, Lowland Coast Transport, Forestry
Lowland River Valley Grazing Estate
Ayrshire Lowlands – Complex Agriculture, Grazing Estate, Urban Hills
Coastal Headland Grazing, Forestry
Foothills Agriculture, Grazing, Mineral Extraction, Industrial
Foothills with Forest Forestry, Grazing, Recreation
Intimate Pastoral Valleys Grazing, Forestry
Agriculture, Grazing, Urban, Industrial, Transport, Raised beach coast Tourism, Leisure
Lower Dale Agriculture, Urban, Transport, Industrial
Plateau Moorland Grazing
Rugged Granite Upland with Forestry, Recreation Forest
Plateau Moorland with Forest Forestry, Recreation, Grazing
Rugged Granite Upland Grazing, Recreation, Climbing, Hill walking
Southern Uplands Grazing, Recreation
There are five areas designated as Scenic Areas for their particular landscape quality: Heads of Ayr, Carrick Hills, Merrick Kells, Glen App and the Galloway Moors, and Coastal Areas. The area covered by these five designations covers a significant portion of South Ayrshire.
Greenbelt has also been designated by the Council around Ayr, Prestwick and Troon. There are 47 Tree Preservation Orders that exist in the area (South Ayrshire Council, 2007ii).
Whilst the townscape of South Ayrshire’s urban areas is an important component to consider within assessment, no quantifiable data exists to determine its current status.
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Cultural Heritage
Current
Sites of cultural heritage comprise Scheduled Monuments (SMs), Listed Buildings, Conservation Areas, Historic Gardens and Designed Landscapes (HGDL’s). Within South Ayrshire there are 91 SMs (including Crossraguel Abbey and Culzean Castle), 939 Listed Buildings of which 74 are ‘A’ listed and over half of which are within the conurbation of Ayr (such as Burns Cottage), nine HGDL’s (including Skeldon House garden), and 20 Conservation Areas ) (Historic Scotland, 2007). Five Conservation Areas have been given ‘outstanding’ status by the Scottish Government comprising: Burns Monument in Alloway; Ayr (central); Dunure; Straiton; and Maybole (South Ayrshire Council, 2006ii). These sites are illustrated in Figure 4.3.
Future
There are 31 additional HGDL’s that have been proposed for designation within the next five years by the Joint Structure Plan Committee and Garden History Society.
There are no proposed World Heritage Sites, SMs, or Conservation Areas; although due to the historical nature of the region the future uncovering of new sites cannot be ruled out. Whilst there are also currently no proposed Listed Buildings, the process is continuous and therefore new sites may be designated in the future.
Noise
Current
Background noise in South Ayrshire is relatively low in comparison to many areas within the UK. None of the residential properties adjacent to the main trunk road, the A77, experience road noise levels higher than 60 ≤ to <65 dB (A) Lden and ≤50 dB (A) Lnight. Glasgow Prestwick Airport is the only area that experiences higher noise levels in the range of 65 ≤ to <70 dB (A) Lden and 60 ≤ to <65 dB (A) Lnight (Scottish Government Noise Maps (2007).
Future
No data is currently available on future noise levels in South Ayrshire. It is possible however that expansion plans for Glasgow Prestwick Airport could lead to an increase in aircraft related noise.
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Figure 4.3: Cultural Heritage Designations
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Material Assets
Current
Major transport infrastructure in South Ayrshire includes the strategic road, rail, bus, cycling and walking networks. Major roads include the A70, A77 (T) and A719, and are currently able to accommodate high levels of private transport use associated with the region. There are however congestion hotspots which include Whitletts roundabout and Maybole town centre on the A77 trunk road and Ayr town centre.
Use of global fuel resources is currently higher than the national average due to a heavier than average reliance on private transport. This is reflected in the following 2001 statistics: 29 per cent of households in South Ayrshire did not own a car or van compared to the Scottish average of 34 per cent; 70 per cent of the working population accessed employment by car compared to the Scottish average of 64 per cent; and 11 per cent of the working population accessed employment by public transport compared to the Scottish average of 15 per cent (SCROL, 2001).
Aggregate resources and their availability within South Ayrshire have been ascertained in accordance with Government Planning Guidance. The location of resources which may be required in the future and therefore avoided in the locating and routing of new transport infrastructure, has been identified.
Future
High levels of car ownership and usage in South Ayrshire is likely to continue without promotion of public and fuel efficient transport schemes.
No further areas have been identified for aggregate extraction in the near future, although extraction from new areas cannot be ruled out over a longer time period.
Soils, Geology and Land Use
Current
The geology of South Ayrshire is split by the Southern Upland fault. The Southern uplands consist of sedimentary Greywacke rock overlaying Black Shale and Silica materials. North of the Southern Uplands the area is characterised by typical Solid geology which comprises some of Ayrshire’s coal deposits. Coal is also abundant in the Ballantrae and Girvan Cover, a triangular area on the coast of the South West End of the Southern Upland Fault.
There are 14 SSSI’s within South Ayrshire that have been designated specifically for their geological importance, and three of which have been designated in part for their geology. These sites include Girvan to Ballantrae Coast, Knockormal, South Threave, Penwhapple Burn, Laggan Burn, Byne Hill, Afton Lodge, Blair Farm, Roughneuk quarry, Knockgardener, Stairhill, Millenderdale, Sgavoch, Turnberry Lighthouse to Port Murray, Maidens to Doonsfoot, Merrick Kells, and Pinbain Burn to Cairnhill. These sites are illustrated in Figure 4.4.
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Figure 4.4: Geological Designations
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Soils are most commonly Mineral Gleys and Brown Earth Soils, and 69 per cent of land is used for agriculture. Much of this agricultural land is of particularly high quality. Whilst there are currently no sites classified as contaminated, there are over 1000 sites that pose a potential contamination risk if disturbed (South Ayrshire Council, 2007).
Future
No future geological SSSI’s have been proposed in South Ayrshire. Information is unavailable regarding predicted changes in the quality of agricultural land in the region.
Water
Current
There are four major rivers located in or pass through South Ayrshire. These are the River Ayr, Water of Girvan, River Doon and the River Stinchar. The River Ayr has a catchment area of 574km2 and hosts one SSSI in South Ayrshire at Failford Gorge. Its key tributaries are Greenock Water, Lugar Water, Water of Fail and Water of Coyle, and its environmental importance lies in its key influence over hydrology and ecology within the catchment area. The Water of Girvan’s source is Loch Girvan Eye in the Galloway Hills, and it feeds Ayrshire’s major water supply reservoir at Loch Bradan. The River Doon originates at Loch Enoch in the Galloway Hills and passes through Dalmellington on route to its mouth at the Firth of Clyde south of Ayr and has been damned as part of a hydro-electric power scheme. The source of the River Stinchar is in the Carrick Forest north of the Galloway Forest Park. It flows for 54km before entering the Firth of Clyde at Ballantrae. In terms of water quality, each of these rivers has been classified as A2 (good) by SEPA.
The quality of other watercourses in South Ayrshire is generally fair to excellent. The Pow Burn, Water of Fail, and Rumbling Burn have however been classified as poor. Coastal water quality in contrast is generally poor, with one seriously polluted section at South Dipple.
A risk of flooding is present along stretches of five water courses; March Burn (Prestwick), Pow Burn (Prestwick), Heathfield Burn (Half Mile Burn) (Ayr), Struthers Burn (Troon) and Slaphouse Burn (Ayr).
There are no major aquifers in Ayrshire. Only one isolated area has been categorised as vulnerable.
Future
Due to targets for water quality improvement set out in the Water Framework Directive and Water Environment (Controlled Activities) Regulations 2005 (CAR) it is forecast that water quality in South Ayrshire should either remain at current levels or improve.
Future flood risk is largely dependent on flood mitigation employed for new development projects, such as use of Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems.
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5 Environmental Issues, Objectives and Indicators
Baseline information and findings of the PPS review identified a potential for transport infrastructure to affect all of the environmental components outlined in Schedule 3 of the Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005. In the following Chapters therefore this SEA considers the environmental issues of the South Ayrshire LTS on:
air quality;
climatic factors;
human health;
biodiversity, flora and fauna;
population;
landscape;
noise and vibration;
material assets;
cultural heritage;
soils, geology, and land use;
water; and
interaction and combined overall effects of the above.
This Chapter outlines the environmental issues and details the SEA objectives and indicators (in the form of questions) developed from these which form the basis of the assessment process.
5.1 Environmental Issues and Objectives Environmental issues considered pertinent to the LTS have been derived from an in depth review of international and national policy (Section 2.4), an assessment of the current and future state of the environment (Chapter 3) and through consultation with statutory environmental bodies and the general public (Appendix B).
These environmental issues, in addition to consideration of RTS and local environmental objectives recorded during the PPS review, have facilitated the identification of relevant SEA objectives. Environmental SEA objectives have been developed in line with best practice to enable full accounting of environmental considerations in the development of the LTS vision, objectives and proposals.
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The following sections outline the major environmental issues identified, and the objectives developed to assess the effect of the South Ayrshire Council LTS on these:
Air
EU legislation has been transposed into the Air Quality Standards (Scotland) Regulations 2007 for the purposes of improving local air quality. It is recognised that unacceptably high levels of air pollution can be harmful to the environment and to human health.
Areas of concern to local air quality include Maybole and Coylton. The Council’s Updating and Screening Assessment 2006 identified these areas to be at risk of exceeding the
National Air Quality Strategy (NAQS), set by the Scottish Government, for PM10 in 2010.
Technical guidance Local Air Quality Management Technical Guidance (2003) requires local authorities to consider airports where the 2005 nitrogen oxides (NOx) background 3 concentration exceeds 25ug/m . Air quality monitoring of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is undertaken around Glasgow Prestwick Airport, however, levels recorded fall below this threshold. Glasgow Prestwick airport is therefore not currently considered an environmental issue in terms of local air quality (South Ayrshire Council, 2006).
In general, air quality in South Ayrshire is considered good and a key objective of the LTS should be to maintain South Ayrshire as an Air Quality Management Area free zone. Additional supporting objectives include to:
reduce air quality emissions per person per km travelled by promoting and encouraging greater use of public transport;
reduce the reliance on car journeys; and
reduce emission levels of PM10 and NO2 from transport.
Climatic Factors
Climate change is an internationally recognised environmental issue which may have contributed to the West of Scotland witnessing an increase in gales and cloud cover and a reduction in hours of sunshine (Scottish Natural Heritage, 2001). Whilst debate continues as to the cause of climate change, the international community is committed to reducing
emissions of greenhouse gases such CO2, hydrofluorocarbons, methane, perfluorocarbons, sulphur hexafluoride and oxides of Nitrogen arising from human activity.
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The UK’s obligation under the Kyoto Protocol is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 12.5 per cent by 2012, compared with 1990 levels and the UK Climate Change Programme (UKCCP) (2006) is designed to deliver this target. Transport emissions, in particular
Carbon Dioxide (CO2), are an important part of this reduction policy. The UK Government has made a domestic commitment to a more ambitious goal to reduce CO2 emissions by 20
per cent below 1990 levels by 2010, with a longer-term goal to reduce CO2 emissions up to 60 per cent by around 2050 (Scottish Government, 2006). The Scottish Government has also announced its intention to bring forward a Scottish Climate Change Bill which will set a mandatory long term target to achieve an 80 per cent reduction in carbon emissions by 2050. This reduction equates to an emission reduction of three per cent each year.
Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from transport contribute to approximately 18 per cent of Scotland’s total CO2 emissions (National Atmospheric Emissions Inventory, 2006) and therefore the LTS has a part to play in promoting and supporting low carbon travel choices above more carbon demanding alternatives. To ensure that this role is fulfilled, the following objective was developed for the SEA:
to contribute towards the reduction of Scottish greenhouse gas emissions from transport in line with government targets.
Health
Physical injuries (fatal and non-fatal) are the main consequence of road collisions. The number of road traffic casualties and people killed or seriously injured in South Ayrshire has declined between 2001 and 2005 (Scottish Government, 2006). The majority of fatal collisions arise on rural and trunk roads. There is potential to further reduce the number of road traffic collisions by pursuing a policy of continual improvement in establishing a safer transport network. Within South Ayrshire, the A77 (T) is the main road of concern in relation to collisions. This is due to the number of serious and fatal road collisions along this route, which is a trunk road operated and managed by Transport Scotland. The A77 (T) Safety Group was formed in response to these collisions.
Other health concerns surrounding transport result from local air pollution, such as vehicle exhaust fumes. Air pollution is a complex mix of particles and gases and increased outdoor air pollution is associated with increased cardio respiratory mortality and morbidity. Some effects are more or less immediate and affect vulnerable groups in particular, whereas the effects of long term exposure are more widespread. Small particles are the constituent most closely associated with adverse health outcomes. Air pollution can aggravate asthma and links have been made to respiratory and heart disease.
The reduction in physical exercise resulting from the heavy use of motorised transport for short journeys presents a further health issue. Proposals within the LTS should aim to encourage higher activity levels by promoting more physically active transport and living patterns. Walking and cycling are physically active forms of transport and, where appropriate, should be perceived as an acceptable alternative to the car.
In response to the health implications of transport options, the SEA developed a series of objectives. These were to:
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improve human health through the promotion and encouragement of walking and cycling in South Ayrshire;
improve and promote road safety in South Ayrshire; and
improve human health through the reduction of the population’s exposure to transport generated emissions and air pollution.
Biodiversity, Flora and Fauna
South Ayrshire has a diverse range of flora and fauna, which is reflected in the designation of a number of international, national and locally important sites. There are four areas with internationally important designations within South Ayrshire: Ailsa Craig SPA, Glen App – Galloway Moors SPA, Lendalfoot Hills Complex SAC and the Merrick Kells SAC. South Ayrshire has also identified over a hundred future local wildlife sites, which illustrates that biodiversity issues are not confined to currently designated areas.
Transport has the potential to have direct and indirect effects on designated and non- designated sites of ecological importance. Direct impacts may include destruction of habitats, flora or fauna to make way for new transport infrastructure, whilst indirect impacts may incorporate adverse effects caused by pollution from transport.
Not all biodiversity issues arising from transport are negative. Transport can enhance biodiversity through designs which reduce habitat disturbance and fragmentation. Where possible therefore, transport infrastructure should aim to improve the connectivity of habitats, populations and species. The Glasgow to Stranraer Railway Line, Ayr to Mauchline Railway Line, Ayr to Glasgow Railway Line and Ayr to Stranraer Railway Line are lined with scrub habitats that are good examples of potential wildlife corridors.
A series of objectives were developed for the SEA which reflected these positive and negative issues. These were to:
avoid or reduce the impact of transport on South Ayrshire’s designated and non- designated natural habitats and protected species;
avoid or reduce the fragmentation of habitats and wildlife corridors; and
encourage transport infrastructure design that promotes biodiversity.
Population
The primary function of transport is the movement of people and goods between places, enabling access to social and leisure activities, goods and services. Within South Ayrshire there is potential to improve public access to health, education, employment, leisure and recreation activities, as well as to the countryside by all modes of transport. Rural communities and communities outside of the settlements of Ayr, Troon and Prestwick are particularly disadvantaged at present due to poor linkages with main urban centres.
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Rural communities within South Ayrshire are served poorly by buses. This has the potential to create social exclusion and community fragmentation, especially for those without access to a car. local consultation indicated that bus services need to be more accessible, user friendly and integrated. Unfortunately, low passenger numbers on rural bus routes mean that commercial services are not considered viable and therefore financial subsidies are required for operation.
An SEA objective was developed which reflected these primary transport related population issues. This was to:
improve public transport provision and linkages to community facilities.
Landscape
South Ayrshire comprises a largely rural landscape. Whilst a number of areas have been officially designated as Scenic Areas for their landscape quality (the Heads of Ayr, the Carrick Hills, South Carrick Uplands and South Carrick Coastline), the quality of the landscape outside of these designated areas is also high. The construction of transport infrastructure has the potential to affect the quality of both designated and non-designated landscapes.
Good design of the transport network could have positive benefits for the landscape and visual amenity of South Ayrshire, particularly in relation to townscapes.
In response to these potential issues an SEA objective was developed. This was to:
avoid or reduce adverse impacts on South Ayrshire’s designated landscape areas and townscape, and conserve or enhance South Ayrshire’s local landscape character.
Noise
Road traffic, trains and aircraft are some of the main contributors to noise pollution. Noise from road traffic, in particular, is perceived as having the greatest affect on disturbance experienced by communities and other environmentally sensitive receptors (such as areas of noise sensitive fauna), when compared to other noise sources. The major areas of transport related noise in Scotland are along the main road and rail networks, with cumulative effects within the towns and cities.
The main noise issues experienced along the road network in rural South Ayrshire relate to the movement of HGV’s connected to the regions forestry, coal and construction operations. The associated impacts of these include vibration and noise on local communities. In addition, the A77(T) travels through Maybole and Girvan town centres (the main arterial route from South Ayrshire to Glasgow and the Central Belt) and is routed close to the urban areas of Ayr, Prestwick and Symington. In terms of air traffic, Glasgow Prestwick Airport experiences higher noise levels in the range of 65 ≤ to < 70 dB (A) Lden and 60 dB ≤ 65 dB (A) Lnight (Scottish Government, 2008).
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In response to the potential for transport to affect noise disturbance, an SEA objective has been developed. This is to:
reduce the adverse effects of transport noise and vibration on noise sensitive receptors.
Material Assets
Material assets include natural resources and infrastructure. Transport is a major global contributor to the consumption of natural resources, through direct combustion of oil products and use of materials (such as aggregates) for infrastructure construction and maintenance. Through over-building, new transport infrastructure can also prevent access to resources which may be required in the future.
Major issues in South Ayrshire relate to the resource intensive use of the single occupancy car, which is the dominant mode of transport. Intensive use of the car also creates road infrastructure problems such as traffic congestion, which is a particular problem in Maybole, Coylton, Prestwick and Ayr.
There are two SEA objectives that have been developed to ensure that these issues are addressed during the assessment. These are to:
promote sustainable modes of transport; and
promote the sustainable use of natural resources through cleaner fuel technology.
Cultural Heritage
Transport activities and infrastructure can affect historic environments through physical alteration of their features or setting. The transport network can, however, also encourage access to cultural heritage sites. Important sites in South Ayrshire include the Scheduled Monuments of Highpark Enclosure (to the south of Coylton), Ayr Fort Gate and Ayr Fort Wall. In addition, new schemes can contribute to improved urban environments, such as Ayr Centre Conservation Area.
To ensure positive and negative transport related cultural heritage issues are accounted in the assessment, two SEA objectives have been developed. These are to:
avoid or reduce the impact of transport on South Ayrshire’s designated cultural heritage sites; and
conserve or enhance the heritage of historic and cultural assets including their setting, through responsible design and appropriate siting of all transport infrastructures.
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Soils, Geology and Land Use
The development of new transport infrastructure can affect the soils and geology of a region. High quality agricultural soils can be lost through land take from new developments and structures such as railway and road cuttings or tunnels which may alter geology. The potential for transport infrastructure to affect geology is a particular issue where transport infrastructure is routed in proximity to geologically important sites. In South Ayrshire, 17 areas have been designated as SSSI’s at least in part for geological or geomorphological reasons.
A further issue regarding soils regards contamination by heavy metals and other pollutants often as a result of previous heavy industry. Whilst there are no sites identified as contaminated in South Ayrshire, over a thousand sites could be (general areas of these are listed in Chapter 4 Section 4.3). Recognition of contamination potential is important where new transport infrastructure is routed over potentially contaminated sites where testing and remediation can be carried out. New transport infrastructure can therefore benefit soil quality.
There are four SEA objectives that have been developed to cover these main issues. These are to:
remediate areas of contaminated land where new transport infrastructure is proposed;
protect South Ayrshire’s geological sites;
reduce the effects of transport related infrastructure on soil and geological resources; and
reduce land-take of prime agricultural land (grades 1, 2, and 3 as classified by the Soil Survey of Scotland).
Water
A variety of water bodies, including coastal waters, rivers, lochs, canals, and ground water, are present in South Ayrshire. Transport infrastructure can affect these water bodies both directly and indirectly during construction and operation.
Construction effects include the potential for disturbance to river banks and habitats (for example during bridge construction), and the release (either intentionally or accidentally) of construction related pollutants to water bodies in proximity to works. Construction can also lead to increased sediment loads in water bodies with implications for ecology and flood risk.
Depending on the design and routing of transport infrastructure the course and flow regime of rivers and other water bodies, through for example hard engineering solutions or indirect effects on drainage, can be altered with implications for flood risk. Construction on existing flood plains may present a particular issue in this regard.
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Pollutants may also enter water bodies during operation of transport infrastructure. Heavy metals and oils resulting from oil leaks for example can be discharged from road traffic and transport emissions to air can also be absorbed by water bodies with implications for water quality.
reduce and manage flood risk from and to transport infrastructure; and
ensure that surface water and ground water bodies are protected from the impacts of transport.
5.2 SEA Indicators A set of measurable indicator questions have been developed for the identified SEA objectives presented in Section 5.1. The purpose of these indicator questions is to focus the assessment of environmental effects on the most relevant issues, and provide a platform to determine likely positive or negative implications of transport proposals. The indicator questions developed for each SEA topic are presented in Table 5.1, alongside a summary of the SEA objectives that they reflect.
Table 5.1: SEA Objectives and Indicator Questions
SEA Topic SEA Objective Questions
To reduce air quality emissions per person per km travelled by promoting and encouraging greater use of public transport as fuel-efficient transport.
Air Quality To reduce the reliance on car Could the transport journeys. intervention/policy actively To maintain South Ayrshire as an reduce PM10 and NO2 levels? AQMA free zone and reduce
emission levels of PM10 and NO2 from transport.
Could the transport intervention/policy contribute To contribute towards the to an increase or decrease in reduction of Scottish greenhouse transport related greenhouse Climatic Factors gas emissions from transport in gas emissions? line with government targets.
To improve human health Could the transport Human Health through the promotion and intervention/policy promote a encouragement of walking and healthier and safer lifestyle in
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SEA Topic SEA Objective Questions
cycling in South Ayrshire. South Ayrshire through walking and cycling initiatives?
Could the transport To improve and promote road intervention/policy improve safety in South Ayrshire. and promote road safety in South Ayrshire?
To improve human health Could the transport through the reduction of the intervention/policy reduce population’s exposure to exposure to potentially harmful transport generated emissions transport emmisions? and air pollution.
Could the transport To avoid or reduce the impact of intervention/policy have a transport on South Ayrshire’s direct or indirect impact on designated non designated designated sites, non natural habitats and protected designated habitats or species. protected species? Biodiversity, Could the transport Flora, Fauna To avoid or reduce the intervention/policy result in fragmentation of habitats and habitat loss, fragmentation, or wildlife corridors. disturbance?
To encourage transport Could the transport infrastructure design that intervention/policy promote promotes biodiversity. biodiversity?
Could the transport To improve public transport intervention/policy improve Population provision and linkages to public transport and linkages community facilities. to community facilities in South Ayrshire?
Could the transport intervention/policy have an To avoid or reduce adverse impact on designated impacts on South Ayrshire’s landscape areas and Tree designated landscape areas and Landscape Preservation Orders. townscape, and conserve or enhance South Ayrshire’s local Could the transport landscape character. intervention/policy have the potential for visual degradation of South Ayrshire local
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SEA Topic SEA Objective Questions
landscape character?
Could the transport To reduce the adverse effects of intervention/policy result in transport noise and vibration on increased noise and resulting noise sensitive and ecological complaints? Noise and receptors, and minimise the Vibration Could the transport potential for complaints due to intervention/policy reduce the noise pollution. adverse effects of noise and vibration on noise sensitive receptors in South Ayrshire?
Could the transport intervention/policy promote sustainable modes of transport?
Could the transport To promote sustainable modes of intervention/policy promote the transport and the sustainable use sustainable use of natural Material Assets of natural resources through resources and clean fuel cleaner fuel technology. technology?
Could the transport intervention/policy promote the sustainable use of the existing transport network?
Could the transport To avoid or reduce the impact of intervention/policy have an transport on South Ayrshire’s impact on designated cultural designated cultural heritage heritage sites? sites. To conserve or enhance the Cultural Heritage Could the transport heritage of historic and cultural intervention/policy have an assets including their setting impact on local archaeology, through responsible design and industrial heritage or built appropriate siting of all transport heritage? infrastructure
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SEA Topic SEA Objective Questions
To remediate areas of Could the transport contaminated land where new intervention/policy have the transport infrastructure is potential to affect a geological proposed. SSSI?
Could the transport intervention/policy reduce the To protect South Ayrshire’s effects on transport designated geological sites. infrastructure on soil or Soils, Geology & geology resources? Land Use Could the transport To reduce the effects of transport intervention/policy reduce related infrastructure on soil and areas of contaminated land geology resources. through remediation?
To reduce landtake of prime Could the transport
agricultural land (1, 2 and 31 as intervention/policy reduce the classified by the Soil Survey of landtake of prime agricultural Scotland). land in South Ayrshire?
Could the transport To reduce and manage flood risk intervention/policy affect from and to transport flooding, or could it be affected infrastructure. by flooding? Water To seek to ensure that surface Could the transport water and ground water bodies intervention/policy have an are protected from the impacts of impact on water quality? transport
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6 Assessment Methodology
The preceding Chapters presented the methodology and findings of this SEA relating to the formation of an assessment platform. This Chapter details how the identified SEA baseline, issues, objectives, and indicator questions informed the formal assessment process.
Environmental assessments have been integrated with the corresponding LTS Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance (STAG) appraisal process, which provides a rigorous two- stage process for testing and measuring the deliverability and feasibility of proposed interventions in the context of the policy, economic and transport objectives which they seek to address.
Assessment was conducted on four key components of the LTS with potential to affect the environment. The following sections outline the methodology employed to assess the LTS vision, objectives, investment hierarchy, and policies and proposals.
6.1 Assessment of the LTS Vision and Objectives The original LTS vision and objectives were tested against the SEA objectives identified in Section 5.2 through a process of peer review, and expert judgement using a standard matrix approach (Appendix D). The purpose of this approach was to determine compatibility and consequently assessment outcomes were recorded as compatible, incompatible or as neutral where no direct link between the objective sets was apparent. Where neutral or incompatible aspects were determined the SEA suggested amendments. Results of the assessment and amendments were presented to the SAC team and it was requested that either modifications were adopted or reasoned justification provided as to why they were not considered. The results of this process are presented in Section 7.1, Section 7.2 and Appendix D.
6.2 Assessment of Investment Hierarchy There are six options regarding an overall approach to investment which were considered by SAC for the LTS (Section 7.3). These six options were appraised in this SEA through a process of peer review and expert judgement with an environmentally preferred option being identified and presented to the SAC team.
6.3 Assessment of Policies and Proposals Once the LTS’s vision and objectives had been assessed, a strategic assessment of the environmental performance of the LTS’s policies and proposals was conducted (Appendix E). The assessment was conducted against the environmental baseline, objectives and indicator questions through the use of workshops, GIS overlay mapping and peer review with professional judgement. Effects have been recorded in terms of whether they are positive or negative, long term or short term, and according to their significance. The use of a seven point significance scale enabled a high degree of consistency between the STAG appraisals and SEA assessments. More detail on these assessment processes is provided in the following sections.
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Identifying Impact Scale and Magnitude
In line with requirements of the SEA Act (Schedule 3.6), the assessment has considered and described effects in terms of the period over which they may occur (i.e. short-term or long-term), the spatial scale over which they may affect (i.e. international, national, regional, and local) and whether the effect will have a direct or indirect influence (for example a direct negative effect on air quality will also represent an indirect effect on the quality of the human environment). It should be noted that throughout the assessment process there is an assumption that effects are direct unless stated otherwise.
Temporality Short-term effects have been identified where they are transient in nature and are, in the case of this SEA, essentially confined to construction effects for most interventions. Long- term effects are those that are expected to last over the life-span of the project, and in the case of most interventions covered here, tend to be effects incurred through project operation.
Spatial-Scale Effects can act over a range of spatial scales from small scale localised effects to large scale national effects. In terms of this assessment, local effects have been considered to be those that would affect the local community or town; regional effects would be those that have the potential to affect a group of towns or a wider area. National effects in terms of this SEA will cover Scotland.
Magnitude In addition to the scale, an effect could vary in the degree to which it affects a receptor. For the purpose of this SEA, magnitude has been defined as:
Severe effects – have the potential to:
permanently affect the integrity of a site or environmental feature; result in breaches of internationally recognised Environmental standards, or change an environmental parameter that is in breach of international legislation so that a breach could be rectified; and result in either short term or long term effects that may affect human health to a degree which is disabling or life threatening. Moderate effects – have the potential to:
temporally affect the integrity of a site or have easily reversible but severe effects on the integrity of that site; result in breaches of nationally recognised Environmental Standards, or change an environmental parameter to a point where an existing breach could be rectified; permanently produce noticeable changes the character of an environmental parameter or environmental issue; and/or
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result in either long term effects that may affect the healthiness of the human environment in terms of quality of life. Minor effects – have the potential to: temporally affect the character or setting of a site; result in breaches of local standards or change an environmental parameter so that such a breach is rectified; temporally produce noticeable changes in the character of an environmental parameter or environmental issue; and/or result in short term minor health effects or effect on human quality of life.
Significance
Significance in terms of environmental assessment is often defined as a function of the magnitude of an environmental effect combined with the sensitivity or importance of the environmental receptor being affected. Opinions as to significance have been arrived at through peer review with professional judgement.
The approach to assigning significance will take a cautionary stance and on the occasions where a lesser magnitude effect is recorded as well as a greater magnitude, the overall assessment of the magnitude of that effect will be considered at the greatest level when considering the need and form of mitigation. The seven point assessment in accordance with the STAG guidelines that has been applied throughout the assessment process is summarised in Table 6.1. Environmental effects are weighted as either:
major adverse; moderate adverse; minor adverse; neutral; minor benefit; moderate benefit; and major benefit.
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Table 6.1: Significance of Environmental Effects
Significance Effects
Major adverse The Plans Policies and Strategies (PPS) or intervention would moderately adversely affect (e.g. effects on the setting of Character of) an internationally important site.
The PPS or intervention would risk severe effects (e.g. compromising the integrity of) on a nationally or internationally designated site.
The PPS or intervention could moderately compromise the character of multiple regionally or nationally important sites. The PPS or intervention would severely worsen an issue considered important at the international or national level.
The PPS or intervention would have moderate adverse effects on an environmental standard, benchmark or issue considered important at the international level.
Moderate The PPS or intervention has the potential for severe adverse adverse effects (e.g. fundamental impairment of the integrity of) on a regionally important site.
The PPS or intervention has the potential to have a moderate adverse effect on the setting of nationally important site but does not affect the overall integrity of that site.
The PPS or intervention could have moderate adverse effect on a regionally important site or issue. The PPS or intervention could cause cumulative effects that would have moderate effects on a related group of locally important sites or issues.
Minor adverse The PPS or intervention could have minor or moderate effects to a locally important site or issue.
The PPS or intervention could have minor effects on a regionally important site
Neutral A change that is unlikely to affect site, standard, benchmark or issue.
Minor The PPS or intervention would facilitate the minor or moderate beneficial restoration or enhancement of a locally important site.
The PPS or intervention would facilitate the minor restoration or enhancement of regionally valued important site.
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Significance Effects
Moderate The PPS or intervention would have a minor benefit an area beneficial that presently fails to meets international standards or benchmarks.
The PPS or intervention would moderately benefit an area that presently fails to meets national or regional standards or benchmarks to meet those standards in the future.
The PPS or intervention would facilitate the moderate restoration or the enhancement of a site at of regional value.
The PPS or intervention would facilitate the minor restoration or the enhancement of a site at of national or international value.
Major The PPS or intervention would facilitate the moderate or beneficial severe restoration or the enhancement of a site of international value.
The PPS or intervention would severely benefit an area that presently fails to meet international standards to a point that that it may meet those standards in the future.
Dealing with Uncertainty
The LTS emphasis on generating general policy expectations rather than detailed policies or specific projects means that in many instances there has not been enough detail to arrive at a conclusive assessment of significance. Where this is the case the uncertainty was recorded within the assessment matrix through use of a question mark.
Where projects and proposals have been assessed as uncertain overall, alternative policy descriptions have been developed with a focus on increasing detail to render more accurate assessment possible.
Interaction and Overall Assessment
The STAG seven point scale was used to grade the potential effect of an intervention, from major beneficial to major adverse, on each environmental media. This process resulted in interventions receiving a variety of different grades and therefore it was necessary to generate an overall score for each intervention. To achieve this, expert judgement was used to consider the interrelationships between effects on environmental media resulting from an intervention.
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Expert judgement, rather than an additive approach, was adopted to counter the failure of matrix based assessments to account for the complexity of interactions between environmental media. For example, whilst an intervention may have been assessed as having a range of effects on different environmental media from positive to negative, expert judgement could determine that the interaction between these effects is such that a neutral effect is achieved in reality.
Enhancements, Alternatives and Mitigation
The approach to mitigation adopted in this SEA reflects best practice. Approaches were considered initially that avoided adverse effects, then minimised and where necessary offset adverse environmental effects.
Where overall effects relating to policies and proposals have been identified as negative or uncertain, alternatives have been developed through a series of SEA team workshops which mitigate associated adverse or potentially adverse effects. Alternatives have also been developed for those policies and proposals assessed as neutral or positive and the effects of which could be enhanced.
Not all SEA alternatives were carried forward within the LTS however a number of adverse effects across a range of environmental media remained. These effects were considered within a residual effects assessment.
Residual Effects
The results of the environmental assessment indicate that a number of adverse residual effects remain after alternatives were considered. Appendix F provides an overview of the residual environmental assessment. Residual effects are briefly described and assessed with regard to their temporality (short or long term effects), spatial effect (local, regional or national scale), and severity (beneficial or adverse).
Section 9.1 and Appendix F provides this residual environmental assessment information by environmental media (such as residual effects on biodiversity) and per LTS proposal or policy with secondary mitigation suggested where possible. Residual effects (both beneficial and adverse) that remain after secondary mitigation (such as adherence to DMRB volume 10 objectives throughout construction works) are discussed in Section 9.1 and further in Appendix F.
Cumulative Effects Assessment
The SEA Directive requires an analysis of "…the likely significant effects on the environment... These effects should include secondary, cumulative, synergistic... effects". The aim of cumulative effects assessment is to identify, describe and evaluate cumulative (including synergistic) effects, enabling them to be avoided, minimised or enhanced as appropriate. The cumulative effects assessment for the SEA of the LTS was undertaken based on guidance from the UK Government Department for Transport.
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Cumulative effects assessment asks whether the total effects on a given receptor of all actions, no matter who carries them out, forms a significant effect. There are three potential outcomes arising from the consideration of cumulative effects. These are summarised as:
Additive: the simple sum of all the effects (e.g. overcoming community severance in more than one distinct location);
Neutralising: where effects counteract each other to reduce the overall effect (e.g. a new road on the left bank of a river encroaches on the floodplain, but equivalent flood storage capacity is provided by another project on the right bank); and
Synergistic: where effects interact to produce a total effect greater than the sum of the individual effects. Negative synergistic effects often happen as habitats and resources get close to capacity: for instance a wildlife habitat can become progressively fragmented with limited effects on a particular species until the last fragmentation makes the areas too small to support the species at all.
The remaining beneficial and adverse residual effects (identified in Section 9.1) after the consideration of secondary mitigation measures were taken forward to a Cumulative Assessment.
The cumulative effects per environmental parameter including the nature of effect and its significance were carried out in line with the method detailed at the beginning of Section 6.1. Finally, an overall summary and interaction of the cumulative effects was considered and is detailed in Section 9.2 and Appendix G. Conclusions of the overall effects have been based on expert opinion and professional judgement.
Monitoring
Monitoring must be undertaken to identify any unforeseen adverse effects so that appropriate remedial action can be taken. Environmental monitoring is important to inform future planning documents and it should be viewed as an ongoing learning process.
Monitoring allows both beneficial and adverse environmental changes caused by the LTS to be recorded and evaluated. The monitoring strategy for the SEA has been closely linked to that of the LTS with a number of targets that have been developed to assist in the monitoring. Chapter 11 describes the monitoring strategy for the SEA in detail.
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7 Environmental Assessment
This Chapter presents the environmental assessment of the LTS’s vision, objectives, investment hierarchy, policies, and proposals conducted in accordance with Schedule 3.6 of the Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005 and methodology detailed in Chapter 6. A summary of assessment findings in relation to the LTS vision are presented in Section 6.1 and objectives in Section 6.2. Full details of these assessments are available in Appendix D. Where negative environmental effects or opportunities for significant environmental enhancements have been identified as a result of these assessments recommendations to SAC are detailed.
Section 6.3 details the assessment and findings relating to Investment Hierarchy options considered in the LTS and the environmental assessment of proposals and policies identified is summarised in Section 6.4 and outlined in full in Appendix E. Policies and proposals were determined to have positive, neutral, negative, and uncertain effects across the range of environmental topics considered. Chapter 7 outlines enhancements, alternatives and mitigation measures relating to these findings.
7.1 Assessment of the LTS Vision This Section summarises assessment findings in relation to the compatibility of the proposed LTS vision with the SEA objectives and indicator questions detailed in Section 4.2.
Prior to SEA, the overall vision of the LTS was:
„South Ayrshire Council is committed to working with its partners in the public and private sectors in order that residents, businesses and visitors will enjoy a high quality integrated local transport system, that:
is efficient, reliable and supports the sustainable growth of the economy of South Ayrshire;
meets the needs of all users and supports an active lifestyle;
provides access to a wide range of goods and services without the need for private motorised transport; making car use a choice rather than a necessity;
does not have an unacceptable impact on the local or global environment; and
manages the effects of transportation in order to improve road safety and control transportation impacts on people such as noise, air quality, emissions and the severance of communities ‟ (SAC, 2007).
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Whilst the SEA assessment of this vision (Appendix D) found that it would result in no significant negative effects, it was considered that improvement could be achieved through enhancing parameters assessed as neutral and expressing commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect the natural and built environment. The SEA developed and presented an alternative vision which was accepted for the LTS. In light of the SEA revision, the vision carried forwards was:
„South Ayrshire Council is committed to working with its partners in the public and private sectors in order that residents, businesses and visitors will enjoy a high quality integrated local transport system, that:
is efficient, reliable and supports the sustainable growth of the economy of South Ayrshire;
meets the needs of all users and supports an active lifestyle;
provides access to a wide range of goods and services without the need for private motorised transport; making car use a choice rather than a necessity;
does not have a detrimental impact on the local or global environment;
manages the effects of transportation in order to improve road safety and minimise the negative impacts of transport on people including noise, air quality, emissions and the severance of communities; and
takes into consideration the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions‟ (SAC, 2007).
7.2 Assessment of LTS Objectives The LTS team identified a series of objectives to guide the process of policy and proposal selection. An assessment (Appendix D) was undertaken to ascertain their compatibility with the SEA objectives and indicator questions outlined in Section 5.2.
The initial LTS objectives were to:
1. Encourage walking and cycling to promote a healthier lifestyle; 2. Protect human health in urban areas and in rural areas, from adverse effects of transport activities; 3. Identify area of concerns for the safety and security of the travelling public; 4. Achieve a year on year reduction in the number of killed and seriously injured; 5. Support economic development by promoting schemes that reduce congestion and enhance the efficiency of the transport network; 6. Better integrate transport and land-use planning in order to promote economic growth and inform the Development Plan process;
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7. Provide information to users, operators, developers and others on matter of local policy, priorities and potential schemes; 8. Increase the accessibility of key community facilities (such as health centres) to all people by walking, cycling and public transport; 9. Provide a deliverable and measurable action plan covering all aspects of transportation over the short, medium and long term; 10. Increase the number of walking trips made by commuters and students; 11. Improve both real and perceived pedestrian safety; 12. Increase the quality, accessibility of pedestrian facilities and to link all new developments with existing routes as part of the planning process; 13. Continually maintain, improve and expand the existing walking facilities in the area and other areas where pedestrian safety is of concern; 14. Continue to promote the use of CCTV and street lighting in the town centre locations and other areas where pedestrian safety is of concern; 15. Encourage walking amongst the student population of South Ayrshire to establish lifelong healthier modal choices; 16. Integrate a core path network planning to provide maximum walking opportunities and monitor the benefits; 17. Promotion campaigns to further encourage people to cycle; 18. Provision of cycle friendly facilities; 19. Provision of other Local Cycle Networks (LCN); 20. Encourage children to cycle to school as part of Safer Routes to School Initiative; 21. Integration of cycling provisions; and 22. Ensure there are appropriate cycling facilities within all new developments as part of the planning process (SAC, 2007).
Initial LTS objectives were consolidated during the planning process to a revised total of ten. All amended objectives other than C6, C7, and C9 incorporated enhancements identified during the SEA compatibility assessment of the initial set of objectives, which had made nine recommendations (Appendix D).
The amended LTS objectives taken forward in the LTS are to:
Objective C1 Encourage greater modal share of trips by walking and cycling to assist in the promotion of a healthier lifestyle and lessen environmental impact during the period of the LTS;
Objective C2 Prioritise the protection of human health in urban areas and flora and fauna in more rural areas, from the adverse effects of transport activities;
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Objective C3 Achieve a year-on-year reduction in the number of killed and seriously injured and enhance the personal safety of those in South Ayrshire;
Objective C4 Identify locations of concern for the safety and security of the travelling public and work with partners to address these;
Objective C5 Support economic development by promoting interventions that reduce constraints such as congestion and parking, and enhance the efficiency of the transport network for both users and operators;
Objective C6 Better integrate transport and land-use planning in order to promote economic vitality and inform the Development Plan process;
Objective C7 Better integrate different modes of travel and contribute to the development of multi-modal interchanges;
Objective C8 Provide guidance to users, operators, developers and others on matters of local policy, priorities and potential schemes;
Objective C9 Increase opportunities, for walking and cycling and improve the quality, affordability and accessibility of public transport for accessing key community facilities; and
Objective C10 Provide a deliverable and measurable action plan covering all aspects of transportation over the short, medium and longer term as part of the LTS.
7.3 Assessment of LTS Investment Hierarchy
There are six options regarding an overall investment hierarchy for the LTS that were considered by SAC and have been assessed in this SEA.
The options considered and assessment findings are as follows:
Option 1: Do nothing - This option involved no maintenance or intervention to the existing transport network.
Assessment Summary: This option fails to respond to climate change issues and the wider sustainability agenda. SAC would fail to meet EU and national targets. It would lead to a decline in the standard of infrastructure and public transport provision; Option 2: Maintain the existing network - This option was based upon maintaining existing policies, funding and resources. Investment could only be made available for essential maintenance.
Assessment Summary: This option fails to respond to climate change issues and the wider sustainability agenda. It is likely that SAC could be penalised for failing
to meet current and future EU and National targets (for example in relation to CO2 emissions and targets);
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Option 3: Maintain the existing network and implement a package of walking and cycling based interventions - This option involved an increase in funding for cycling and walking provision and emphasised maintenance and enhancement of existing cycle paths and walkways.
Assessment Summary: This option could result in the greatest direct benefits for the natural environment, and also contribute to a modal shift and healthier population.
Option 4: Maintain the existing network and implement a package of road based interventions - This option aimed to meet demand from increased car ownership and trip frequency through construction of new roads and introduction of capacity building measures on existing roads. Additional limited funding could be allocated for demand management and parking capacity measures. Investment in public transport, cycling and walking could be linked to residual demand subsequent to car based demand being met.
Assessment Summary: Investment in road based interventions would alleviate some traffic problems. The Option might however fail to reflect the wider sustainability agenda and EU and National targets for emissions;
Option 5: Maintain the existing network and implement a package of public transport interventions - Investment would be targeted at promoting and enhancing sustainable transport modes such as cycling, walking and public transport with no funding allocated for new roads. Measures such as parking charges and restricted parking zones could be introduced. More road space could be prioritised for public transport at key times and partnerships with bus companies could be fostered to improve the quality of information, vehicles and other infrastructure. Extensions to pedestrian priority areas and the cycle network could be funded.
Assessment Summary: Investment in public transport interventions would improve environmental quality, although road problems might remain; and
Option 6: Maintain the existing network and implement a complete package of measures on the whole network - Similar to Option 5, except that investment would be provided for essential road maintenance and new road infrastructure to tackle key congestion points in the network and provide essential linkages to key developments and regeneration areas. A funding emphasis would be placed on measures that enable public transport to provide effective circumferential services to compliment existing radial services.
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Assessment Summary: This option would adopt best practice techniques in promoting travel behaviour change and restrain growth in traffic volumes. Investment in public and sustainable transport would support technological shift required for a low-carbon economy. This long-term approach embodies principles of community and social welfare and recognises the importance of environmental quality at both local and global levels. It also supports sustainable economic growth. Sensitive design of new road infrastructure and upgrading of the existing network could reduce congestion and improve air quality at key locations.
The assessment found Option 6 to be environmentally preferential. This Option for the Investment Hierarchy was carried forward within the LTS and policies and proposals will be developed accordingly.
7.4 Assessment of Proposals and Policies A range of initial proposals and policies were generated as detailed in the draft LTS report. Of this initial list, 75 proposals and policies were selected by SAC for further consideration. Policies relating to taxis and Policies relating to working in partnership have been scoped out of the assessment as neither is predicted to have significant impacts on the environment.
This SEA has conducted a high level assessment of the remaining policies and proposals in line with the SEA methodology outlined in Chapter 6. Full assessment details are provided in Appendix E.
This section initially details those proposals and policies assessed as having an overall beneficial effect on the environment, before outlining those positive proposals and policies which could be enhanced and those assessed as having an overall neutral, negative, or uncertain effect. Unless stated otherwise all effects listed are direct. Enhancements, alternatives and mitigation measures are presented in Chapter 8.
Positive Proposals and Policies
The proposals and policies assessed as having an overall positive effect on the environment when interaction between effects across all environmental components have been taken into consideration, are detailed in Table 7.1. Proposals and policies are listed by LTS category.
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Table 7.1: Proposals/policies assessed as having an overall positive effect on the environment
LTS Proposal/Policy Overall Significance
Road Scheme Proposals
Port of Ayr Access Long term, local, minor positive. Beneficial in terms of air, health, noise and use of existing transport network. Possible short term negative impacts on all aspects of the environment during construction.
A70 Road Widening: Dobbies to Holmston Long term, local, minor positive; proposal utilises the Roundabout existing transport network whilst reducing congestion. This is envisaged to improve local air quality, with secondary benefits to human health.
Possible short term negative impacts on all aspects of the environment during construction.
Traffic Management Schemes
Ayr Town Centre West Enhancements Long term, local, minor positive. Supports sustainable modes of transport through bus stop and footway improvements and road safety.
To support the Council with the delivery of the Long term, local, moderate positive. Overall Renaissance of Ayr Town Centre improvements to the appearance of Ayr town centre with improved pedestrian links.
Public Transport Proposals/Policies
Ayr to Glasgow via Paisley Service Long term, local, moderate positive. Promotes Enhancement sustainable mode of transport and improves public transport service.
Electric Service Extension to new station near Long term, local, moderate positive. Reduced Ayr hospital emissions will contribute to improvement in local air
quality, reduction in CO2 emissions and associated benefits to health.
Council Wide The Council will work with Strathclyde Long term, regional, minor positive; overall Partnership for Transport and other promotion of sustainable public transport. stakeholders to promote public transport as the most attractive and convenient option for most journeys and improves public awareness of
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LTS Proposal/Policy Overall Significance
public transport services by developing/providing relevant publicity material. The Council will also co-operate with operators in providing comprehensive information about their services and support the provision of traveline Scotland as the telephone and internet service portal for public transport information
Council Wide The Council will, where appropriate develop Long term, regional, minor positive; overall Quality Partnerships with bus operators, SPT promotion and improvement of sustainable public and other organisations and will pursue, where transport. relevant, measures specifically related to promoting the use of public transport, such as bus priority schemes to improve bus service provision in the area
Council Wide The Council will pursue the integration of local Long term, regional, moderate positive; improves services, school transport and social services public transport provision and linkages to transport, where practical, including making full employment and community facilities for rural and efficient use of Council owned passenger communities. carrying vehicles and encouraging the use of innovative transport modes providing adequate access, by as many modes of transport as possible, to employment and other facilities for rural communities
Council Wide The Council will work with others to assist in the Long term, regional, moderate positive; improves integration of the public transport network, public transport efficiency through public transport through improved interchange facilities, Park- service integration with the potential to reduce and-Ride, through ticketing, improved private car use and associated emissions. timetables and other initiatives
Council Wide The Council will seek to promote a Park-and- Long term, regional, moderate positive; facilitates Ride scheme, complimented with passenger transports linkages that promotes the use of public information systems and cycle and pedestrian and active transport modes. facilities, to serve the town of Ayr
Council Wide The Council will promote and provide public Long term, regional, moderate positive; improves transport, including taxi concessionary fares social inclusion through greater public transport
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LTS Proposal/Policy Overall Significance
schemes for socially excluded groups and access to employment and other faculties for the communities, including women, the elderly, the elderly, disabled and socially disadvantaged groups. young, the mobility challenged and ethnic minorities to access to employment and other facilities.
Ayr to Glasgow The Council will assist where appropriate in the Long term, regional, moderate positive; improves development of an increased frequency rail existing rail services and encourages further modal service and/or increased train lengths between shift towards public transport. Ayr and Glasgow.
Walking
The Council will investigate areas of high Long term, regional, minor positive; improves the pedestrian demand with a view to the pedestrian environment so encourages more people reallocation of road space to ease pedestrian to walk. congestion and improve the pedestrian environment.
The Council will prioritise the linkage of major Long term, regional, minor positive. Improvement to transport hubs with other facilities through pedestrian routes will have secondary benefits to air effective pedestrian routes. quality and the health of the population.
The Council will require that all new Long term, regional, minor positive; facilitating developments adequately cater for walking walking trips improves human health and may trips”. promote modal shift so improving air quality.
The Council shall continue to upgrade all Long term, regional, minor positive. Improves pedestrian crossing points to have dropped human health through improved pedestrian safety. kerbs and tactile paving.
The Council will provide or require pedestrian Long term, regional, minor positive. Improves stages at all new traffic signal installations human health through improved pedestrian safety. where there is a proven or expected demand.
Cycling
The Council will prioritise the implementation of Long term, regional, minor positive; improves quality schemes identified in the Local Cycle Network of the cycle network which will encourage increased Study and continue to work in partnership with usage. Secondary benefits to air quality and human Sustrans and other cycle development bodies in health. the improvement and promotion of the National Cycle Network and other cycling infrastructure where appropriate.
The Council will require that new developments Long term, regional, minor positive; Improves have cycle parking facilities, adequate access provision of secure bike parks and so encourages
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LTS Proposal/Policy Overall Significance
for cycle use and continue to install or seek greater use of bikes as an alternative method of installation of secure short to long term cycle transport. This therefore has indirect benefits to air parking at appropriate locations where there is quality, climate and human health. a significant actual or potential demand for parking.
The Council will work with partners to provide Long term, regional, minor positive; provision of cycle access routes to major areas of activity. cycle access routes will encourage modal shift away from the car with additional benefits to air quality and also to human health through increased physical activity. The intervention will also benefit the population as a result of better linkages.
Safety and Security
The Council will require that road safety audits Long term, regional, minor positive; should are carried out at the planning, design and contribute to the area becoming safer. construction stages of all developments as appropriate. Audits appropriately address the various modes of transport being considered
All new housing developments will be required Long term, regional, minor positive; will contribute to to be planned as mandatory 20mph zones and the area becoming safer. 20mph areas will be promoted and installed, including part time mandatory 20mph speed limits outside schools
The Council will improve pedestrian safety and Long term, regional, moderate positive; improves security through routes or areas that require infrastructure supporting modal shift away from such measures, with a particular focus on private car use around schools. routes to school, including the implementation of pedestrian crossing facilities, that have been assessed using the approved criteria, when funding is available
The Council will provide a consistent and Long term, regional, minor positive; raises the structured programme of education, training importance of safety and sustainable travel through and publicity, within education establishments, community based education. from pre-five's to colleges, aimed at developing awareness, skills and attitudes that will enable travellers to minimise their exposure to risks and will support individual schools to develop school travel plans aimed at safe and sustainable travel
The Council will work with SPT and Strathclyde Long term, regional, minor positive; promotes modal
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LTS Proposal/Policy Overall Significance
Police to improve safety and personal security shift towards public and active modes of transport on public transport services and infrastructure through improved personal safety. and will develop and enhance CCTV coverage to improve the safety and security of public transport users
The Council will support and assist the Scottish Long term, regional, minor positive; will contribute to Government, Police and other emergency the area becoming safer. services with their enforcement initiatives, which are focused on casualty reductions or collision avoidance and will identify areas where casualty savings can be made within the development of transport activities
Demand Management
The Council will improve access to the main Long term, regional, minor positive; enhancing town centres by enhancing public transport, public transport encourages modal shift towards walking and cycling facilities, to offer attractive more sustainable transport types. sustainable transport alternatives
The Council will promote Park-and-Ride and Long term, regional, minor positive; encourages Multi-Modal Travel Stations to offer an modal shift away from private cars towards more alternative to urban long stay parking, where sustainable modes of transport. appropriate.
The Council will control the impacts of vehicles, Long term, regional, minor positive; as provides an to safeguard sensitive areas. If there is an additional safeguard to areas of environmental opportunity for improvement, this will be importance. achieved in association with other agencies.
Land Use Planning
The Council regard the responsibility for funding Long term, regional, moderate positive; encourages new infrastructure and improvement schemes, provision of sustainable modes of transport, required primarily for development purposes, as promoting modal shift away from the car so resting with the developer and will seek to improving air quality and improving community obtain contributions to specified public transport linkages. infrastructure, where developments can support a high level of public transport in the future. Contributions in lieu of car parking may also be sought for town centre developments, where full car parking standards cannot be met on-site
The Council will require that new developments Long term, regional, major positive; encourages provide facilities for pedestrians, cyclists, public modal shift to public and active transport and transport, people with disabilities and speed requires that all new developments must provide
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LTS Proposal/Policy Overall Significance
reduction measures, where practical and transport facilities that do not rely solely on car use, ensure that public rights of way are protected in contributing to a reduction in road vehicle emissions. the promotion of new transport proposals
Freight
The Council will provide access for delivery Long term, regional, minor positive; supports use of vehicles to town centres and assist the community facilities within town centre by distribution of goods, subject to such time maintaining access for delivery vehicles, thereby restrictions as required to achieve a safe maintaining community links. pedestrian environment and secure the operational performance of the network.
The Council will seek to safeguard sensitive Long term, regional, major positive benefits as a areas from the negative impacts of road freight. result of this policy due to its commitment to safeguard sensitive areas from negative impacts of road freight.
Parking
The Council will implement a strategy in the Long term, regional, minor positive; the policy urban centres, including the imposition and ensures efficient use of existing resources whilst review of restrictions and charges, where allowing greater accessibility to community facilities appropriate and manage the demand to and amenities encourage the efficient use of available parking spaces for parking within town centres
The Council will ensure good management of Long term, regional, minor positive; the policy publicly available parking facilities ensures efficient use of existing resources whilst allowing greater accessibility to community facilities and amenities
The Council will ensure that proposed new Long term, regional, minor positive; benefits to air developments provide levels of parking in quality through deterring car use where possible compliance with current Scottish Government when considering new developments guidance and do not encourage unacceptable levels of car use where alternatives are, or could be made, available
Maintenance
The Council will maintain the road network and Long term, regional, minor positive; the intervention car parks in the most efficient and cost effective maintains the existing infrastructure and so makes manner and will work towards removing the efficient use of resources. backlog of maintenance work, within available budgets.
The Council will adopt principles of the Code of Long term, regional, minor positive; reduces the
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LTS Proposal/Policy Overall Significance
Practice, produced jointly by the former Scottish impact of road works on the population through Local Authorities and the Scottish Office to adherence of the principles of the road works code reduce delays arising from road works”. of practice issued by the Scottish Government.
The Council will ensure that all existing roads Long term, regional, minor positive; intervention structures are regularly inspected and benefits the population and human health through maintained in a safe condition to establish their safer roads in winter and minimising disruption in suitability to safely carry traffic complying with times of adverse weather conditions. current Construction and Use Regulations, and promote a bridge-strengthening programme based on strategic transport requirements
The Council will minimise the detrimental Long term, regional, minor positive; intervention effects of external influences on the fabric of minimises inconvenience to road users and reduces roads (e.g. installation and repair of unnecessary noise emissions. underground services, housing modernisation schemes, etc.) and will comply with the statutory requirements of the New Roads and Street Works Act of 1991
The Council will continue to investigate and Long term, regional, minor positive; intervention develop winter maintenance services, benefits the population and human health through particularly the ice prediction and forecasting safer roads in winter and minimising disruption in services, to improve their effectiveness and times of adverse weather conditions. review its priority gritting routes to meet the needs of increasing traffic flows and public expectations. This will also include further development of thermal mapping systems
The Council will provide new or improved street Long term, regional, minor positive; improved street lighting in compliance with an assessment lighting can improve safety on the streets therefore programme or to meet other council objectives encouraging more people to walk. including road improvement schemes.
Travel Awareness
The Council will develop a Travel Plan, initially Long term, regional, minor positive; development of amongst Council employees, as a positive a travel plan within the council to reduce growth in measure to limit the growth in car commuting, car commuting will reduce emissions and therefore and provide assistance to other organisations to reduce the population's exposure so improving do the same. health
The Council will work with Strathclyde Long term, regional, minor positive; supporting Partnership for Transport, Strathclyde Police public transport campaigns can promote modal shift and other partners on public transport away from the car so improving air quality, health
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LTS Proposal/Policy Overall Significance
campaigns. and public transport provision.
Positive Proposals and Policies with Potential for Enhancement
It was considered that the overall positive environmental effects arising from four policies and proposals could be enhanced. These are detailed in Table 7.2. Recommended enhancements are detailed in Chapter 8.
Table 7.2: Enhanceable Positive Policies and Proposals
LTS Proposal/Policy Overall Significance Discussion
Cycling Policies
Encourage increased cycling trips Long term, regional, minor positive; There are potential adverse impacts by requiring cycle networks to be Improves quality of the cycle but at the present time these are effectively linked. network which will encourage unknown and are dependant on the increased usage. Secondary location of any potential new cycle benefits to air quality and human infrastructure. There is scope for health. impact on landscape, biodiversity, noise, cultural heritage, soils and water. It is considered that despite these potential adverse impacts, the policy would have an overall minor positive impact through encouraging a modal shift in transport.
Freight Policies
The Council will designate Long term, regional, minor positive Depending on the location of the appropriate advisory routes for - will have a beneficial impact on lorry parks, these could impact upon heavy goods vehicles to provide local communities; however there sensitive habitats through land traffic relief to communities. This could be adverse environmental uptake, cultural heritage sites and will also include provision of lorry impacts as a result of the soils. The policy could however parks, where necessary inappropriate siting of lorry parks. improve air quality, health and noise through the diversion of heavy goods vehicles away from the towns which would also reduce community segregation.
The Council will work with Central Long term, regional, moderate The policy encourages modal shift Government and Network Rail to positive; encourages modal shift to rail and expands the current provide new and enhanced existing away from car to rail, contributing programme of electrification which important rail links for freight and positively to a reduction in means that air quality could be
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LTS Proposal/Policy Overall Significance Discussion
passengers between South West greenhouse gas emissions and improved and carbon emissions Scotland and mainland Europe , via improvements to local air quality. reduced. This has additional the Channel Tunnel, and to expand However siting of new rail benefits to human health and also the current programme of infrastructure could adversely improves community linkages within electrification of include the whole of impact on sensitive environmental South Ayrshire and beyond. South Ayrshire features. However, there is the potential for adverse impacts to biodiversity through habitat loss, landscape character, noise levels and water depending on the location of the improvements.
Maintenance Policies
The Council will develop a forward Long term, regional, minor positive; The policy positively benefits noise programme of major structural major maintenance schemes through improvements to the quality maintenance schemes to prevent including improved road drainage of the roads and utilises the existing deterioration of the existing road will benefit water quality and network to its full potential. The stock and avoid the need for more aquatic flora and fauna. If SUDS inclusion of SUDS to the policy will expensive work later including the are used then this will change to make sure that water quality and provision of new and improved moderate aquatic ecology is not adversely existing road drainage in order to affected and, where possible, preserve the fabric of the road enhanced. network
Neutral Proposals and Policies
The proposals and policies assessed as having a neutral effect on the environment are listed in Table 7.3. Alternative proposals and policies have been outlined for each of those presented here, and are detailed in Chapter 8.
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Table 7.3: Policies and Proposals Assessed as having Neutral Environmental Effects
LTS Proposal/Policy Overall Significance Discussion
Safety and Security
The Council will require that vehicle Neutral; no significant impacts as a pollution levels are regularly result of this policy monitored at key locations to identify sites, which might pose a risk to health from vehicle emissions
Public Transport Policies
The Council will work with Neutral. Overall impacts are There are potential adverse impacts as Strathclyde Partnership for dependant on location. Potential a result of this policy but the extent of Transport, train operating for long term, regional, adverse impacts depends on the exact location companies and Glasgow Prestwick impact in terms of biodiversity, of the proposed infrastructure Airport to upgrade and maintain bus landscape, noise, cultural heritage, improvements. There is the potential for and rail facilities to a high standard soil, geology, land use and water, adverse effects on biodiversity, noise, and to provide infrastructure where where new infrastructure is cultural heritage, soils, landscape and appropriate proposed, however beneficial in water. However, there are potential terms of air quality, climate, health benefits to air and climate through the and population due to the focus on promotion of modal shift to public providing a high standard of public transport and this has secondary transport facilities. benefits to human health. Improves Possible short term negative community linkages through bus and rail impacts on all aspects of the upgrades which therefore benefits the environment during construction. population.
Council Wide The Council will strive to maintain, Neutral. Seeks to maintain current where appropriate, levels of service public transport provision, hence of public transport systems which neutral impact. would otherwise be withdrawn without financial support from the Council and SPT and work with SPT to apply fares on tendered services, with a philosophy of maximising best value.
Parking Policies
The council will promote the Overall neutral effect. Long term, Provision of adequate parking facilities provision of parking facilities for regional, benefits to the population and access arrangements for those with cars, pedal and motorcycles, lorries as a result of this policy but mobility difficulties will benefit the and coaches, including the provision possible long term, local adverse population in terms of community of adequate parking facilities and impacts on landscape, cultural linkages. There is, however, the
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access arrangements for people heritage, soils and water potential to adversely impact upon the with mobility difficulties where depending on location. landscape / townscape and visual appropriate. Possible short term negative amenity, cultural heritage sites, soils / impacts on all aspects of the geology / land use and water depending environment during construction. on the exact location of the parking facilities. The policy also does not make efficient use of the existing infrastructure.
Negative Proposals and Policies
The proposals and policies assessed as having a negative effect on the environment are listed in Table 7.4. Alternative proposals and policies have been outlined for each of those presented, and are detailed in Chapter 8.
Table 7.4: Policies and Proposals Assessed as Having a Negative Effect on the Environment
LTS Proposal/Policy Overall Significance Discussion
Road Scheme Proposals
A70 Coylton Bypass: Provision of a A new road could result in negative The bypass is likely to have negative single carriageway bypass of the impacts on water, soils, cultural effects on biodiversity, landscape, town. heritage, landscape and material assets, soils, cultural heritage biodiversity depending on the and water. Highpark Enclosure location of the bypass. Proposal Scheduled Monument is located to the will benefit air quality, climate and south of Coylton and therefore would population. Cultural Heritage may not be affected by the bypass, which is be positive or negative. likely to pass to the north of Coylton. Possible short term negative An EIA will inform the design and impacts on all aspects of the develop appropriate mitigation to avoid environment during construction. or reduce environmental impacts.
Prestwick Eastern Bypass: Provision Long term, local, minor negative. The proposed bypass could result in of a traffic distributor road linking Potential benefits in Prestwick numerous adverse impacts on the Heathfield with the A77(T) at town centre in terms of air quality environment, in particular to the water Sandyford and access. However, proposed quality of Ladykirk burn, soils, noise, bypass would result in a number of material assets, minor visual adverse environmental impacts. degradation of the local landscape Requirement for EIA. character and possible habitat Possible short term negative fragmentation. The benefits of this impacts on all aspects of the proposal include improvements to air environment during construction quality through reduced congestion in
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Prestwick town centre and population through possible improved linkages to the airport
Ayr Inner Ring Road (west): Negative environmental effects on Provision of a dual carriageway link biodiversity are most likely to occur including a new bridge across the during construction of the dual River Ayr to link the Fort Street / carriageway and bridge. River Ayr Harbour Street with A719 King provides habitat to salmon, trout, Street grayling, eel, stickleback, minnow and stone loach. An EIA will be required to advise on construction timing and appropriate mitigation. It is also recognised by South Ayrshire Council’s Long term, local, minor negative. A Wildlife Strategy (2007) as a wildlife new road and bridge will result in a corridor, therefore a bridge could large number of negative potentially result in habitat environmental impacts, but priority fragmentation. Ayr town centre is a measures for buses and cyclists Conservation Area and there are a will have benefits. number of Scheduled Ancient Monuments in the vicinity of River Ayr, Possible short term negative these include Ayr Fort Gate impacts on all aspects of the (NS334220) and Ayr Fort Wall environment during construction (NS332221 and NS333220). The extent of impact on these sites and their settings is dependent on the location and design of the proposed road and bridge. An EIA will assist in minimising the impact on cultural heritage. National Cycle Route 7 currently uses the New Bridge to cross River Ayr. An additional bridge would ease congestion on this bridge, providing a safer crossing for cyclists.
A77 (T) Maybole Bypass: To Long term, local, minor negative; The Maybole bypass proposal is likely support Transport Scotland in the proposal is could affect water, to adversely affect the landscape delivery of Maybole Bypass. soils, cultural heritage and around the town which is classified as biodiversity depending on location. improved grassland. Depending on the Adverse impacts on landscape exact location of the bypass, there are likely but positive effects to human also possible adverse impacts to health and air quality. biodiversity, cultural heritage sites, Possible short term negative soils and water quality. There will be impacts on all aspects of the some environmental benefits arising
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environment during construction. including improvements to air quality as a result of decreased congestion in the town and this will have secondary benefits to human health through reduced exposure to transport-related emissions.
Freight Policies
The Council will work with the Long term, regional, minor The policy will have adverse impacts to Scottish Government, Network Rail negative; supports movement of climate through the promotion of the and relevant train operating freight to sustainable modes of movement of freight by air which could
companies (TOCs) to facilitate the transport but also to air which increase CO2 emissions. It also does
efficient movement of freight with could increase CO2 emissions. not fully support sustainable modes of appropriate routes and service transport. Although transfer to rail and accesses and to encourage transfer sea is encouraged, so is the transfer to form road to air, sea and rail, where air which can give rise to impacts in possible. climate.
Uncertain Proposals and Policies
For a number of proposals and policies information was not sufficiently detailed to enable an accurate assessment of effects. Where this has occurred effects have been judged uncertain. Policies and proposals assessed as having an uncertain effect on the environment are listed in Table 6.5. Alternative proposals and policies have been outlined for each of those presented, and are detailed in Chapter 7.
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Table 7.5: Proposals and Policies with Uncertain Environmental Effects
LTS Proposal/Policy Overall Significance Discussion
Freight Policies
The Council will support the Uncertain. Supports movement of There are moderate positive benefits to provision of new rail freight depots freight to rail which has a long air quality and climate through this and the expansion of existing term, regional, positive impact on policy due to the expansion of rail facilities including giving advice on emissions, health and material freight facilities which will promote appropriate applications by firms for assets, however there could be modal shift of freight from road to rail grants to construct freight facilities. long term, and local, adverse thereby reducing congestion and The Council will also encourage new environmental impacts associated improving emissions from road activities with high freight with the siting of new rail facilities transport. This will have secondary movements to locate close to and infrastructure depending on benefits to human health. The policy existing or proposed rail facilities. location. will also have positive impacts on Possible short term negative material assets through use of impacts on all aspects of the sustainable modes of transport. There environment during construction. is however the potential for adverse effects to biodiversity, landscape, noise, cultural heritage, soils and water through new rail infrastructure.
Land Use Planning Policies
The Council will require large new Unknown; potential long term, The policy has the potential for adverse developments to be located where regional, adverse impacts as new impacts to air quality and climate travel distances are minimised and developments may require depending on the location of the new where they provide good access to additional transport infrastructure. developments. If these developments transport systems. are located away from the existing public transport network then private Possible short term negative car use could increase and community impacts on all aspects of the linkages could be adversely affected. environment during construction. With mitigation to incorporate integrated public transport linkages into the policy, these adverse impacts could become positive.
The Council will develop a pattern of Unknown; long term, regional, The policy would result in benefits to land use, which is integrated with all positive impact in terms of population through improvements to modes of transport including integrated transport provision, community linkages and the provision walking, cycling and public transport however, there is potential for the of public and active transport. There is and will ensure that transport changing patterns of land use to the potential for impacts on land use provision contributes to the release have long term, regional adverse and landscape which could be positive of and access to employment sites, landscape and land use impacts. or negative. The SEA and generally to the growth of the recommendation would ensure that economy, to ensure job current land use and landscape is not
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opportunities are available to all. degraded.
The Council will require proposed Unknown; Potential environmental There is the potential for all developments of a certain scale impacts may not be addressed environmental issues to be adversely and/or potential impact to be within the Transport Assessment affected through this proposal. examined through a Transport unless this is specified. Incorporating Environmental Impact Assessment. Assessment or environmental appraisal will enable potential environmental impacts of developments to be fully considered.
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8 Enhancements, Alternatives and Mitigation
Section 7.3 outlined those policies and proposals assessed as having neutral, negative, or uncertain effects across the range of environmental parameters considered in this SEA, and in addition highlighted those policies and proposals where positive effects could be enhanced. This Chapter presents SEA recommendations, in terms of enhancements, alternative policy phrasing and identified mitigation measures relevant to each of these categories.
Enhancement of Positive Policies and Proposals
The assessment highlighted that four policies and proposals assessed as positive could be enhanced. Table 8.1 details those policies and identifies enhancements, all of which have been accepted.
Table 8.1: Enhancements to positive policies and proposals
LTS Alternatives/ Mitigation Assessment of Council Proposal/Policy Alternatives Response (Significance)
Cycling Policies
Encourage increased Recommendation - Encourage Long term, regional, minor Recommendation cycling trips by and promote increased cycling positive; improves quality accepted requiring cycle trips by requiring cycle networks of the cycle network which networks to be to be effectively linked. will encourage increased effectively linked. usage. Secondary benefits to air quality and human health.
Freight Policies
The Council will Recommendation - The Minor positive - will benefit Recommendation designate appropriate Council will designate local communities through accepted: changes advisory routes for appropriate advisory routes for relief of exposure to to original heavy goods vehicles heavy goods vehicles to provide impacts from heavy good proposals noted to provide traffic relief traffic relief to communities. This vehicles and improve and agreed. to communities. This will also include provision of lorry community linkages. will also include parks, where necessary sited in provision of lorry areas that do not give rise to parks, where significant residual impacts. necessary.
The Council will work Recommendation - The Council Major positive; Recommendation with Central will work with Central encourages modal shift accepted: changes Government and Government and Network Rail to away from car to rail, and to original Network Rail to provide new and enhanced electrification of rail, proposals noted
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LTS Alternatives/ Mitigation Assessment of Council Proposal/Policy Alternatives Response (Significance)
provide new and existing important rail links for thereby contributing and agreed. enhanced existing freight and passengers between positively to a reduction in important rail links for South West Scotland and greenhouse gas freight and mainland Europe, via the emissions and passengers between Channel Tunnel, where these do improvements to local air South West Scotland not give rise to significant quality. Also improve and mainland Europe, residual environmental impacts, community linkages within via the Channel and to expand the current and outwith South Tunnel, and to programme of electrification to Ayrshire. expand the current include the whole of South programme of Ayrshire. electrification of include the whole of South Ayrshire.
Maintenance Policies
The Council will Recommendation - The Council Long term, regional, Recommendation develop a forward will develop a forward moderate positive; major accepted programme of major programme of major structural maintenance schemes structural maintenance schemes to prevent including new and maintenance deterioration of the existing road improved drainage schemes to prevent stock and avoid the need for (incorporating SUDS) will deterioration of the more expensive work later benefit water quality and existing road stock including the provision of new aquatic flora and fauna. and avoid the need and improved existing road for more expensive drainage incorporating SUDS to work later including preserve the fabric of the road the provision of new network. and improved existing road drainage in order to preserve the fabric of the road network.
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Enhancement of Neutral Policies and Proposals
The assessment found that two policies and proposals had neutral effects on the overall environment. The SEA developed alternatives to these in order to enhance their environmental credentials. Table 7.2 details those policies and alternatives of which one alternative was accepted in full, and one was accepted in part.
Table 8.2: Alternatives to Neutral Policies and Proposals
LTS Alternatives/ Mitigation Assessment of Council Proposal/Policy Alternatives Response (Significance)
Public Transport Policies
The Council will work Recommendation - The Council Long term, regional, minor Recommendation with Strathclyde will work with Strathclyde positive; improves overall accepted: in part, Partnership for Partnership for Transport, train bus and rail provision and assuming Transport, train operating companies and associated infrastructure environmental best operating companies Glasgow Prestwick Airport to in an environmentally practice is adopted. and Glasgow upgrade and maintain bus and sound manner. Prestwick Airport to rail facilities to a high standard upgrade and maintain and to provide infrastructure bus and rail facilities where appropriate which to a high standard incorporates environmental best and to provide practice, mitigating any adverse infrastructure where environmental impacts during appropriate. design, construction and implementation.
Parking Policies
The Council will Recommendation - The council Long term, regional, minor Recommendation promote the provision will promote the improvement of positive; improves existing accepted: changes of parking facilities for existing parking facilities, in resources whilst improving to original cars, pedal and areas that do not give rise to facilities for people with proposals noted motorcycles, lorries significant adverse mobility difficulties. and agreed. and coaches, environmental impacts, for cars, including the pedal and motorcycles, lorries provision of adequate and coaches. Provision of parking facilities and adequate parking facilities and access arrangements access arrangements for people for people with with mobility difficulties where mobility difficulties appropriate where appropriate.
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Mitigation of Negative Policies and Proposals
The assessment found that six policies and proposals had negative effects on the overall environment. The SEA developed alternatives to these in order to mitigate their adverse effects. Table 8.3 details those policies and alternatives. All of the alternatives to road scheme proposals were rejected, whilst the alternative within the freight category was accepted.
Table 8.3: Alternatives and Mitigation for Negative Policies and Proposals
LTS Proposal/ Alternatives/ Mitigation Assessment of Council Policy Alternatives Response (Significance)
Road Scheme Proposals
A70 Coylton Bypass: Recommendation - Improve Long term, local, Recommendation Provision of a single public transport links to Ayr from moderate positive; rejected - Public carriageway bypass outlying areas to the east. proposal would encourage transport of the town. modal shift from private enhancements car to public transport, would not address with potential all network improvements in air constraints, as only quality. This will result in a small proportion benefits to human health of journeys would and improved community be made by public linkages. transport. Original proposal should remain.
Prestwick Eastern Recommendation - Improved Long term, local, Recommendation Bypass: Provision of public transport links between moderate positive benefits rejected: Original a traffic distributor Prestwick town centre and overall through proposal remains road linking peripheral areas improvements to public as the preferred Heathfield with the transport provision which option, as it A77 (T) at Sandyford. promotes modal shift provides relief to away from the car thereby the A79 corridor reducing transport related and will enable emissions. This has environmental secondary benefits to improvements to be human health. considered for Prestwick Town Centre.
Prestwick Northern Recommendation - Support the Overall, the proposal has Recommendation Distributor and increase in rail and bus services long term, local, moderate rejected: original Glasgow Prestwick linking Prestwick with peripheral benefits as a result of the proposal is Airport Access: communities. Improve public provision of services to preferred.
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LTS Proposal/ Alternatives/ Mitigation Assessment of Council Policy Alternatives Response (Significance)
Upgrading of transport access to Glasgow key amenities such as Shawfarm Road and Prestwick Airport. Glasgow Prestwick Airport provision of tunnel through sustainable under second runway modes of transport which to link into the A77 (T) promotes modal shift at Sandyford thereby reducing roundabout. emissions.
Ayr Inner Ring Road Recommendation - Bus and Overall there are long Recommendation (west): Provision of a cycle priority at both existing term, local, minor positive rejected: original dual carriageway link bridges (without widening) impacts as a result of this proposal preferred including a new proposal through the as it will enable bridge across the prioritisation of buses and further River Ayr to link the cyclists across the bridges environmental Fort Street / Harbour with benefits to air quality, improvements on Street with A719 King climate, health, population the Sandgate and Street and material assets will assist in Renaissance of Ayr aspirations.
A77 (T) Maybole Recommendation - A77 (T) TS has made the decision Recommendation Bypass: To support Maybole Bypass: To support to go ahead with the rejected: Statutory Transport Scotland in Transport Scotland in the bypass and so it is requirement to the delivery of delivery of Maybole Bypass, therefore out of the scope produce an EIA for Maybole Bypass. assuming an EIA is carried out of this SEA to influence a project of this and that mitigation is the effects on the scale. incorporated into scheme design environment. such that there are no significant residual environmental impacts.
Freight Policies
The Council will work Recommendation - The Council Long term, regional, minor Recommendation with the Scottish will work with the Scottish positive - encourages accepted: the Government, Network Government, network rail and movement of freight away Council should also Rail and relevant train relevant train operating from road towards rail and work with operating companies companies (TOCs) to facilitate sea. Associated British (TOCs) to facilitate the efficient movement of freight Ports. the efficient with appropriate routes and movement of freight service accesses and to with appropriate encourage transfer from road to routes and service sea and rail, where possible. accesses and to
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encourage transfer form road to air, sea and rail, where possible.
Enhancement and Mitigation of Uncertain Policies and Proposals
The assessment found that information within four policies and proposals was insufficient to arrive at an accurate overall assessment of significance. The environmental effects of these policies and proposals were assessed as Uncertain. The SEA developed alternatives to these in order to provide detail and ensure positive environmental effects could be promoted. Table 8.4 details those policies and alternatives. Two of the alternatives proposed were accepted and two rejected.
Table 8.4: Alternatives to Uncertain Policies and Proposals
LTS Alternatives/ Mitigation Assessment of Council Proposal/Policy Alternatives Response (Significance)
Freight Policies
The Council will Recommendation - The Council Long term, regional, Recommendation support the provision will support the provision of new moderate positive; accepted: changes of new rail freight rail freight depots and the encourages movement of to original depots and the expansion of existing facilities in freight by rail and the proposals noted expansion of existing areas where all associated siting of new rail and agreed. facilities including potential significant infrastructure and facilities giving advice on environmental impacts are in areas which do not appropriate avoided through appropriate generate significant applications by firms siting or mitigation. This will environmental impacts. for grants to construct include giving advice on freight facilities. The appropriate applications by firms Council will also for grants to construct freight encourage new facilities. The Council will also activities with high encourage new activities with freight movements to high freight movements to locate locate close to close to existing or proposed rail existing or proposed facilities. rail facilities.
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Land Use Planning Policies
The Council will Recommendation - The Council Long term, regional, Recommendation require large new will require that large new moderate positive; accepted: changes developments to be developments are located where supports the provision of to original located where travel travel distances are minimised public transport links to all proposals noted distances are and where they provide good new large developments. and agreed. minimised and where access to integrated public they provide good transport systems. access to transport systems.
The Council will Recommendation - The Council Long term, regional, minor Recommendation develop a pattern of will develop a pattern of land positive; supports rejected: no land use, which is use, which is integrated with all integrated transport change from integrated with all modes of transport including provision and facilitates original proposal. modes of transport walking, cycling and public improvements to including walking, transport and which does not community linkages and cycling and public degrade existing land use or employment. transport and will landscape character and which ensure that transport will ensure that transport provision contributes provision contributes to the to the release of and release of and access to access to employment sites, and generally employment sites, to the growth of the economy, to and generally to the ensure job opportunities are growth of the available to all. economy, to ensure job opportunities are available to all.
The Council will Recommendation - The Council Neutral; proposal will have Recommendation require proposed will require proposed no significant impact on rejected: Option developments of a developments of a certain scale any environmental not taken forward. certain scale and/or and/or potential impact to be component. potential impact to be examined through a Transport examined through a Assessment and through an Transport Environmental Impact Assessment. Assessment where this is required, or through an environmental appraisal in the absence of these requirements.
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Summary
Enhancements, alternatives and mitigation measures have been outlined for a range of LTS policies and proposals. Where these have been accepted, potential positive effects on the environment have been enhanced and negative effects mitigated. Mitigation of policy and proposal effects on the overall environment does not however eliminate effects experienced by individual environmental media, and where recommended alternatives have not been accommodated in the LTS residual effects on the environment remain. Chapter 9 examines these residual effects and their cumulative impact on environmental components.
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9 Residual and Cumulative Effects Assessment
9.1 Residual Effects
Residual effects were identified for the LTS policies and proposals (in line with the method set out in Chapter 6) after consideration of the recommendations and mitigation highlighted in Chapter 8. There were five Road Scheme Proposals with adverse residual effects and two policies and proposals with uncertain residual effects.
Secondary mitigation was considered for the residual effects and this included measures such as the implementation of intervention specific Environmental Management Plans and adherence to the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB) volume 10 during construction works. The identified residual effects were reassessed in light of this mitigation to identify any remaining residual effects, both beneficial and adverse.
Appendix F provides information on the residual effects both before and after consideration of secondary mitigation.
The seven Road Scheme Proposals with adverse residual effects included:
A70 Road Widening: Dobbies to Holmston Roundabout
Short term local adverse effects related to the landscape as the proposal lies within Heads of Ayr Scenic Area and could be adverse effects during construction.
A70 Coylton Bypass: Provision of a single carriageway bypass of the town
Biodiversity could be adversely affected due to habitat loss and fragmentation due to the presence of a new road with further moderate adverse effects to the landscape both during construction and operation. Soils, geology and land use could have residual effects due to potential loss of agricultural land and short term effects during construction activities.
Prestwick Eastern Bypass: Provision of a traffic distributor road linking Heathfield with the A77 (T) at Sandyford
Biodiversity effects remained due to potential habitat loss and fragmentation with possible short term effects due to construction through temporary land take or disturbance to species. Landscape could be adversely affected in the short term through construction activities and in the long term through visual degradation of local landscape character. Further residual effects remained to the soils, geology and land use as there was the potential for loss of soil resources and short term disturbance through construction. There was also the potential for an increase in noise sensitive receptors at East Sanquhar and residential areas to the west of the bypass with short term effects during construction. The new road is likely to cross Ladykirk Burn and so there was the potential for deterioration of water quality and increased flooding.
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Ayr Inner Ring Road (west): Provision of a duel carriageway link including a new bridge across the River Ayr to link Fort Street / Harbour Street with the A719 King Street
The River Ayr provides habitats to several species of fish and is a potential wildlife corridor so residual effects on biodiversity are predicted due to possible fragmentation of habitats post construction. There were further possible short term effects during construction. The landscape could also be affected during construction and visual effects to recreational users along the River Ayr. Ayr town centre is a Conservation Area with a number of Scheduled Monuments in the vicinity of the proposed road and bridge which could be adversely affected with further short term effects during construction and there were therefore considered to be adverse residual effects on cultural heritage. A new road and bridge would also result in a new noise source for receptors including people using the River Ayr Way and so residual effects on noise remained. Water quality could also deteriorate through construction and operation of the new bridge with further short term effects during construction activities.
A77 (T) Maybole Bypass: To support Transport Scotland in the delivery of Maybole Bypass
Residual landscape effects prior to secondary mitigation have been considered possible through this proposal as the area surrounding the bypass is improved grassland and a bypass would change the existing landscape and have an adverse visual effect in the long term.
The two policies and proposals with uncertain residual effects are detailed below. The A77 (T) Maybole Bypass has uncertain as well as adverse residual effects.
A70 (T) Maybole Bypass: To support Transport Scotland in the delivery of Maybole Bypass
There is the potential for short term local adverse effects during construction and potential effects depending on the exact location of the bypass to habitats as the Ayr – Stranraer disused railway line consists of scrub habitat and is a potential wildlife corridor. Further effects were considered possible to soils, geology and lands use however no designated sites are in the vicinity of the proposals but short term effects were possible during construction. It is unlikely that the bypass would cross any major burns however smaller burns would be crossed and therefore there could be adverse effects to water quality with further effects during construction.
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The Council will develop a pattern of land use which is integrated with all modes of transport including walking, cycling and public transport and will ensure that transport provision contributes to the releaser of and access to employment sites and generally to the growth of the economy and to ensure job opportunities are available to all
There are unknown potential long term regional adverse effects due to changing land use that could adversely affect the landscape character, however there is the potential for beneficial effects through high quality urban design and improvements to streetscapes. Soils, geology and land use could also be adversely affected however these are assessed as unknown as the potential for changing land use patters could have beneficial or adverse regional effects.
Table 9.1 gives an example of one of the Road Scheme Proposals relating to the widening of the A70 with the remaining tables for each of the proposals with initial residual effects located in Appendix F.
Table 9.1: Residual Effects of a Road Scheme Proposal
A70 Road Widening: Dobbies to Holmston Roundabout
Landscape
Potential Effect Short term, local, minor negative. The proposals lie within Heads of Ayr Scenic Area. The scale and nature of works are unlikely to have negative impacts on landscape in the long term, however there will be possible short term, local, negligible negative impacts during construction, from site works and storage of materials.
Mitigation Widening works would be designed and constructed in line with the landscape objectives of DMRB volume 10, with inclusions such as landscape screening
Residual Effects after As the works are within a Scenic Area it is likely that some Mitigation minor adverse residual effects on the quality of the landscape will remain
Assessment of Residual Short term effects Short term / long term
Local / Regional / National Local
Severity / positive or adverse Minor adverse
Comment Landscape and visual effects should be considered further at later stages of assessment with a possible requirement for a Landscape Assessment at EIA level.
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Those policies and proposals assessed as having beneficial and adverse residual effects after secondary mitigation are discussed below.
Positive Residual Effects
Beneficial effects as a result of several of the LTS policies and proposals remained after secondary mitigation and these are assessed in detail in section 1.2 of Appendix F. There were: seven Road Scheme proposals with beneficial residual effects; two Traffic Management Schemes; 11 Public Transport proposals and policies; five Walking policies; four Cycling policies; six policies relating to Safety and Security; three Demand Management policies; six Freight policies; four Parking policies; seven Maintenance policies; and two policies relating to Travel awareness.
Adverse Residual Effects
There were five Road Scheme proposals that had adverse residual effects after the consideration of secondary mitigation and Table 9.2 includes information on the type of adverse residual effects per proposal.
Table 9.2: Adverse Residual Effects after Secondary Mitigation
LTS Proposal/Policy Adverse Effects on Environmental Topics
Road Scheme Proposals
A70 Coylton Bypass: Provision of a Landscape (short and long term, local, minor single carriageway bypass of the adverse); Soils, Geology and Land Use (long term, town. local, minor adverse).
A70 Road Widening: Dobbies to Landscape (short term, local, minor adverse) Holmston Roundabout
Prestwick Eastern Bypass: Landscape (short and long term, local, minor Provision of a traffic distributor adverse); Soils, Geology and Land Use (long term, road linking Heathfield with the local, minor adverse); Noise (long term, local, A77 (T) at Sandyford. minor adverse).
Ayr Inner Ring Road (west): Biodiversity (short and long term, local, negligible Provision of a dual carriageway adverse); Landscape (short and long term, local, link including a new bridge across minor adverse); Cultural Heritage (short term, the River Ayr to link the Fort Street local, minor adverse); Noise (long term, local, / Harbour Street with A719 King minor adverse). Street.
A77 (T) Maybole Bypass: To Landscape (short and long term, local, minor support Transport Scotland in the adverse); Soils, Geology and Land Use (long term, delivery of Maybole Bypass. local, minor adverse).
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These beneficial and adverse effects were then taken forward to the cumulative assessment stage and are discussed further Section 9.2 below.
9.2 Cumulative Effects Assessment A summary of these effects per environmental parameter is provided below and a matrix identifying the residual effects per LTS policy and proposal located in Appendix G. The cumulative effects are described taking into account the remaining residual effects after recommendations and secondary mitigation has been considered. Overall, the proposals and policies of South Ayrshire LTS have a minor to moderate long term regional benefit on the environment.
Air Quality
Cumulative moderate regional long term benefits were predicted resulting from these policies and proposals through a general improvement to air quality through policies such as:
The Council will encourage increased cycling trips by requiring cycle networks to be effectively linked; and
The Council will require new developments are located where travel distances are minimised and where they provide good access to integrated public transport systems.
Water
A pro-active stance for the protection of water resources by the Council has been identified in policy;
The Council will develop a forward programme of major structural maintenance schemes to prevent deterioration of the existing road stock and avoid the need for more expensive work later including the provision of new and improved existing road drainage incorporating SUDS to preserve the fabric of the road network.
No residual adverse effects on water after secondary mitigation were identified however there were several policies and proposals with beneficial residual effects such as;
The Council will control the impacts of vehicles to safeguard sensitive areas. If there is an opportunity for improvement, this will be achieved in association with other agencies.
This has led to overall regional long term moderate cumulative benefits to the water environment.
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Climatic Factors
There were 38 policies and proposals with beneficial residual effects relating to a reduction
in CO2 emissions. Several had moderate beneficial effects including:
The Council will require that new developments provide facilities for pedestrians, cyclists, public transport, people with disabilities and speed reduction measures, where practical and ensure that public rights of way are protected in the promotion of new transport proposals; and
The Council will work with Central Government and Network Rail to provide new and enhanced existing important rail links for freight and passengers between South West Scotland and mainland Europe , via the Channel Tunnel, where these do not give rise to significant residual environmental impacts, and to expand the current programme of electrification to include the whole of South Ayrshire.
The minor and moderate beneficial residual effects on climatic factors through the transport policies and proposals led to cumulative moderate long term benefits at a national level.
Health
There were 43 policies and proposals with minor beneficial effects on human health and four with moderate benefits. Those with moderate benefits included:
The Council will continue to investigate and develop winter maintenance services, particularly the ice prediction and forecasting services, to improve their effectiveness and review its priority gritting routes to meet the needs of increasing traffic flows and public expectations. This will also include further development of thermal mapping systems;
The Council will work with Central Government and Network Rail to provide new and enhanced existing important rail links for freight and passengers between South West Scotland and mainland Europe , via the Channel Tunnel, where these do not give rise to significant residual environmental impacts, and to expand the current programme of electrification to include the whole of South Ayrshire;
The Council will pursue the integration of local services, school transport and social services transport, where practical, including making full and efficient use of Council owned passenger carrying vehicles and encouraging the use of innovative transport modes providing adequate access, by as many modes of transport as possible, to employment and other facilities for rural communities; and
Cumulatively, it was therefore considered that there were moderate regional long term benefits to human health resulting from the policies and proposals outlined in the LTS.
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Biodiversity, Flora and Fauna
A proactive stance has been taken relating to the safeguarding of sensitive areas to prevent adverse effects to biodiversity stemming from transport. This is outlined in the policies below:
The Council will seek to safeguard sensitive areas from the negative impacts of road freight; and
The Council will control the impacts of vehicles, to safeguard sensitive areas. If there is an opportunity for improvement, this will be achieved in association with other agencies.
The policies above have beneficial effects on biodiversity along with;
The Council will develop a forward programme of major structural maintenance schemes to prevent deterioration of the existing road stock and avoid the need for more expensive work later including the provision of new and improved existing road drainage incorporating SUDS to preserve the fabric of the road network.
There is one Road Scheme proposal, A77 (T) Maybole Bypass: To support Transport Scotland in the delivery of Maybole Bypass, that has residual adverse effects after secondary mitigation has been considered.
Cumulatively, it was considered that the overarching policies to safeguard sensitive areas would offset the potential adverse residual effect leading to overall neutral effects on biodiversity in South Ayrshire.
Population
There are numerous policies and proposals with beneficial residual effects to the population with 25 that have minor benefits and 12 with moderate benefits including:
The Council will develop a pattern of land use, which is integrated with all modes of transport including walking, cycling and public transport and will ensure that transport provision contributes to the release of and access to employment sites, and generally to the growth of the economy, to ensure job opportunities are available to all, and
The Council will work with others to assist in the integration of the public transport network, through improved interchange facilities, Park-and-Ride, through ticketing, improved timetables and other initiatives.
The cumulative effects of all the policies and proposals with benefits to population are considered to be of a moderate regional long term benefit overall.
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Landscape
Whilst beneficial residual effects were considered possible to the landscape through safeguarding sensitive areas as identified in the policies listed in the biodiversity section, there are several Road Scheme proposals with potential minor adverse residual effects such as;
A70 Coylton Bypass: Provision of a single carriageway bypass of the town;
Prestwick Eastern Bypass: Provision of a traffic distributor road linking Heathfield with the A77 (T) at Sandyford; and
A77 (T) Maybole Bypass: To support Transport Scotland in the delivery of Maybole Bypass.
There were three policies and proposals with beneficial residual effects, two of which were of a moderate benefit however, overall it was predicted that given the present state of knowledge on the proposals that cumulatively there would be minor adverse regional effects to the landscape.
Noise
There were seven policies and proposals with minor beneficial residual effects relating to noise and two Road Scheme proposals with minor adverse effects possible. Those with minor adverse effects related to the increase in potential noise sensitive receptors and included:
Ayr Inner Ring Road (west): Provision of a dual carriageway link including a new bridge across the River Ayr to link the Fort Street / Harbour Street with A719 King Street; and
Prestwick Eastern Bypass: Provision of a traffic distributor road linking Heathfield with the A77 (T) at Sandyford.
Proactive measures have been put forward through the LTS to ensure that there is minimal nuisance from new road schemes an example relating to the routing of freight is shown below:
The Council will designate appropriate advisory routes for heavy goods vehicles to provide traffic relief to communities. This will also include provision of lorry parks, where necessary sited in areas that do not give rise to significant residual impacts.
These measures to reduce the adverse noise effects of transport counteract the potential minor adverse effects and therefore cumulative regional minor benefits are predicted in terms of noise.
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Material Assets
Minor residual benefits for 30 and moderate benefits from ten of the policies and proposals were possible through the efficient use of the existing transport infrastructure and use of resources to support improvements. Some of those with moderate benefits included:
The Council will ensure that all existing roads structures are regularly inspected and maintained in a safe condition to establish their suitability to safely carry traffic complying with current Construction and Use Regulations, and promote a bridge- strengthening programme based on strategic transport requirements;
The Council will work with others to assist in the integration of the public transport network, through improved interchange facilities, Park-and-Ride, through ticketing, improved timetables and other initiatives; and
Ayr to Glasgow via Paisley Service Enhancement.
Cultural Heritage
The LTS four policies and proposals with minor to moderate benefits to cultural heritage include those that promote a proactive approach to the safeguarding of sensitive areas. These policies and proposals are listed below:
Ayr Town Centre West Enhancements;
Renaissance of Ayr Town Centre to support the Council with the delivery of the Renaissance of Ayr Town Centre;
The Council will control the impacts of vehicles, to safeguard sensitive areas. If there is an opportunity for improvement, this will be achieved in association with other agencies; and
The Council will seek to safeguard sensitive areas from the negative impacts of road freight.
There are no policies and proposals that were expected to have adverse residual effects and therefore cumulatively regional minor benefits to cultural heritage were considered likely.
Soils, Geology and Land Use
Minor adverse residual effects were identified for three of the Road Scheme proposals:
A70 Coylton Bypass: Provision of a single carriageway bypass of the town;
Prestwick Eastern Bypass: Provision of a traffic distributor road linking Heathfield with the A77 (T) at Sandyford; and
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A77 (T) Maybole Bypass: To support Transport Scotland in the delivery of Maybole Bypass.
These effects on the soils, geology and land use related to the land take required for the implementation of these proposals including loss of agricultural land.
Two policies were considered to have beneficial effects to soils, geology and land use;
The Council will control the impacts of vehicles, to safeguard sensitive areas. If there is an opportunity for improvement, this will be achieved in association with other agencies, and
The Council will seek to safeguard sensitive areas from the negative impacts of road freight.
These policies which have an overarching commitment to safeguarding sensitive areas have the potential to counteract adverse residual effects however, as the predicted adverse effects through the Road Scheme proposals relate to uptake of land, it has been considered that cumulatively there would be minor adverse regional effects on soils, geology and land use.
Summary and overall Interaction
Cumulatively, the Local Transport Strategy policies and proposals could have minor to moderate long term, regional benefits on the environment. There is a potential for minor adverse effects on biodiversity, material assets and noise however these could be offset by overarching policies safeguarding environmental resources from any adverse effects of transport and therefore could have minor beneficial cumulative effects. There is, however, the potential for minor adverse cumulative effects on the landscape and soils, geology and land use due to Road Scheme Proposals such as the A70 Coylton Bypass and Prestwick Eastern Bypass which involve the uptake of land but these are offset by the minor to moderate benefits on other environmental parameters leading to overall minor to moderate benefits cumulatively.
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10 Consultation
10.1 Consultation to date
At the outset the Council has recognised that transport affects all of our lives and has been determined to carry out a comprehensive consultation programme on the LTS and SEA. The theme of partnership unites the whole LTS and SEA with communities, community planning partners, neighbouring authorities and the voluntary sector.
This presents an opportunity for all local organisations interested in transport to work in partnership to improve transport services for the community.
Issues have evolved, where appropriate, from those identified within the National Transport Strategy, Regional Transport Strategy, Local Plan, and Community Plan and through the statutory and public consultation held so far. South Ayrshire Council carried out public consultation in April / May 2007. This involved the distribution of questionnaires to public buildings throughout South Ayrshire. The questionnaires were formulated to seek feedback on transport problems currently experienced within South Ayrshire, how these could be addressed and what the priorities should be for the LTS. The public will have further opportunity to provide comment when the Consultative draft LTS is published.
The Scoping Report was submitted to the SEA Gateway for statutory consultation on 16th November 2007. The consultation comments received and the SEA responses are set out in Appendix B, and comments on the Scoping Report have been taken into consideration in the construction of the Environmental Report. From the consultation, all comments have been duly noted and the relevant information has been added to the SEA.
The Environmental Report and assessments have been prepared taking into consideration all scoping consultation responses and feedback from the consultees and will be submitted for public and statutory consultation alongside the Draft LTS. The consultation period will be 6 weeks, as detailed in section 6.1. An advert will be published in the Ayrshire Post newspaper circulating in the South Ayrshire area inviting public comment. The plan and SEA are also available at public libraries, in the Council office and on the Council website.
10.2 Next Steps The post-adoption statement will review and record how the consultation comments have been accounted for in the final LTS.
The statement will set out full details of the monitoring strategy using the targeted indicators set in the Environmental Report to monitor potential changes to the environment during the implementation of the LTS.
The anticipated milestones in the SEA and LTS process are set out in Table 10.1.
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Table 10.1: Milestone Activities
Milestone Activity Publication Dates
Screening This is not a requirement because the Strategy comes under 5(3) of the Act.
Scoping Report November 2007
Consultation Period (5 weeks)
Environmental Assessments October 2008
Environmental Report Published with January 2009 Consultation Draft LTS
Public and Statutory Consultation 23rd January to 6th March 2009
Post – Adoption Statement Spring 2009
10.3 How to comment on the Report The purpose of the Environmental Report is to inform the public and consultation authorities of the potential effects that the LTS will have on the environment. The public and consultation authorities are welcomed to make comment on the issues raised within the report. To aid the consultation process key questions have been included within the non- technical summary to encourage comment on certain aspects of this report.
Consultation on these documents will commence on the 23rd January and run for a period of six weeks to the 6th March 2009.
Comments can be made by letter to:
Bobby McVeigh Manager – Roads and Transportation South Ayrshire Council Burns House Ayr KA7 1UT
Copies of the Environmental Report and the Consultative Draft LTS have been made available at Ayr Library, South Ayrshire Council Offices, Ayr Town Hall and Online.
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11 Monitoring Strategy
Section 19 of the Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act requires South Ayrshire Council to monitor significant environmental effects of the implementation of the LTS. Monitoring must identify any unforeseen adverse effects so that appropriate remedial action can be taken. Environmental monitoring is important to inform future planning documents and it should be viewed as an ongoing learning process.
Monitoring forms a key part of the ongoing SEA process and allows for the environmental implications of all PPS to be constantly reviewed and mitigated against. Monitoring allows this to happen by;
Assessing the performance of the LTS’s policies – Monitoring the extent to which the policies have been adhered to, and how compatible these are with the objectives of the policies on an ongoing basis; and
Assessing if the environmental impacts of the LTS’s policies are as predicted in the appraisals – any variation from the environmental effects predicted in the appraisals should be evaluated and fed back into the ongoing SEA process.
Monitoring allows both beneficial and adverse environmental changes caused by the LTS to be recorded and evaluated. The monitoring of the environmental effects of all PPS also gives valuable environmental information that can feed into future environmental decision making and reduce reliance on professional judgement, hence increasing objectivity and accuracy of future assessments. It is important that continual monitoring of environmental effects of the LTS takes place to heed information valuable in compiling future plans, policies and strategies.
The monitoring strategy for the SEA has been closely linked to that of the LTS. A number of targets have been developed to assist in the monitoring.
11.1 Targets The targets identified have been linked to the SEA objectives and questions. The information gathered will be used to update the environmental baseline which will inform the strategy and will be the joint responsibility of the Sustainability Officer and Roads Manager. Table 11.1 sets out the SEA monitoring strategy.
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Table 11.1: Monitoring Performance Indicators
SEA Objectives Indicator Data Source Baseline Desired Outcome Objective Position (& year)
Air To maintain South Ayrshire as an AQMA Air Quality Standards Number of days per year when free zone and reduce emission levels of (Scotland) Regs 2007. Maintain levels below air pollution is ‘moderate’ or 2007 PM10 and NO2 from transport. Monitored through the SAC Regulation limit values ‘higher’ for PM10 and/or NO2 Air Quality Strategy
To reduce air quality emissions per person Air Quality Standards per km travelled by promoting and Number of days per year when (Scotland) Regs 2007. Maintain levels below encouraging greater use of public transport air pollution is ‘moderate’ or 2007 Monitored through the SAC Regulation limit values as fuel-efficient transport. ‘higher’ for PM10 and/or NO2 Air Quality Strategy
Climatic To contribute towards the reduction of Carbon emissions per annum National Atmospheric 912 tonnes of Maintain levels below Factors Scottish greenhouse gas emissions from per km2 Emissions Inventory, 2006 carbon per annum the Scottish average transport in line with government targets. per km2 emitted from road transport in South Ayrshire for 2003.
To contribute towards the reduction of Carbon emissions per annum UK Climate Impacts 2007 - Continued Maintain levels below 2 Scottish greenhouse gas emissions from per km Programme Modelling rise in temperature the Scottish average transport in line with government targets (UKCIP) DEFRA (2004) in South Ayrshire predicted and future winters are expected to become wetter and summers drier. These changes will be more pronounced as emission levels of greenhouse gases increase.
Health To improve human health through the Levels of Activity Scottish Government 2003 Raise the percentage of promotion and encouragement of walking people reaching activity and cycling in South Ayrshire levels for adults and Future 2022 children recommended levels by 2022.
To improve and promote road safety in Total number killed or Scottish Government -Road 99 (1994 – 98 40% reduction by 2010 South Ayrshire. seriously injured in RTA Accidents Scotland and average) Scottish Transport Statistics
Biodiversity, To avoid or reduce the impact of transport UK Priority Species and SAC LBAP Monitoring in 2007 Maintain numbers of Flora and on South Ayrshire’s designated non Habitats future Action Plans. Extra priority species and Fauna designated natural habitats and protected indicators may be added. habitats species.
Population To improve public transport provision and Employment SAC Priority investment Further employment linkages to community facilities areas opportunities and 2007 encouragement of investments and growth - indirect
Landscape To avoid or reduce adverse impacts on Tree Preservation Orders SAC 2007 There are 47 Further designations South Ayrshire’s designated landscape existing TPOs in areas and townscape, and conserve or South Ayrshire and enhance South Ayrshire’s local landscape a further 2 potential character TPOs
To avoid or reduce adverse impacts on Scenic Areas SAC 2007(iii) There are currently Continued protection South Ayrshire’s designated landscape 5 designated whilst preventing areas and townscape, and conserve or Scenic Areas unnecessary enhance South Ayrshire’s local landscape development character
To avoid or reduce adverse impacts on Landscape Character Areas Land Use Consultants There are currently Continued protection South Ayrshire’s designated landscape Environmental 1998 16 designated whilst preventing areas and townscape, and conserve or unnecessary
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SEA Objectives Indicator Data Source Baseline Desired Outcome Objective Position (& year)
enhance South Ayrshire’s local landscape LCAs. development character
Noise To reduce the adverse effects of transport Noise complaints Scottish Government Noise Noise recordings Avoid the adverse noise and vibration on noise sensitive and Maps for road transport effects of additional ecological receptors, and minimise the are within transport noise and potential for complaints due to noise recommended vibration on noise pollution. guidelines. sensitive receptors
Material To promote sustainable modes of transport Modal choice: travel to work Scottish Census 2001 Ensure modal shift is Assets and the sustainable use of natural resources 70% by car supported. through cleaner fuel technology 11% bus or train 13 % Other
To promote sustainable modes of transport Recycling Waste minimisation 9% recycling rate A 19% recycling rate by and the sustainable use of natural resources programme (2001/2002) 2010 and 23% by 2013. through cleaner fuel technology The targets also aim to reduce waste to landfill Dumfries and Galloway and by 59% by 2010 and Ayrshire Area Waste Plan 46% by 2013 (SEPA, 2003)
Cultural To conserve or enhance the heritage of Heritage Audit Historic Scotland Heritage The first results of Identify any trends and Heritage historic and cultural assets including their Audit the Audit are not problems in South setting through responsible design and www.heritageaudit.org.uk yet complete Ayrshire to use as a appropriate siting of all transport base for the next
infrastructure assessment.
Soil To remediate areas of contaminated land Soil contamination SAC (2007) There are currently Aim to maintain and where new transport infrastructure is no contaminated conserve the current proposed sites in South soil condition. Ayrshire however there is the potential for over 1000 contaminated sites.
To protect South Ayrshire’s designated Geological Sites East Ayrshire Council, 2001; There are 17 Protect South Ayrshire’s geological sites South Ayrshire Council, Geological SSSIs designated geological 2007iv in South Ayrshire sites
Water To seek to ensure that surface water and Water Quality River Quality Classification The vast majority of Aim that all water ground water bodies are protected from the Scheme, SEPA 2006 watercourses bodies are of good impacts of transport monitored within ecological status by South Ayrshire are 2015 classified as Excellent (A1), Good (A2) or Fair (B)
Flooding Indicative Flooding Map 5 Watercourses Reduce flooding risks To reduce and manage flood risk from and SEPA (2006) particularly at risk through sustainable to transport infrastructure. SAC (2007) from flooding urban drainage 2006
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12 Conclusions
The SEA has introduced changes to the LTS and it has influenced the vision, objectives and policies. The vision ensures that the Local Transport Strategy promotes sustainable transport and protects the natural and built environment. A significant change has been made to the objectives which guide the delivery of all the policies and actions, the original 19 objectives, having been replaced by 10 objectives as a result of the assessment, focusing much more on environmental concerns.
Many of the proposals and policies have been altered as a direct result of the Environmental Assessment. Other important outcomes include a commitment to promoting low carbon technologies and standards, which highlights the Council’s commitment to Scotland’s Climate Change programme. The assessment has aided the LTS to simplify and reduce the number of Actions so that they are specific, relevant, and easy to implement. The cumulative effect of the whole LTS has an overall positive effect on the environment, with considerable contributions to protection and enhancement of natural capital.
The strength of SEA is that, over time, environmental benefits in South Ayrshire stemming from the changes to the LTS will become apparent through trends in environmental data. Monitoring is a key aspect of the process and will provide essential information on which to base future LTS development.
The LTS has fully considered and recognised the need to reduce the impact of travel choices on the environment and health, through sustainable travel modes and increased use of alternative fuel sources. The LTS sets out a sound framework to provide South Ayrshire with an efficient, inclusive and integrated transport network which positively benefits the environment.
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13 Glossary and References
13.1 Abbreviations AQMA Air Quality Management Areas
DEFRA Department for Environmental, Food and Rural Affairs
GIS Geographic Information Systems
HMSO Her Majesty’s Stationary Office
LBAP Local Biodiversity Action Plan
LCA Landscape Character Assessment
LCN Local Cycle Network
LTS Local Transport Strategy
NAQS National Air Quality Standards
NPF National Planning Framework
NPPG National Planning Policy Guidance
NTS National Transport Strategy
PPS Plans, Programmes and Strategies
RTS Regional Transport Strategies
SAC Special Area of Conservation
SAC South Ayrshire Council
SATIN South Ayrshire Transport Initiative
SEA Strategic Environmental Assessment
SEPA Scottish Environment Protection Agency
SNH Scottish Natural Heritage
SPA Special Protection Area
SPP Scottish Planning Policy
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SPT Strathclyde Partnership for Transport
SSSI Site of Special Scientific Interest
STAG Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance
TOC Train Operating Company
13.2 Glossary Consultation Authority – A specialist body with environmental expertise that can consider plans and programmes submitted by a Responsible Authority. The consultation authorities are; Scottish Ministers (Historic Scotland), Scottish Environment Protection Agency and Scottish Natural Heritage[2]
PPS – Other related Plans, Programmes and Strategies.
NTS – Scotland's National Transport Strategy sets out the Scottish Government’s long term vision for transport, together with our objectives, priorities and plans.
NPF – National Planning Framework. The legislation requires Ministers to prepare the Framework with the objective of contributing to sustainable development and to review it every 5 years. The NPF2 will guide Scotland’s spatial development to 2030, setting out strategic development priorities to support the Scottish Government’s central purpose – promote sustainable economic development.
RTS – Regional Transport Strategies provide a regional perspective on transport in Scotland and clearly set out a framework for the future direction of investment in, and management of, transport for the next 10 – 15 years.
SEA – Strategic Environmental Assessment is a systematic method for considering the likely environmental effects of a plan, programme or strategy and aims to integrate environmental factors into policy preparation and decision-making. It also has an important role to play in increasing public participation and facilitating openness and transparency in decision-making..
SEPA – Scottish Environment Protection Agency. Scotland’s environmental regulator and adviser, responsible to the Scottish Parliament through Ministers. As well as their role in controlling pollution, they also work with others to protect and improve our environment[3].
SNH – Scottish Natural Heritage has a role to look after the natural heritage, help people to enjoy and value it, and encourage people to use it sustainably.
STAG – Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance outlines a process that assists transport planners and decision-makers in the development of multi modal transport policies, plans, programmes and projects.
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13.3 References Air Quality in Scotland (extracted from website 08/2007) Pollutants. Available from: http://www.scottishairquality.co.uk/
Ayrshire Joint Structure Plan & Transportation Committee (2006), Ayrshire joint Structure Plan 2025: Growing a Sustainable Ayrshire Environmental Assessment. Available from; http://www.ayrshire-jsu.gov.uk.
Ayrshire Paths (2007) Cycling Ayrshire. Available from: http://www.ayrshirepaths.org.uk/
Ayrshire Rivers Trust (2007). Available from: http://www.ayrshireriverstrust.org
DfT (2002) Regional and Local Road Transport Statistics 2002.
DfT (2005) Walking and Cycling – Success Stories.
DfT (2004) - Future of Transport – Modeling and Analysis - Figure 3.10: Historic and forecast road transport CO2.
East Ayrshire Council (2001). Ayrshire Local Biodiversity Action Plan – Safeguarding Our
Natural Environm ent.
Forestry Commission (2007). Available from: http://www.forestry.gov.uk/website/fchomepages.nsf/hp/Scotland
General Register Office (1999). Estim ated Statistics.
General Register Office for Scotland 2004 (Last updated 2005) Based Population Projections for Scottish Areas. Available from: http://www.gro- scotland.gov.uk/statistics/publications-and-data/popproj/04pop-proj-scottishareas/list-of- tables.html#table1
Historic Scotland (2007i) Inventory of Listed Buildings/ Inventory of Scheduled Ancient Monuments/ Inventory of Gardens and Designed Landscapes. Available from: http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/
Historic Scotland (2007ii) Listed Buildings Available from: http://www.historic- scotland.gov.uk/index/historicbuildings/listedbuildings.htm
Jacobs (2007) South Ayrshire Council Local Transport Strategy 2008-2013 - Strategic Environmental Assessment Scoping Report.
JNCC (2001) SPA Review Sites Account. Available from: http://www.jncc.gov.uk/page-1417
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JNCC (2007i) (as extracted on 24/8/2007) UK Index – Regional Breakdown of the distribution of the UK SPA network. Available from: http://www.jncc.gov.uk/page-2598
JNCC (2007ii) (as extracted on 24/8/2007) SACs in Scotland. Available from: http://www.jncc.gov.uk/ProtectedSites/SACselection/SAC_list.asp?Country=S
Land Use Consultants Environmental (1998) Ayrshire Landscape Assessment
Macaulay Institute, University of Stirling (2006) Scotland’s Soil Resource – current state and threats
National Atmospheric Emissions Inventory (published 2006) Average of Area Sources for Postcode KA7 1DR for 2003. http://www.naei.org.uk/emissions/postcode_2003.php?f_postcode=KA7+1DR+&radius=5
PASTMAP (2007) http://jura.rcahms.gov.uk/PASTMAP/Map
Registrar General for Scotland (2005) Life Expectancy for Administrative Areas within Scotland 2002-2004.
Scottish Government (2003) Scottish Health Survey. Available from: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Health
Scottish Government (2006) Table 35 - Casualties by police force, council, severity and road type
Scottish Government (2005) Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act.
Scottish Government (2006) Scotland’s Railways. Available from: http://www.snh.org.uk/pdfs/strategy/trends/SNH_Trends.pdf
Scottish Governm ent (Last updated 2007) Health Educ ation Population Su rvey.
Scottish Government (2008) Strategic Noise Mapping Data.
Scottish Geology (2007) Geology of Scotland Map, http://www.scottishgeology.com/geology/geology_of_scotland_map/scotland.html
Scrol (2001) Comparative Health Profile – South Ayrshire Council Area Scotland. Available from: http://www.scrol.gov.uk/scrol/browser/profile.jsp?profile=Population&mainLevel=CouncilAre a&mainArea=South+Ayrshire&mainText=&mainTextExplicitMatch=null&compLevel=Countr yProfile&compText=&compTextExplicitMatch=null
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Scrol (2001i) Comparative Population Profile – South Ayrshire Council Area, Scotland. Available from: http://www.scrol.gov.uk/scrol/browser/profile.jsp?profile=Population&mainLevel=CouncilAre a&mainArea=South+Ayrshire&mainText=&mainTextExplicitMatch=null&compLevel=Countr yProfile&compText=&compTextExplicitMatch=null
Scrol (2001ii) Various pages on website. Available from: http://www.scrol.gov.uk
Scottish Neighborhood Statistics (2007) Quick Profile report for Data Zone S01005586 which contains postcode KA7 1DR Available from: http://www.sns.gov.uk/Reports/Report.aspx?ReportId=1&PostCode=KA7%201DR
SEPA – Water Classifications. Available from:
SEPA (2003) Ayrshire, Dumfries and Galloway Area Waste Plan. Available from: http://www.sepa.org.uk/NWS/areas/ayrshire_dumfries_galloway/awp/index.html
SEPA (2005) The Water Environment Controlled Activities (Scotland) Regulations 2005 Available from: http://www.sepa.org.uk/pdf/wfd/regimes/car_practical_guide.pdf
SEPA (2006) State of Scotland’s Environment. Available from: http://www.sepa.org.uk/pdf/publications/state_of/2006/soe_2006.pdf
SNH (2001) Natural Heritage Trends Scotland 2001. Available from: http://www.snh.gov.uk/pubs/results.asp?o=title&c=-1&id=72
SNH (2006i). 'SAC, SPA, Ramsar, NNR' Jacobs GIS Dataset
SNH (2007ii) ‘Country Parks registered in Scotland’. Available from: http://www.snh.org.uk/pdfs/strategy/countryparks/CountryParks.xls
SNH (2002iii), Natural Heritage Zones: A National Assessment of Scotland’s Landscapes, http://www.snh.org.uk/futures/Data/pdfdocs/LANDSCAPES.pdf [cited 11 September 2007]
SNIFFER (2006) Handbook of Climate Trends across Scotland. Available from: http://www.sniffer.org.uk/climatehandbook/
South Ayrshire Council (2003) Inspection Strategy for the Identification and remediation of contaminated land.
South Ayrshire Council (2005) A77 Safety Group. Available from: http://www.south- ayrshire.gov.uk
South Ayrshire Council (2005) Progress Report 2005 – Raising Standards, Protecting You. Available from: http://www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk
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South Ayrshire Council (2006) Local Air Quality Management. Updating and Screening Assessment 2006. Raising Standards, Protecting You. Available from: http://www.south- ayrshire.gov.uk
South Ayrshire Council (2007) South Ayrshire Local Plan. Available from: http://www.south- ayrshire.gov.uk
South Ayrshire Council (2007i) Wildlife Strategy. Available from: http://www.south- ayrshire.gov.uk
South Ayrshire Council (2007ii) Client Meeting 13 June 2007. Available from: http://www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk
South Ayrshire Council (2007iii) South Ayrshire Local Plan 2007. Available from: http://www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk
South Ayrshire Council (2007iv) Geographical Information Systems on website. Available from: http://www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk
South Ayrshire Council (2007v) Environmental Health – Noise and Vibration Complaints. Information provided on 14 June 2007 Available from: http://www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk
South Ayrshire Council (2007vi) Environmental Health. Available from: http://www.south- ayrshire.gov.uk
South Ayrshire Council (2007v) Statistics provided by SAC.
Steer Davies Gleave (2006) Driving up Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Road Transport: An analysis of current government objections. http://www.foe.co.uk/resource/briefings/driving_up_co2_emissions.pdf
Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (2007) Environmental Report for the Regional Transport Strategy for the West of Scotland 2007-2021 Consultative Draft.
Sustrans (2006) Annual Review. Available from: http://www.sustrans.org.uk/
Sustrans (2007). The National Cycle Network Available from: http://www.sustrans.org.uk/
SWT (as provided Aug 2007) Site Boundary Maps of SWT Wildlife Sites.
The Deer Initiative (2006) National Deer – Vehicle Collisions Project. Scotland (2003-2005). Available from: http://www.thedeerinitiative.co.uk/
The National Byway (2007) Britain’s Heritage Cycle Route. Available from: http://www.thenationalbyway.org/
UK Air Quality Archive (2001) Estimated Background Air Pollution Maps for 2001. http://www.airquality.co.uk/archive/laqm/tools/385_2004.csv
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UK Air Quality Archive (extracted from website 08/2007) Estimated Background Air Pollution Data for 2001 and Projections for Other Years. http://www.airquality.co.uk/archive/laqm/tools/385_2004.csv
UK Climate Impacts Programme (2007) Scenarios Gateway. http://www.ukcip.org.uk/scenarios
Appendices
Appendix A: PPS Review
Appendix B: Scoping Consultation Responses
Appendix C: Environmental Baseline
Appendix D: Compatibility Assessment
Appendix E: Environmental Assessment
Appendix F: Residual Effects
Appendix G: Cumulative Effects Assessment
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South Ayrshire Council Local Transport Strategy 2009-2014 SEA Environmental Report Appendices
21 st January 2009
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South Ayrshire Council Local Transport Strategy Environmental Report Appendices
Document control sheet Form IP180/B
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Local Transport Strategy: Project: Strategic Environmental Assessment Local Transport Strategy Title: Strategic Environmental Assessment Environmental Report
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South Ayrshire Council Local Transport Strategy Environmental Report Appendices
Contents
Appendix A: Review of Relevant PPS and Environmental Objectives ...... 1
Appendix B: Consultation Comments ...... 15
Appendix C – Environmental Baseline ...... 19
Appendix D: Vision Assessment ...... 69
Appendix E: Environmental Assessment of LTS Policies and Proposals ...... 92
Appendix F: Residual Effects ...... 136
Appendix G: Cumulative Effects Assessment ...... 166
South Ayrshire Council Local Transport Strategy Environmental Report Appendices
Appendix A: Review of Relevant PPS and Environmental Objectives
Name of PPS Main environmental requirements of PPS objective How it affects or is affected by the LTS in terms of SEA issues referred to in Schedule 3 of the Act
Biodiversity, Flora and Fauna
Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (The • An intergovernmental treaty, which provides the framework for national action and The LTS should aim to protect Scottish Ramsar sites from loss or damage 'Ramsar Convention') international cooperation for the conservation and sustainable use of, and by new infrastructure. designation of, wetlands and their resources.
The Convention on Biological Diversity (The 'Rio Convention’) • To develop national strategies for the conservation and sustainable use of The integration and sustainable use of biological diversity will need to be biological diversity (i.e. BAPs). All parties are required to develop new or adapt clearly incorporated into the LTS with adherence to the UK and Scottish existing national strategies, plans or programmes for the conservation, integration National Biodiversity Plans and any processes or activities that would and sustainable use of biological diversity (Article 6) and include the identification cause adverse impacts should be identified and subsequently monitored. and monitoring of biological diversity components. • Processes and categories of activities that are likely to have significant adverse impacts on the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity are required to be identified and monitored (Article 7)
Global Programme of Action for the Protection of the Marine • Guidance on the prevention and protection of the marine environment from land- The LTS should take into consideration the impacts and suitable mitigation Environment from Land-Based Activities based activities. of, infrastructure proposals on the marine environment including flooding, run-off and coastline erosion
Bern Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife • Promotes the co-operation between European and some African states to ensure The LTS should aim to protect Appendix 1 and 11 sites from loss or and Natural Habitats the protection of biodiversity and conserve wild flora and fauna and their natural damage by development. habitats (as listed in Appendices 1 and 11 of the Convention)
Council Directive 79/409/EEC on the conservation of wild • Requires the protection of all wild birds, including their nests, eggs and habitats, The LTS should aim to protect SPAs from development. Natura 2000 sites birds (The 'Birds Directive') through the identification and classification of Special Protection Areas (SPAs) require Appropriate Assessments if development is either within, adjacent (which along with Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), designated under the or up to 15km from an SPA and confirmation from SNH should be sought ‘Habitats Directive’, make up Natura 2000 sites). on this.
Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the Conservation of natural • Requires the protection of species listed in the Directive's Annexes by the The LTS should aim to protect SACs from development. Natura 2000 sites habitats and of wild fauna and flora (The 'Habitats' Directive) identification and classification of Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) which require Appropriate Assessments if development is either within, adjacent along with Special Protection Areas, designated under the 'Birds Directive', make or up to 15km from an SAC and confirmation from SNH should be sought up Natura 2000 sites) on this.
The Pan-European Biological and Landscape Diversity • Promotes the reversal of biological and landscape diversity degradation including The LTS should aim to integrate biological diversity within transport Strategy the integration of these into social and economic sectors, the identification of proposals (landscape diversity is discussed under the ‘Landscape section action required over the next two decades and the promotion of a consistent below) approach and common objectives for national and regional action to implement the Convention on Biological Diversity.
EU Biodiversity Strategy COM 98(42) • Aims to prevent and reduce the loss of species and habitats across Europe and The LTS should seek to support these aims and identify measures to the importance of biodiversity outside of protected areas should be taken into protect ecological resources, including Natura 2000 sites, habitat networks account, undertaken by: and wildlife corridors. • Supporting the implementation of the Habitats and Birds Directives and the
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South Ayrshire Council Local Transport Strategy Environmental Report Appendices
Name of PPS Main environmental requirements of PPS objective How it affects or is affected by the LTS in terms of SEA issues referred to in Schedule 3 of the Act
establishment of protected species networks and plans for priority resources.
The Conservation (Habitats & c.) Regulations 1994 (‘Habitats • Measures relating to the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and The LTS proposals must comply with this legislation. Regulations’) flora. • Provides for the designation and protection of ‘European Sites’ (SACs, SPAs and RAMSAR sites). • Protection of European protected species (such as bats and great crested newts).
UK Biodiversity Action Plan • Includes action plans for the conservation of 391 species, 45 habitats and local The LTS should seek to support, via mitigation measures or route biodiversity action plan targets. identification, the targets identified in the UK and Scottish BAPs for species and habitats most likely to be affected.
Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 • Places a duty on public bodies in relation to the conservation of biodiversity. The LTS should protect biodiversity and avoid adverse impacts on SSSIs. • Increases protection for Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). • Strengthens wildlife enforcement legislation.
Scotland's Biodiversity - It's In Your Hands. A Strategy for the • Requires the conservation and enhancement of Scotland's biodiversity over a 25 The LTS should support these aims, and promote biodiversity conservation conservation and enhancement of biodiversity in Scotland year period. Conservation is sought at a broader scale, reversal of key species and enhancement. decline, awareness of landscape or ecosystem biodiversity and promotes knowledge, understanding and involvement amongst people.
National Planning Policy Guideline (NPPG) 14 Natural • Provides guidance on the Government's policies for the conservation and The LTS should aim to ensure that transport infrastructure proposal would Heritage enhancement of Scotland's natural heritage, which covers plants and animals, not adversely affect Scotland's natural heritage and identify enhancement landforms, geology, natural beauty and amenity, to be reflected in land use opportunities where possible. Natural heritage policies contained within planning. Structure Plans should be adhered to.
Ayrshire Local Biodiversity Action Plan – Safeguarding our • Safeguard against reduction of priority species populations. The LTS should not compromise the aims and objectives of the LBAP and Natural Environment (2001) • Safeguard against net loss of area or quality of key habitats in Ayrshire. aim to promote biodiversity where possible. • Identify and record location and extent of key species and habitats in Ayrshire. • Set and pursue targets for the extension and enhanced management of priority species and habitats in Ayrshire. • Raise awareness of biodiversity generally and encourage involvement across all sectors of the community. • Setup adequate monitoring systems so progress of the plan can be measured.
South Ayrshire Wildlife Strategy (2002) The Strategy seeks to ensure the most effective use of resources in terms of "on the The LTS should not compromise the aims and objectives of the LBAP and ground" action to: aim to promote wildlife conservation and enhancement where possible.
• Protect and promote the proper management of sites of nature conservation importance. • Provide for the enhancement and creation of habitats for wildlife. • Develop and protect a network of "green corridors" through the Council area. • Raise awareness of, and provide opportunities for involvement in, biodiversity
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South Ayrshire Council Local Transport Strategy Environmental Report Appendices
Name of PPS Main environmental requirements of PPS objective How it affects or is affected by the LTS in terms of SEA issues referred to in Schedule 3 of the Act
conservation.
Population
A Better Future Together - The South Ayrshire Community The Plan is designed to make South Ayrshire a better place to live and capture the The LTS should be compatible with the aims of the Plan with particular Plan 2006 - 2010 public service improvements committed to by the members of the Community reference to increasing the proportion of people that walk, cycle or travel on
Partnership. The aims of the Plan are to make South Ayrshire more; public transport and decreasing the level of transport related CO 2 • prosperous emissions. Aims also include supporting programmes that promote cycling and walking and improving footpaths and cycle paths in both urban and • healthy and caring rural areas. In addition, other transport related objectives include • safe developing transport and communications needed by service industries, • learning and achieving with actions to develop transport links to the M74, Prestwick Airport, the • clean and attractive ports at Troon and Ayr as well as the rest of the UK, and to reduce the number of serious road accidents through improved road safety
EU Environmental Noise Directive (2002/49/EC) • Requires the provision of a common basis for tackling noise problems across the The LTS should consider the implications of noise levels imposed by new EU. infrastructure developments and include the identification of those areas where detailed regional assessments may be required.
Improving Health in Scotland – The Challenge • Overarching strategy for health that covers physical, social and mental health. The LTS should avoid exacerbating any existing patterns of health Raises awareness of health as a cross sectoral issue, and notes the need to inequalities and aim to support physical and social improvements in address key risk factors. Scotland. • Raises issue of health inequalities in Scotland, and states that Community Planning Partnerships are an important mechanism for overcoming this at the local level, including by helping to improve physical and social environments.
Closing the Opportunity Gap This is the Scottish Executive’s overall approach to reducing social disadvantage in The LTS can contribute to one of the objectives in terms of improving Scotland. The six objectives include: access for rural communities. • increasing employment opportunities for disadvantaged groups; • building confidence and skills of young people; • reducing financial exclusion; • neighbourhood regeneration; • health improvement; and • provision of improved access to services.
Human Health
Let’s Make Scotland More Active • Aims to ensure that the Scottish population becomes more active, setting the The LTS should contribute to the strategy objectives by identifying target of all adults accumulating at least 30 minutes of moderate activity on most improvements to links to facilities and promoting walking and cycling days of the week, and an hour for children. By achieving improved rates of opportunities where possible activity, levels of chronic heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, colon cancer could be substantially reduced.
Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 • Sets out a new right of responsible access in Scotland, and makes provisions for The LTS should aim to keep the countryside open to walkers, cyclists and
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South Ayrshire Council Local Transport Strategy Environmental Report Appendices
Name of PPS Main environmental requirements of PPS objective How it affects or is affected by the LTS in terms of SEA issues referred to in Schedule 3 of the Act
community right to buy. Objectives include the development of core paths by equestrians, through maintaining access of all existing and proposed paths. each local authority area, promoting the opening up of the countryside and functional walking, cycling and riding and thereby supporting improved levels of physical activity.
South Ayrshire Council’s Joint Health Improvement Plan Still in progress The LTS should seek to address health issues through the promotion of (JHIP) cycling and walking where possible.
South Ayrshire Council’s Joint Community Care Plan (2001- • Aims to develop successful community care services for all groups. The Plan’s The LTS should take into consideration the needs of all community groups, 2004) values and principles include normalisation, choice, empowerment, equal including the elderly and those with disabilities. opportunities, respect, quality, safeguard rights, partnership, equity, public accountability.
Soil/Land Use/Geology
EU Thematic Strategy for Soil Protection • Includes measures to address soil erosion, organic matter decline, compaction, The LTS should take soil protection into account and prevent any adverse salinisation, contaminated sites, identification of polluting/polluted sites and impacts associated with transport infrastructure. remediation strategies and includes a development of a new Directive. • Member States are required to identify risk areas, produce soil reports, develop associated programmes of measures and targets, use appropriate construction techniques and products which would allow as many soil functions as possible to be maintained, awareness raising, reporting and exchange of information.
South Ayrshire Council’s Inspection Strategy for the • Sets out South Ayrshire Council’s strategy for contaminated land inspections, as The LTS should take into consideration areas identified as being identification and remediation of contaminated land October required under the Contaminated Land (Scotland) Regulations 2000. contaminated during the decision making process. 2001 Reviewed 2003
Water
Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) • An overarching strategy for water management, including a requirement for EU The LTS should seek to ensure that adverse impacts on the water Member States to ensure that they achieve ‘good ecological status’ for all surface environment, including abstractions, dams, water flows and engineering and ground waters by 2015 and limit the quantity of groundwater abstraction so works affecting watercourse banks and beds are avoided where possible as not to adversely affect ecology. River Basin Management Plans and public and that the aims of the Scotland and other regional and local River participation are defined as the key means of achieving this. Basement Management Plans should be considered.
Water Environment and Water Services (Scotland) Act 2003 Transposes the EU Water Framework Directive into Scottish law. Aims to protect the Scope to complement the activities of SEPA in developing RBMPs and (WEWS Act) water environment by: applying Controlled Activities Regulations (CAR) should be considered • ensuring a reliable and high quality supply of water; during the preparation of the LTS. • significantly reduce groundwater pollution; • protect marine and other waters; and • sets out arrangements for River Basin Management Planning and Controlled Activities Regulations.
The Water Environment (Controlled Activities Scotland) • Provide the process to regulate activities that have the potential to affect The LTS should take into account the requirements of the 'CAR'
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South Ayrshire Council Local Transport Strategy Environmental Report Appendices
Name of PPS Main environmental requirements of PPS objective How it affects or is affected by the LTS in terms of SEA issues referred to in Schedule 3 of the Act
Regulations 2005 (The 'CAR' Regulations) Scotland’s water environment. It states that authorisation is required under the regulations when identifying new transport proposals. regulations for discharging to waters, disposal of pollutants to land, abstractions, impoundments and engineering works affecting water bodies.
Scotland's Bathing Waters A Strategy for Improvement • Aims to reduce water pollution to improve bathing water. It notes the extent of Impacts from run-off should be considered within the LTS and the use of small sources or land use practices can play in affecting water quality, known as SUDS should be promoted. diffuse pollution, which includes farming activities and run-off from built up areas including roads, car parks etc. Mitigation measures include the use of Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS).
SPP 7 Planning and Flooding • Requires developers and planning authorities to take into account flood risk in The LTS should take into account flood risk during identification of sites for considering sites for new development, avoiding areas at significant risk from transport infrastructure. The potential additional influence of climate change flooding, safeguarding functional floodplains and the loss of flood water storage should also be borne in mind given the long term nature of the document. capacity. • Sets out a national risk framework, and prescribes appropriate responses in accordance with varying levels of flood risk. Notes that proposals for development that rely on flood prevention measures should be viewed with caution.
Air
The Air Quality Framework Directive (1996/62/EC) • The Directive sets out the principles for ambient air quality monitoring, Air quality should be taken into account to include the consideration of assessment and management and includes four daughter directives detailing limit more sustainable measures to reduce the need to travel. values for specific pollutants. The first daughter directive (1999/30/EC) which deals with sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and oxides of nitrogen, particulate matter and lead, the second daughter directive (2000/69/EC) deals with carbon monoxide and benzene, third daughter directive (2002/3/EC) relates to ozone and the fourth daughter directive (2004/107/EC) covers arsenic, cadmium, mercury, nickel and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in ambient air.
EU Thematic Strategy on Air Pollution • Cut the annual number of premature deaths from air pollution-related diseases by The LTS should take into consideration transport's impacts on human 40% from the 2000 level by 2020. health and aim to provide transport's share of the 2020 reduction. • Reduce the area of forests and other ecosystems suffering damage from airborne pollutants by 2020. • Focuses on all major air pollutants, fine dust (particulates) and ground-level ozone pollution. The strategy will regulate fine airborne particulates (PM2.5), which penetrate deep into human lungs. • Air quality legislation will be streamlined into a single Ambient Air Quality Directive.
The Air Quality Strategy for England, Scotland, Wales and • Aims to protect people's health and the environment through improvement and The LTS should aim to reduce air pollutants to help achieve the objectives Northern Ireland. Working Together for Clean Air Addendum protection measures for ambient air quality. as set out in the Strategy, through more sustainable forms of transport. • Health-based standards and objectives for the eight main air pollutants (benzene, 1,3 butadiene, carbon monoxide, lead, nitrogen dioxide, particles (PM10) and
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South Ayrshire Council Local Transport Strategy Environmental Report Appendices
Name of PPS Main environmental requirements of PPS objective How it affects or is affected by the LTS in terms of SEA issues referred to in Schedule 3 of the Act
sulphur dioxide) performance monitoring measures are included alongside requirements for local authorities to declare Air Quality Management Areas where air quality standards are failing.
Air Quality Limit Values (Scotland) Regulations 2007 • Transposes the requirements of Directive 2002/2/EC into national legislation The LTS should seek to address air quality issues and comply with the • Sets target values and long term objectives for levels of ozone in ambient air requirements of the Regulations, where appropriate. • Requires a duty to ensure compliance with limit values of relevant pollutants in
ambient air (SO 2, NO 2, NOx, PM 10 , CO, Lead, Benzene, and Ozone). • Requires the production of action plans where there is a risk of exceeding limit values for any relevant pollutants.
Local Air Quality Management; Updating and Screening • The report forms the Updating and Screening Assessment (USA) of the second The LTS should aim to help meet these targets by minimising emissions Assessment 2006’ (South Ayrshire) round of the Review and Assessment process. Local authorities are required to where possible. conduct a review and assessment of air quality in their area to assess compliance with the standards and objectives set out in the NAQS. • The report concludes that concentrations of carbon monoxide, benzene, 1,3- butadiene, lead, nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide are unlikely to exceed any of the respective NAQS objectives and that a detailed assessment is therefore
not required for South Ayrshire. However, PM 10 emissions from road traffic and other dust emitting activities may result in an exceedence of the stricter 2010 NAQS objectives.
The Future of Air Transport - White Paper and the Civil The basic principles whereby all environmental objectives in the White Paper stem The White Paper supports the growth of Aviation Bill (2003) from are; terminal and support facilities at Glasgow Prestwick airport should be • We will respect targets on air and water quality which have been agreed to developed to accommodate the likely increase in passenger and freight protect human health and the wider environment. traffic once current capacity of around 3mppa has been reached, • We will require that airport developments are consistent with existing prospectively within the next 5 to 10 years. The Paper also supports arrangements for the control of the noise impacts of aviation. improved access to and from the airport via rail and improvements to the M77/A77. Recent developments in the aerospace sector at Glasgow • We will work constructively with our European and, where appropriate, Prestwick include the creation of an aerospace park. international colleagues to develop further procedures and regimes for managing noise, including night noise. The scope of the LTS does not cover the primary issues being dealt with in the White Paper. However the LTS should recognise the main transport implications regarding access to Prestwick Airport given any plans for airport expansion.
Climatic Factors
Kyoto Protocol • Commitment to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide and five other greenhouse The LTS should aim to help meet these targets, minimising emissions gases, or engage in emissions trading if emission levels continue or increase. where possible. • The objective is the "stabilization of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference
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South Ayrshire Council Local Transport Strategy Environmental Report Appendices
Name of PPS Main environmental requirements of PPS objective How it affects or is affected by the LTS in terms of SEA issues referred to in Schedule 3 of the Act
with the climate system". • The EU has agreed a unilateral 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020.
European Climate Change Programme (including First and • Aims to deliver the EU Kyoto Protocol commitment to reduce greenhouse gas Promote modal shift, new technologies and cleaner fuels which would
Second Programmes) emissions to 8% below 1990 levels by 2008 - 2012. positively promote a reduction in CO 2 by transport related emissions.
UK Climate Change Programme • To deliver the UK's commitment of 12.5% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions Take into account the UK wide emission reduction targets and consider from 1990 levels by 2008 – 2012. measures that would positively contribute to these targets e.g. reducing the need to travel and encouraging sustainable transport modes. • To deliver the UK's domestic target of 20% reduction in 1990 levels of CO 2 emissions by 2010.
Draft Climate Change Bill • Aims to introduce a clear, credible, long-term framework for the UK to achieve its Take into account Scotland's share of carbon reductions and the transport goals of reducing carbon dioxide emissions and ensure steps are taken towards sector's responsibility, and identify steps to be taken to adapt to climate adapting to the impacts of climate change. change.
Changing Our Ways - Scotland's Climate Change • To inform the NTS. The LTS should aim to help meet these targets where possible. Key areas Programme • Support the UK's commitments to include aviation and surface transport where this can be achieved include promotion of sustainable travel through emissions in EU Emissions Trading System. modal shift. • Ensure 5% of UK fuel sold is biofuel by 2010. • Promote new and cleaner vehicle technologies and fuels. • Promote sustainable travel and modal shift.
South Ayrshire’s Climate Change Declaration Contribute to the delivery of the UK and Scotland’s Climate Change Programmes, The LTS should incorporate the climate change targets and actions as set which include: by the SAC. • reduce greenhouse gas emissions; • adapt to future climate change scenarios; • set targets and actions, recording outcomes achieved in an annual statement; and • ensure these measures are incorporated into plans, strategies and programmes. Material Assets (includes waste)
European Transport Policy for 2010 White Paper • Requires the revitalisation of railways, improvements in the quality of road The LTS will require taking on board these principles and will help to transport, balanced approach to air transport growth and the environment, establish a sustainable transport system. promote intermodality and other transport sector requirements. • It also requires the development of medium and long-term environmental objectives for a sustainable transport system
The Future of Air Transport White Paper • Emphasises the need to manage and reduce environmental effects of the growth The LTS should consider the environmental implications associated with of the sector, by meeting air quality and other environmental standards and Prestwick airport expansion proposals. minimising environmental damage. • Measures include emissions trading for tackling the aviation industry's greenhouse gas emissions. Expansion, improvement and land safeguard
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South Ayrshire Council Local Transport Strategy Environmental Report Appendices
Name of PPS Main environmental requirements of PPS objective How it affects or is affected by the LTS in terms of SEA issues referred to in Schedule 3 of the Act
proposals are included for Prestwick airport.
Scotland's National Transport Strategy (and associated SEA) • Aims include improving journey times and connections, reducing emissions, and The LTS should take the provisions of the NTS into account and aim for improving the quality, accessibility and affordability of public transport. efficient transport infrastructure, reduction in the number of car journeys • A commitment to introducing a carbon balance sheet that will be applied in and increase opportunities for walking, cycling and use of public transport. relation to each key decision under the strategy.
The Transport (Scotland) Act 2005 • Legislation by which guidance on establishing regional transport bodies is issued. The LTS SEA will take into consideration the environmental objectives as Regional transport bodies then have a responsibility to undertake Regional laid out by the RTS SEA. Transport Strategies (RTS)
West of Scotland Transport Partnership SEA Environmental • Requires the Regional Transport Strategy (RTS) to meet the environmental The LTS SEA will take into consideration the environmental objectives as Report objectives as laid out in the SEA. laid out by the RTS SEA.
Building a Better Scotland Infrastructure Investment Plan: • To improve Scotland's environment and promote sustainable development. Key The LTS should promote sustainable transport proposals. Investing in the Future of Scotland areas to achieve this include: water, environmental protection (flooding/ coasts/waste management), rural development, fisheries, forestry, natural heritage and agricultural and botanical science.
SPP 17 Planning for Transport • Sets out their relationship between land use planning and transport and The LTS will provide proposals relating to strategic transport choices recognises that more sustainable transport choices are required and the overall including more sustainable transport proposals for passenger and freight need for travel to be reduced. journeys. The LTS will recognise the importance of integrating land use • Assessment of development proposals involves getting location policy right; and transport while helping to reduce the overall need to travel. having a set of maximum parking standards; using Transport Assessment methodology; and using travel plans to promote sustainable transport to end users of developments. • Developers must be prepared to mitigate impacts through contributing to necessary works.
Council Directive 99/31/EC ' Landfill Directive' • The strategy is part of the EU's Environmental Action Programme, and requires a The LTS should adhere to the strategy aims to promote the prevention of reduction in the overall negative environmental impact of resource use by waste, recycling and recovery of waste in the transport infrastructure preventing waste generation and promoting recycling and the recovery of waste. proposals. These objectives will assist in meeting the EU’s long-term goal of becoming a recycling society that seeks to use waste as a resource. • Proposals include modernising the existing legal framework, and streamlining EU waste law. • The strategy includes measures to promote waste prevention and recycling, including options other than landfill with a review in 2010 and re-use including more compost and energy recovery from waste.
Taking Sustainable Resources Forward: A Thematic Strategy • The strategy sets out a framework for Scotland to reduce the amount of waste The LTS should consider sustainable waste management practices in the on the Prevention and Recycling of Waste produced and sustainable measures on how to deal with waste. decision making process. • Covers all household, commercial and industrial waste and states how landfill can be reduced and how to increase reused and recycled waste. • States that more sustainable waste management practices, by reducing the
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South Ayrshire Council Local Transport Strategy Environmental Report Appendices
Name of PPS Main environmental requirements of PPS objective How it affects or is affected by the LTS in terms of SEA issues referred to in Schedule 3 of the Act
quantity and hazardous state of waste and increasing the amount of value recovered, should be achieved.
The National Waste Strategy • Implements the National Waste Strategy (SEPA, 1999) and outlines how The LTS should consider opportunities for reducing the environmental increased levels of recycling and an overall reduction in waste production can be impacts of waste. achieved by 2020. • Key aims include reducing landfill waste, increasing recycling, composting and energy from waste, reducing the environmental impacts of waste management and addressing current environmental injustices.
The National Waste Plan • Highlights the need to reduce waste produced and for the reduction in travel of The LTS should consider opportunities for waste reduction and reuse
waste by road with a consequent reduction CO 2 and emissions. where possible. Available waste disposal facilities and sustainable methods • Aims to achieve a better planned and more inclusive approach to providing sites of transporting waste to them should also be taken into consideration in for waste management. order to contribute to waste management objectives.
NPPG 10 Planning and Waste Management. • Requires a reduction in the overall negative environmental impact of resource use The LTS should adhere to the strategy aims to promote the prevention of by preventing waste generation and promoting recycling and the recovery of waste, recycling and recovery of waste in the transport infrastructure waste. These objectives will assist in meeting the EU’s long-term goal of proposals. becoming a recycling society that seeks to use waste as a resource. • Proposals include modernising the existing legal framework, and streamlining EU waste law. The strategy therefore includes measures to promote waste prevention and recycling, including options other than landfill with a review in 2010 and re-use including more compost and energy recovery from waste.
National Waste Strategy: Scotland. Ayrshire, Dumfries and • To contribute to the sustainable development of the Ayrshire, Dumfries and The LTS should take into consideration waste generation during the Galloway. (2003) Galloway Waste Strategy Area by developing waste-management systems that decision making process. will control waste generation, reduce the environmental impacts of waste production, improve resource efficiency, stimulate investment and maximise the economic opportunities arising from waste.
Cultural Heritage
The Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) • Sets out the protection offered to listed buildings and designated conservation The LTS should take into account the authorisation set out in the Act (Scotland) Act 1997 areas. should any alterations to a listed building be required as a result of a proposal.
The Protection of Wrecks Act 1973 • Sets out the protection offered to wrecks in territorial wrecks and their sites. The LTS should take into account the requirements of this Act should any proposals result in works being undertaken in waters off the coast of South Ayrshire.
Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979 • Sets out the protection offered to Scheduled Ancient Monuments and other The LTS should take into account the protection offered to these historical designated areas of archaeological importance. sites when considering proposal options.
Passed to the Future: Historic Scotland's Policy for the • Sets out the key principles for achieving a sustainable historic environment, The LTS and its associated SEA should be developed within the guidelines
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South Ayrshire Council Local Transport Strategy Environmental Report Appendices
Name of PPS Main environmental requirements of PPS objective How it affects or is affected by the LTS in terms of SEA issues referred to in Schedule 3 of the Act
Sustainable Management of the Historic Environment including recognising value and assessing impacts, notes the natural and human and principles set out within this document. impacts on the historic environment which should be taken into account and states that the precautionary principle should be applied where historic resources are unknown.
Memorandum of Guidance on Listed Buildings and • Sets out the protection offered to listed buildings and conservation areas and The LTS should take into account the protection offered to these historical Conservation Areas 1998 provides guidance on the action needed should new development potentially sites when considering proposal options. affect these sites.
NPPG 5 Archaeology and Planning • Sets out the Government's planning policy on archaeological sites, including the The protection and preservation of archaeological remains must be taken weight that should be given to them in planning decisions. Notes that both into account and, where appropriate, the enhancement of national and designated sites and unknown resources are of importance to the cultural international sites of archaeological importance. heritage and identity of Scotland.
NPPG 18 Planning and the Historic Environment • Sets the requirement for the safeguarding of the historic environment, protection The historic environment should be protected and taken into account when from inappropriate development and integration of conservation with policies making strategic locational decisions. including transport.
Landscape
European Landscape Convention • The Convention notes that protection, management and planning of all The LTS should reflect the aims of the Convention, by considering potential landscapes in Europe is required and that sustainable management of these impacts of infrastructure development proposals on designated and non landscapes needs to be taken into account. designated landscapes, particularly in terms of potential loss of • Requires Member States to develop more comprehensive frameworks to protect distinguishing features. and enhance landscapes.
The Pan-European Biological and Landscape Diversity • Promotes the reversal of biological and landscape diversity degradation including Integration of landscape diversity into the LTS. (Biodiversity discussed Strategy the integration of these into social and economic sectors, the identification of under 'biodiversity, flora and fauna') action required over the next two decades and the promotion of a consistent approach and common objectives for national and regional action to implement the Convention on Biological Diversity.
Natural Heritage Futures • Provides a framework to complement and integrate efforts on implementing the The LTS can contribute to these priorities by taking into account biological Convention on Biological Diversity. It focuses on encompassing whole and landscape sensitivities around key transport corridors. ecosystems i.e. individual sites must be viewed in a wider context and promotes integrated management of the natural heritage to 2025. • Priorities for future landscape management include creating better settings for towns and cities, forestry restructuring to improve ‘naturalness’ and sensitive management of natural processes e.g. flood management using soft engineering.
NPPG 14 Natural Heritage • Provides guidance on the Government's policies for the conservation and The LTS should aim to ensure that the transport infrastructure proposals do enhancement of Scotland's natural heritage, which covers plants and animals, not adversely affect Scotland's natural heritage and should also aim to landforms, geology, natural beauty and amenity. identify enhancement opportunities where possible.
SPP 21 Green Belts • States the need to safeguard greenbelts against inappropriate development, such These policy aims should be taken into account within the LTS during
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South Ayrshire Council Local Transport Strategy Environmental Report Appendices
Name of PPS Main environmental requirements of PPS objective How it affects or is affected by the LTS in terms of SEA issues referred to in Schedule 3 of the Act
as airports. strategic locational and infrastructure proposals. • Development intended to achieve long term certainty should also meet the needs of a wide range of stakeholders including landowners, developers, and infrastructure providers and surrounding communities.
South Ayrshire Forestry Strategy • This strategy aims to set the parameters for the protection and enhancement of The LTS should adhere to the Strategy’s aim to safeguard forested areas, South Ayrshire’s forested areas. The environmental requirements relevant to the encourage public access to these areas and to consider forestry haulage LTS include landscape, access and informal recreation and traffic objectives. routes in the proposals.
Other/ cross sector policies
World Summit: The Johannesburg Declaration on • Reaffirms commitments to sustainable development following on from Rio The LTS should aim to contribute to sustainable development through Sustainable Development Convention. These include the commitment that our actions will avoid environmental protection. environmental degradation, commit to environmental protection and protect biodiversity.
European Strategy for Sustainable Development • The overall aim is to identify and develop actions to enable the EU to achieve The LTS should aim to contribute to these broad aims through sustainable continuous improvement of quality of life both for current and future generations. transport, clean energy, better use of natural resources and social • Identifies key priorities for an enlarged Europe for 2010, which includes climate inclusion. change and clean energy, sustainable transport, sustainable protection and consumption, health, better use of natural resources, social inclusion and fighting global poverty.
One future - different paths - The UK's Shared Framework for • Sets out shared commitments by the devolved administrations to achieving The LTS should aim to contribute to achieving a sustainable economy and Sustainable Development sustainable development. society through the provision of a sustainable transport network throughout • Focuses on a ‘new’ definition of sustainable development where current Scotland. populations can meet their needs without prejudicing the quality of life of future generations. • Defines shared principles of: living within environmental limits; ensuring a strong, healthy and just society; achieving a sustainable economy; promoting good governance; and using sound science responsibly.
Securing the Future – UK Sustainable Development Strategy. • Objectives include ensuring a strong, just and healthy society, living within The LTS should consider the following; CO 2, NO X and PM 10 emissions by environmental limits, achieving a sustainable economy, promoting good transport, accessibility and road accidents, measures for reducing the need governance and using sound science responsibly. to travel, supporting cleaner fuels and the promotion of modal shift.
Choosing Our Future - Scotland's Sustainable Development • Sets out Scotland's framework for sustainable development for a number of SE's The LTS should reflect the commitment to providing good transport links to Strategy emerging and new strategies on climate change, transport, renewable energy, help places function and communities thrive whilst taking full account of, energy efficiency, green jobs and biodiversity. and reducing wherever possible, environmental impacts. Modal shifts to • Notes the need for urgent action in response to growing problems and pressures. more sustainable travel options should be taken into account where possible.
Indicators of Sustainable Development for Scotland, Progress • Measures progress towards a wide range of sustainable development targets. The LTS should aim to help meet these targets where possible and Report Shows where good progress has been made, and where trends suggest that relevant. Key areas of current concern and relevant to LTS, where further remedial action is required to ensure stated objectives are met. progress has fallen short of stated targets include travel distance and travel
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Name of PPS Main environmental requirements of PPS objective How it affects or is affected by the LTS in terms of SEA issues referred to in Schedule 3 of the Act
mode. The LTS could help to meet these targets and the other targets relating to air quality, waste, biodiversity, water quality and health.
“Meeting the needs” Priorities, Actions and Targets for • Resource Use: Taking only those resources we need for today means we leave The LTS should aim to incorporate these priorities into the proposals where Sustainable Development in Scotland (Scottish Executive potential for the next generation. possible. Environment Group 2002) • Energy: Making best use of energy, conserving fossil fuels and reducing climate change. • Travel: Scotland’s transport needs are increasing but we must tackle traffic congestion and minimise wasteful journeys.
European Sixth Environmental Action Programme 2002 - • Identifies environmental areas for priority actions including climate change, nature The LTS should aim to contribute to tackling these identified environmental 2012 and biodiversity, environment, health and quality of life and natural resources and problems. The SEA will influence this. waste, and requires environmental problems to be tackled at source.
European Spatial Development Perspective • Policy framework with the strategic aim to achieve a balanced and sustainable The LTS should aim to contribute to the sustainable spatial development spatial development strategy. Environmental guidelines include appropriate strategy through measures such as protecting Scotland's natural and natural and cultural heritage management, which help to conserve regional cultural heritage from loss or damage as a result of transport infrastructure. identities and cultural diversity.
Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005 • Sets out the terms under which environmental assessments must be undertaken. The LTS SEA has been prepared as a result of the Act.
Planning etc. (Scotland) Act • Includes the safeguarding of National Scenic Areas and the designation of Tree The LTS should take into account the objectives in terms of site selection Preservation Orders. for transport infrastructure.
The National Planning Framework • Aims to provide a sustainable spatial perspective of Scotland's development to The LTS should address issues such as sustainable transport systems and 2025 recognise the importance of transport for social inclusion whilst respecting environmental considerations.
SPP1 The Planning System • Defines the overall role of the planning system in achieving sustainable The LTS should consider and integrate strategic planning policies such as development. Notes that planning can encourage more sustainable travel the National Planning Framework into transport proposals. patterns (sets out seven strategies). • Integrated and sustainable transport is necessary to help improve air quality, address climate change and protect environmental resources from the damage caused by pollution.
SPP 15 Planning for Rural Development • Sets the land use planning framework for rural development in Scotland. Aims to The LTS should support these aims by taking into consideration the positively promote sustainable development in the countryside, whilst improvement of quality of life for communities in rural Scotland whilst safeguarding environmental resources. Notes the importance of natural heritage safeguarding the natural heritage. as an economic driver in rural areas.
People and Place: Regeneration Policy Statement • Aims to target transport connections to aid the regeneration process whilst The LTS should reflect these priorities through the provision of strategic enhancing the natural environment, including access to quality green spaces. transport links.
Our Future Energy - Creating a Low Carbon Economy (UK • Environmental goals include reducing the UK's carbon dioxide emissions by 60% The LTS should recognise the significance of energy consumption by the
White Energy paper) with real progress by 2020. transport sector and CO 2 emissions. It should aim to include cleaner fuel initiatives, reduction in overall travel and the promotion of sustainable travel options.
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South Ayrshire Council Local Transport Strategy Environmental Report Appendices
Name of PPS Main environmental requirements of PPS objective How it affects or is affected by the LTS in terms of SEA issues referred to in Schedule 3 of the Act
EU Biofuels Directive (2003/30/EC) • Requires member states to set indicative targets for biofuel sales in 2005 and The LTS should be supportive of biofuel measures and consider the 2010. importance of cleaner fuels when defining new routes. • Targets for the UK include 0.3% of total fuel sales for 2005 and 5% for 2010.
Securing a Renewable Future: Scotland's Renewable Energy • Outlines renewable energy commitments as part of Scotland's efforts to tackle The LTS should be supportive of measures promoting renewable energy climate change. and the use of cleaner fuels
NPPG 6 Renewable Energy Developments • Aims to promote renewable energy developments. The LTS should be supportive of measures promoting renewable energy and the use of cleaner fuels and try to incorporate these where possible.
SPP 4 Planning for Minerals • Supports a positive approach to minerals planning, recognising the role of the The LTS should take into account those areas identified for mineral industry in creating employment and providing resources for industry and working in structure plans. development. • Emphasises the importance of making appropriate locational decisions to avoid adverse environmental impacts, sets out the role of planning authorities in helping to achieve this and recognises that minerals are required to be safeguarded in development plans to ensure supply continuity.
NPPG 13 Coastal Planning • States that the Scottish coast is of national significance. Provides guidelines for The LTS should take these guidelines into account if considering potential development, including the need to avoid siting developments on the coast unless for transport development on the coast. Furthermore, positive aims of this is a locational requirement, and targeting developments on the developed conservation and enhancement should be progressed as far as possible, coast. given the national significance and value of the coast. • Conservation of the natural and cultural heritage of the coast is encouraged.
South Ayrshire’s Indicative Coastal Strategy • To reconcile recreational and tourist demands with the need to conserve and The LTS should take these guidelines into account if considering potential enhance the natural heritage of the South Ayrshire Coast, whilst seeking to for transport development on the coast. identify and facilitate opportunities for economic regeneration of coastal communities and investment opportunities.
First Steps to Sustainability: The Strategy sets out appropriate indicators which address environmental and The LTS will consider these indicators. An Environment Strategy for South Ayrshire (2003) sustainable development issues, across all environmental sectors.
Ayrshire Joint Structure Plan – Growing a Sustainable • Protect and promote the proper management of sites of nature conservation The LTS will incorporate the environmental objectives of the Structure Ayrshire (2006) importance. Plan. • Provide for the enhancement and creation of habitats for wildlife. • Develop and protect a network of "green corridors" through the Council area. • Raise awareness of, and provide opportunities for involvement in, biodiversity conservation.
South Ayrshire Local Plan (2007) • To conserve the character, appearance and general amenity of towns and The LTS will incorporate the environmental objectives of the Local Plan. villages by seeking to ensure a high standard of design for new developments, by maintaining areas of valuable open space and landscape quality and by protecting and enhancing areas of townscape value including conservation areas
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South Ayrshire Council Local Transport Strategy Environmental Report Appendices
Name of PPS Main environmental requirements of PPS objective How it affects or is affected by the LTS in terms of SEA issues referred to in Schedule 3 of the Act
and listed buildings. • To preserve the landscape character generally and provide a setting for settlements; in particular to ensure the integrity of the landscape and environment of the Scenic Coast and Areas are maintained and enhanced. • To protect, maintain and improve the amenity, natural heritage and recreational value of open space and the countryside generally and in particular to protect and enhance sites of scientific interest, wildlife sites, and habitats of value, good quality agricultural land and South Ayrshire's archaeological heritage.
First Steps to Sustainability: • The Strategy sets out appropriate indicators which address environmental and The LTS should reflect the Strategy’s objectives for waste, pollution and An Environment Strategy for South Ayrshire (2003) sustainable development issues, across all environmental sectors. biodiversity. • Indicators fall into two categories – internal performances which are under the Council’s direct control and external measures of community sustainability, which are strongly influenced by Council actions. Relevant external controls to the LTS include waste, pollution and biodiversity.
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Appendix B: Consultation Comments
Consultation Ref in Scoping Consultation Body Comment SAC Response Actions Body Act Report Ref
Scottish Section Chapter 5 Note, in accordance with Section 15(3) of the Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act, you are The Consultation period will be 6 weeks from the SAC to advise the Ministers on Executive, 15(3) required to formally write to advise the Scottish Ministers of the period of consultation you intend receipt of the Environmental Report. SAC will Consultation Period. SEA Gateway to specify, both for the public and the Consultation Authorities. write to the Scottish Ministers to confirm this.
Historic Found the Scoping Report to be helpful and, subject to the specific comments set out below and in Comment welcomed. Scotland (HS) the annex, I am content with the scope and level of detail proposed for the environmental assessment.
4.9 Impacts on the historic environment should be considered in terms of: Agreed. - Direct i.e. loss of and / or damage to a feature of the historic environment e.g. through land-take - Indirect e.g. effects on the setting of a listed building or scheduled monument; changes to surface drainage patterns, removal of peat etc
When undertaking the environmental assessment, some impacts may be uncertain at a strategic Noted. level. Where this is the case it is important to identify these issues and be clear hoe they will be taken into account at the lower level, for example at project level and who will be responsible for following them through.
Section 5 Content with the 6-week period proposed for consultation on the Environmental Report. Please Comment welcomed. note that, for administrative purposes, Historic Scotland consider that the consultation period commences on receipt of the relevant documents by the SEA Secretariat.
At Environmental Report stage, I would prefer to receive paper copies of the report and draft LTS, Noted. both of which should be sent via the Scottish Government Gateway in line with the procedures set out in the SEA Tool Kit.
Section 1, 2, Found the information contained in these sections helpful in providing background information on Comment welcomed. 3 the LTS, and where it sits within the planning framework at national, regional and local level.
Section 4.3 Appendix 1a lists the relevant PPS that will influence the LTS. I welcome the inclusion of NPPG 5 Will amend for the ER. and NPPG 18. May also wish to consider the following documents that contain environmental protection objectives for the historic environment. The Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas)(Scotland) Act 1997 The Protection of Wrecks Act 1973 Scottish Historic Environment Policy 1: Scotland’s Historic Environment Scottish Historic Environmental Policy 2. Scheduling; protecting Scotland’s nationally important monuments
Policy elements of Passed to the Future have been superseded by SHEP 1. Noted
Table 1: For cultural heritage, it identifies the protection of archaeological sites. Suggest this Noted and will be amended. should refer to the ‘historic environment’ rather than just archaeological sites.
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South Ayrshire Council Local Transport Strategy Environmental Report Appendices
Consultation Ref in Scoping Consultation Body Comment SAC Response Actions Body Act Report Ref
Appendix 1b NPPG 5 - Setting of archaeological remains should also be taken into account Will amend for the ER.
Section 4.4 Baseline information for the historic environment should also include information on B and C (S) Will be included in baseline data for the ER. Listed buildings as well as locally important archaeological sites.
Section 4.4 Historic Scotland records show that South Ayrshire has; Noted and welcomed. - 91 Scheduled Monuments - 939 Listed Buildings – 74 A Listed, 438 B Listed, 427 C Listed - 9 Historic Gardens and Designed Landscapes
Section 4.5 Not clear in table 3, whether the SEA topic for cultural heritage will consider the effects on locally Agreed. important historic environmental features as well as nationally important features. I would like clarification on this point. For avoidance of doubt would expect SEA Objective to consider effects on scheduled monuments, listed buildings, gardens and designed landscapes, locally important archaeological areas included on the Sites and Monument Record (SMR) and conservation areas. Effects on the setting of these features should also be considered.
Content with matrix approach as shown in the example in Table 4. In the ER you may wish to set Noted. out the assumptions underlying the conclusions of the assessment.
Section 4.6 Welcome the inclusion of the cultural heritage designations map at Figure 11. When undertaking Comment welcomed and noted. the assessments it might also be useful to map the baseline data in more detail alongside the elements of the LTS that have spatial information e.g. transport schemes. This will help identify environmental constraints and consider alternative options.
Section 4.9 When documenting the environmental assessment, it would be helpful to set out any assumptions Noted. that are made during the assessment. I would also welcome the inclusion of a commentary (in Appendix 4) that provides a short explanation of the conclusions of the assessment. This will assist in making the assessment transparent and the results accessible to the general reader.
I note that alternatives will be provided for the interventions and policies that are considered to Comment welcomed. have negative environmental effects and that the environmental effects of these alternatives will also be identified. I am content with this approach.
Mitigation: Any enhancement of the historic environment should only be undertaken where Noted. appropriate and should be discussed with Historic Scotland in the first instance when features of national interest are being considered.
It would be helpful in the ER to describe any changes made to the plan as a result of the Noted. environmental assessment, and to clearly set out any recommendations. It would also be helpful to identify in the report who will be responsible for ensuring that mitigation measures are taken forward.
Section 4.11 I note that the ER will contain information on the proposed monitoring strategy. The indicators Noted. chosen for the historic environment should reflect both the actions to be taken within the strategy and the potential impacts identified in the course of the SEA.
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South Ayrshire Council Local Transport Strategy Environmental Report Appendices
Consultation Ref in Scoping Consultation Body Comment SAC Response Actions Body Act Report Ref
SEPA General SEPA is satisfied that in general the proposed level and scope of assessment is appropriate.
Section 4.9 SEPA would expect all aspects of the Plan that could have environmental effects, e.g. aims, Will be taken onboard for the ER. objectives and policies as well as proposals, to be assessed. The Environmental Report (ER) should describe and assess all “reasonable alternatives” and outline the reasons for the choices made.
It would be useful if the matrix included a comments column justifying the assessment of each Will be included in the assessment process. option and the summary of the assessment. Additionally, a column outlining mitigation measures required would be useful.
Mitigation SEPA would encourage the Responsible Authority to be very clear in the Environmental Report Comment welcomed and noted. about mitigation measures which are proposed as a result of the assessment. These should follow the mitigation hierarchy (avoid, reduce, remedy or compensate).
It would be helpful to set out all mitigation measures in a way that clearly identified: (1) the measures required, (2) when they would be required and (3) who will be required to implement them. A summary table could be included as part of the preparation of the Environmental Report. We provide an example below which may be helpful:
Issue / Mitigation Lead Authority Proposed Impact Measure Timescale Identified in ER Insert effect Insert Insert as appropriate Insert as recorded in mitigation appropriate ER measure to address effect etc etc etc etc This table is cited as an example, but demonstrates how measures could be clearly identified, allocated to lead authorities and then, through the monitoring process, tracked regarding progress.
Monitoring It is important to recognise that SEA is an ongoing process and keeping the baseline Will be included in the ER. environmental information up to date is essential. The Environmental Report (ER) should describe how the Strategy is to be monitored. Monitoring measures are usually linked to targets or indicators.
Section 5 SEPA is satisfied with a 6 week consultation period for the Environmental Report.
SNH Section 4 Subject to the comments in Annex 1, SNH is content with the scope and level of detail proposed Comment welcomed. for the environmental report.
Section 5 We note and accept the proposed consultation period for the Environmental Report as 6 weeks.
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South Ayrshire Council Local Transport Strategy Environmental Report Appendices
Consultation Ref in Scoping Consultation Body Comment SAC Response Actions Body Act Report Ref
Section 4.4 Human Health: Consideration should be given to how such routes can be improved through Noted. improving the walking or cycling experience thus improvement should be noted as including both quantity of routes and quality of routes thus improving the user experience. Reference to the results of the ongoing Core Path Planning process should be integral in the consideration of the LTS.
Section 4.6 It is not clear from the titles what is meant by some of the items listed in the tables in this section; Agreed. 'Baseline Data Sources'. One source that should be listed in the context is Phase 1 Habitat Survey Reports and the source for this could be listed as SNH.
Section 4.9 We welcome the SEA aim to seek to enhance potential positive environmental impacts and, where Comment welcomed. appropriate, suggest changes to LTS transport interventions and policies to promote positive environmental change.
One of the key sources of information that should be listed as required to inform the landscape Agreed. baseline is 'Ayrshire Landscape Character Assessment' carried out for SNH by Land Use Consultants and supported by Councils in Ayrshire.
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South Ayrshire Local Transport Strategy Environmental Report Appendices
Garleffin, standing stones and NX087817 mesolithic settlement Whiteside, enclosure W of NS364278 Craigie Castle NS408316 Dow Hill, fort NX193961 Craigmuir Mote, dun NS337161 Munteoch, settlement and field NS439037 systems Katie Gray’s Rocks, settlement NS245139 Culzean Coves, caves NS233103 Kennel Mount cairn, Culzean Country NS241098 Park Blarbuie, stone setting 330m NE of NX055749 Blarbuie, cairn 300m SW of NX051740 Gallow Hill, settlement and ring-ditch NX190996 320m N of Girvan Mains Drummochreen, house NS279026 Cairnhill, palisaded enclosure and NS235004 timber house 220m NNE of Glaisnock, ring-ditch 140m SE of NS376221 Highpark, enclosure 250m NW of NS400192 Ballmalloch, chambered cairn NX264845 NS352262 Prestwick, market cross
Rowantree tollhouse and inn, 230m S NX353904 of Laigh Rowantree Bridge Ayr Fort Gate, nos.2 and 2A NS334220 Montgomerie Terrace, Ayr Prestwick, Old Parish Church NS350264 Ayr Fort Wall (part), Arran Terrace, NS332221 Ayr Ayr Fort Wall (part), Ailsa Place, Ayr NS333220 The Lady Chapel, 640m NE of NS311032 Kilkerran Mote Knowe, motte, Kilkerran NS298001 Alloway, motte NS339180 Mote Knowe, dun, Monkwood NS337139 Kemp Law ,fort NS355336 Wardlaw Hill, earthwork W of NS359327 Harpercroft Wardlaw Hill, earthwork SSW of NS360325 Harpercroft Alloway Kirk NS331180 Kennedy Monument NX084824 Ardstinchar Castle NX087824
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Tarbolton, motte NS432273 Hallyards, farmstead 750m SW of NS353328 Craigneil Castle NX147853 Knockinculloch, enclosures on E NS342005 slope of,600m NW of Glenalla Turnberry Castle NS196072 Camregan Castle NX214986 Finnarts Bridge, cairn 620m SE of NX057725 Balig, enclosure NX071799 Shalloch Hill, palisaded enclosure NX184957 350m S of Shallochpark Culzean Castle, battery ENE of NS231102 Shelter Crosbie House, remains of NS344301 Bencallen Hill, chambered cairn NX337944 Dundonald Castle NS363345 Maybole Collegiate Church NS301098 Crossraguel Abbey NS275083 Archaeology Consultation A considerable number of ACTs are Triggers located throughout South Ayrshire.
>1000 (South Ayrshire Council, 2007iv) Historic Gardens and Designed Auchincruive NS 388 235 Landscapes Bargany NS 247 003 Blairquhan NS 365 055 (South Ayrshire Council (2007ii), Carnell NS466 322 South Ayrshire Council (2007iv), Culzean Castle NS 230 101 Historic Scotland (2007)) Glenapp NX 094 808 Kilkerran NS 304 029 Rozelle (La Rochelle) NS 338 190 Skeldon House (Historic Scotland, NS 378 135 2007)
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Appendix D: Vision Assessment
SEA Objectives
Material Cultural Inter- LTS Vision Title Air Climatic Health Biodiversity Population Landscape Noise Soil Water Assets Heritage relationship
LTS Vision: South Ayrshire Council is committed to working with its partners in the public and private sectors in order that residents, businesses and visitors will enjoy a high quality integrated local transport system, that:
Is efficient, reliable and supports the sustainable growth of the economy of X X 0 0 X 0 0 0 0 0 0 South Ayrshire.
The promotion The promotion of economic of economic growth may growth may Commitment to lead to lead to providing a increased increased high quality New transport and transport and integrated infrastructure No without without transport can result in interrelationships as commitment to Justification commitment to No direct link No direct link system which adverse No direct link No direct link No direct link No direct link No direct link only population SEA public transport public transport would benefit impacts on objective are may increase may increase communities by local compatible. PM10 and NO2 CO2 output. improving landscape. output. Cancelled out access to Cancelled out by acceptance facilities. by acceptance of Mitigation of Mitigation (2). (2).
Meets the needs of all users and 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 supports an active lifestyle.
Commitment to supporting Commitment to Commitment to active lifestyles integrated supporting could transport active lifestyle, potentially network for all Compatible potential for change users will interrelationships Justification No direct link improving No direct link No direct link No direct link No direct link No direct link No direct link No direct link commuting improve public between air, health human health patterns, transport and and population. through walking ultimately linkages to and cycling reducing PM10 community initiatives. and CO2 facilities. output.
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South Ayrshire Local Transport Strategy Environmental Report Appendices
SEA Objectives
Material Cultural Inter- LTS Vision Title Air Climatic Health Biodiversity Population Landscape Noise Soil Water Assets Heritage relationship
Provides access to a wide range of goods and services without the need for 0 0 0 0 0 private motorised transport; making car use a choice rather than a necessity.
Reduces Reduction in Reduction in Improved Compatibility across population's Improved Promotes private car use, private car use, access to air, climate, health, exposure to linkages to sustainable Justification reduction in reduction in No direct link No direct link No direct link cultural No direct link No direct link population, material transport community modes of CO2 and PM10 greenhouse heritage for the assets and cultural related facilities. transport. emissions. gas emissions. population. heritage. emissions.
Does not have an unacceptable impact on the local or global environment.
0 Reword: Does not have a detrimental impact on the local or global environment.
Commitment to Commitment to Commitment to Commitment to Commitment to Commitment to Commitment to Commitment to Commitment to Commitment to avoiding avoiding avoiding avoiding avoiding avoiding avoiding avoiding avoiding avoiding Compatibility across unacceptable unacceptable unacceptable unacceptable unacceptable unacceptable unacceptable unacceptable unacceptable unacceptable all SEA objectives, Justification No direct link impact on local impact on local impact on local impact on local impact on local impact on local impact on local impact on local impact on local impact on local apart from or global or global or global or global or global or global or global or global or global or global population. environment. environment. environment. environment. environment. environment. environment. environment. environment. environment.
Manages the effects of transportation in order to improve road safety and control transportation impacts on 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 people such as noise, air quality, emissions and the severance of communities.
Mitigation (1): Manages the effects of transportation in order to minimize the negative impacts of transport on people 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 including noise, air quality and the severance of communities.
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South Ayrshire Local Transport Strategy Environmental Report Appendices
SEA Objectives
Material Cultural Inter- LTS Vision Title Air Climatic Health Biodiversity Population Landscape Noise Soil Water Assets Heritage relationship
Reduction in population's Reduction in exposure to Improved adverse effects Compatible across Compatible potentially access to of noise and air, health, Justification with SEA air No direct link harmful No direct link No direct link No direct link No direct link No direct link No direct link community vibration on population and objectives. transport facilities. noise sensitive noise. emissions and receptors improvement to road safety.
Mitigation (2): Takes into consideration the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Cumulative Impacts
Potentially slightly No incompatible If additional improvement If additional depending on Only slightly Justification mitigation (2) is but compatible mitigation (2) is policy but compatible. accepted. with SEA accepted. overall objectives. compatible with SEA objectives.
Scale: Compatible No direct link 0 Incompatible X
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South Ayrshire Local Transport Strategy Environmental Report Appendices
Vision Alternatives Accepted
SEA Objectives
Material Cultural LTS Vision Title Air Climatic Health Biodiversity Population Landscape Noise Soil Water Inter-relationship Assets Heritage
LTS Vision: South Ayrshire Council is committed to working with its partners in the public and private sectors in order that residents, businesses and visitors will enjoy a high quality integrated local transport system, that:
Is efficient, reliable and supports the sustainable growth of the economy of X X 0 0 X 0 0 0 0 0 0 South Ayrshire.
Meets the needs of all users and 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 supports an active lifestyle.
Provides access to a wide range of goods and services without the need for private motorised transport; making 0 0 0 0 0 car use a choice rather than a necessity.
Reword: Does not have a detrimental impact on the local or global 0 environment.
Mitigation (1): Manages the effects of transportation in order to minimize the negative impacts of transport on 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 people including noise, air quality and the severance of communities.
Mitigation (2): Takes into consideration the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Cumulative Impacts
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South Ayrshire Local Transport Strategy Environmental Report Appendices
Scale: Compatible No direct link 0 Incompatible X
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South Ayrshire Local Transport Strategy Environmental Report Appendices
Objectives Assessment
SEA Objectives
Material LTS Objectives Air Climatic Health Biodiversity Population Landscape Noise Cultural Soil Water Inter-relationship Assets
LTS Objectives
Encourage walking and cycling to promote a 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 healthier lifestyle.
Improved human health through the No inter-relationships as No direct Justification No direct link. No direct link. promotion and No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. only health objective link. encouragement compatible of walking and cycling
Mitigation (3): Encourage walking and cycling to promote a healthier 0 0 0 0 0 0 lifestyle as an alternative to private car use.
Protect human health in urban areas and in rural areas, from adverse effects of transport activities. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Reword: Protect human health, flora and fauna in urban and rural areas, from adverse effects of transport activities.
No clear link Likely to Commitment to Compatible across health between air result in Justification No direct link. improved No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. and noise SEA and the reduced human health. objectives. objective noise impact.
To identify area of concerns for the safety 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 and security of the travelling public.
Justification Just 'identifying' does not directly link to any of the SEA objectives.
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South Ayrshire Local Transport Strategy Environmental Report Appendices
SEA Objectives
Material LTS Objectives Air Climatic Health Biodiversity Population Landscape Noise Cultural Soil Water Inter-relationship Assets
Mitigation (4): To identify and address areas and issues of concern to the 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 safety and security of the travelling public.
Safer public transport No clear link No clear link No clear link No clear link No clear link No clear link No clear link No clear link Compatible across Commitment to thereby between between air between between between between between soil between health, population and Justification improved road Improved access and safety. promoting cultural and the climate and biodiversity and landscape and noise and the and the water and the material assets SEA safety. sustainable heritage and objective the objective the objective the objective objective objective objective objectives. modes of the objective transport.
To achieve a year on year reduction in the number of killed and seriously injured.
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Reword: To achieve a year on year reduction in the number of people killed and seriously injured as a result of road traffic accidents.
Ensuring No clear link No clear link No clear link No clear link No clear link No clear link maximum No clear link No clear link General benefit to human Commitment to Improved safety encourages between between air between between between between usage and between soil between health and population Justification improved road increased use of walkways and cultural and the climate and biodiversity and landscape and noise and the lifespan of the and the water and the through improved road safety. cycleways. heritage and objective the objective the objective the objective objective existing objective objective safety. the objective network.
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South Ayrshire Local Transport Strategy Environmental Report Appendices
SEA Objectives
Material LTS Objectives Air Climatic Health Biodiversity Population Landscape Noise Cultural Soil Water Inter-relationship Assets
To support economic development by promoting schemes that 0 0 0 0 0 0 reduce congestion and enhance the efficiency of the transport network
Assist in maintaining Reduction in Assist in South adverse decreasing in Promotes the Ayrshire as effects of transport More efficient transport network efficient use Compatible across air, an AQMA noise and Justification related No direct link. No direct link. could potentially improve access to No direct link. of the existing No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. climate, population, noise free zone and vibration on greenhouse facilities. transport and material assets. potentially noise gas network. improved sensitive emissions local air receptors quality.
Mitigation (5) : To support economic development by promoting schemes that reduce congestion, 0 enhance the efficiency of the transport network and are sensitive to the environment.
To better integrate transport and land-use planning in order to promote economic 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 growth and inform the Development Plan process
More efficient Reduction in severance of No direct use of Justification No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. communities. link. transport infrastructure
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South Ayrshire Local Transport Strategy Environmental Report Appendices
SEA Objectives
Material LTS Objectives Air Climatic Health Biodiversity Population Landscape Noise Cultural Soil Water Inter-relationship Assets
Mitigation (6): Promote the integration of land use planning and transport in order to maximise the potential for economic growth whilst minimising the impact on the environment.
To provide information to users, operators, developers and others on 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 matter of local policy, priorities and potential schemes
Reword: To provide guidance to users, operators, developers No direct No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. and others on matter of link. local policy, priorities and potential schemes
No direct Justification No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. link.
To increase the accessibility of key community facilities (such as health centres) 0 0 0 0 0 0 to all people by walking, cycling and public transport
Potential for Potential for reduced car reduced car usage and Improved usage and therefore human health Improved accessibility via therefore Promotion of potential through sustainable transport potential Improve public transport provision No direct sustainable Justification reduction of improved No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. modes will benefit the reduction in and linkages to community facilities. link. modes of Scottish walking and population and human air quality transport greenhouse cycling health. emissions per gas provisions. person per emissions km. from transport
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South Ayrshire Local Transport Strategy Environmental Report Appendices
SEA Objectives
Material LTS Objectives Air Climatic Health Biodiversity Population Landscape Noise Cultural Soil Water Inter-relationship Assets
To provide a deliverable and measurable action plan covering all aspects of transportation over the short, medium and long term
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Reword: To provide a deliverable and measurable action plan covering all aspects of transportation over the short, medium and long term in accordance with STAG
Action plan likely to No clear link No clear link No clear link No clear link No clear link No clear link No clear link No clear link No clear link include between between No interrelationships as between between health between No clear link between population and between between between soil between Justification objectives material cultural only air objective climate and and the biodiversity and the objective landscape and noise and the and the water and the compatible assets and heritage and compatible. the objective objective the objective the objective objective objective objective with SEA the objective the objective objectives.
Increase the number of walking trips made by 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 commuters and students
Potential for Potential for reduced car reduced car usage and usage and Improved opportunities Improved therefore therefore for walking will human health potential potential No direct encourage modal shift Justification through No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. reduction in reduction in link. and so indirect benefits increased air quality air quality to air quality and carbon walking. emissions per emissions per emissions person per person per km. km.
Improve both real and perceived pedestrian 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 safety
Improved No direct No inter- relationship as Justification No direct link. No direct link. pedestrian No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. link. only health compatible safety
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SEA Objectives
Material LTS Objectives Air Climatic Health Biodiversity Population Landscape Noise Cultural Soil Water Inter-relationship Assets
To increase the quality, accessibility of pedestrian facilities and to link all new 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 developments with existing routes as part of the planning process
Potential for Potential for reduced car reduced car usage and usage and Improved opportunities Improved therefore therefore for walking will human health potential potential Improves linkages to community No direct encourage modal shift Justification through No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. reduction in reduction in facilities link. and so indirect benefits increased air quality air quality to air quality and carbon walking. emissions per emissions per emissions person per person per km. km.
To continually maintain improve and expand the 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 existing walking facilities in the area
Potential for Potential for reduced car reduced car usage and usage and Improved opportunities Improved therefore therefore for walking will human health potential potential Improves linkages to community No direct encourage modal shift Justification through No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. reduction in reduction in facilities link. and so indirect benefits increased air quality air quality to air quality and carbon walking. emissions per emissions per emissions person per person per km. km.
To continue to promote the use of CCTV and street lighting in town centre locations and 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 other areas where pedestrian safety is of concern
Improved No direct No inter- relationship as Justification No direct link. No direct link. pedestrian No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. link. only health compatible safety
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South Ayrshire Local Transport Strategy Environmental Report Appendices
SEA Objectives
Material LTS Objectives Air Climatic Health Biodiversity Population Landscape Noise Cultural Soil Water Inter-relationship Assets
To encourage walking amongst the student population of south 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Ayrshire to establish life- long, healthier modal choices
Potential for Potential for reduced car reduced car usage and usage and Improved opportunities Improved therefore therefore for walking will human health potential potential No direct encourage modal shift Justification through No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. reduction in reduction in link. and so indirect benefits increased air quality air quality to air quality and carbon walking. emissions per emissions per emissions person per person per km. km.
To integrate a core path network planning to provide maximum walking opportunities and monitor the benefits
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Reword: To integrate the core path network to provide maximum walking opportunities and monitor the benefits
Potential for Potential for reduced car reduced car usage and usage and Improved opportunities Improved therefore therefore for walking will human health potential potential No direct encourage modal shift Justification through No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. reduction in reduction in link. and so indirect benefits increased air quality air quality to air quality and carbon walking. emissions per emissions per emissions person per person per km. km.
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South Ayrshire Local Transport Strategy Environmental Report Appendices
SEA Objectives
Material LTS Objectives Air Climatic Health Biodiversity Population Landscape Noise Cultural Soil Water Inter-relationship Assets
Promotion campaigns to further encourage people 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 to cycle
Potential for Potential for reduced car reduced car usage and usage and Improved opportunities Improved therefore therefore for cycling will encourage human health potential potential No direct modal shift and so Justification through No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. reduction in reduction in link. indirect benefits to air increased air quality air quality quality and carbon cycling emissions per emissions per emissions person per person per km. km.
Provision of cycle- 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 friendly facilities
No inter-relationships as No direct Justification No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. Improve cycle facilities No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. only population objective link. compatible.
Provision of other local 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 cycle networks (LCN)
Potential for Potential for reduced car reduced car usage and usage and Improved opportunities Improved therefore therefore for cycling will encourage human health potential potential No direct modal shift and so Justification through No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. reduction in reduction in link. indirect benefits to air increased air quality air quality quality and carbon cycling emissions per emissions per emissions person per person per km. km.
To encourage children to cycle to school as part of 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Safer Route to School Initiative
Potential for Potential for reduced car reduced car usage and usage and Improved opportunities Improved therefore therefore for cycling will encourage human health potential potential No direct modal shift and so Justification through No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. reduction in reduction in link. indirect benefits to air increased air quality air quality quality and carbon cycling emissions per emissions per emissions person per person per km. km.
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South Ayrshire Local Transport Strategy Environmental Report Appendices
SEA Objectives
Material LTS Objectives Air Climatic Health Biodiversity Population Landscape Noise Cultural Soil Water Inter-relationship Assets
Integration of cycling 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 provisions
No inter-relationships as No direct Justification No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. Improve cycle facilities No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. only population objective link. compatible.
To ensure there are appropriate cycle facilities in all new 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 developments as part of the planning process
No inter-relationships as No direct Justification No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. Improve cycle facilities No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. only population objective link. compatible.
Scale: Compatible
No direct 0 link
X Incompatible
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Objective Mitigation Accepted
SEA Objectives
Material LTS Objectives Air Climatic Health Biodiversity Population Landscape Noise Cultural Soil Water Inter-relationship Assets
LTS Objectives
Encourage walking and cycling to promote a 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 healthier lifestyle.
Improved human health through the No inter-relationships as No direct Justification No direct link. No direct link. promotion and No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. only health objective link. encouragement compatible of walking and cycling
Mitigation (3): Encourage walking and cycling to promote a healthier 0 0 0 0 0 0 lifestyle as an alternative to private car use.
Protect human health in urban areas and in rural areas, from adverse effects of transport activities. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Reword: Protect human health, flora and fauna in urban and rural areas, from adverse effects of transport activities.
No clear link Likely to Commitment to Compatible across health between air result in Justification No direct link. improved No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. and noise SEA and the reduced human health. objectives. objective noise impact.
To identify area of concerns for the safety 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 and security of the travelling public.
Justification Just 'identifying' does not directly link to any of the SEA objectives.
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South Ayrshire Local Transport Strategy Environmental Report Appendices
SEA Objectives
Material LTS Objectives Air Climatic Health Biodiversity Population Landscape Noise Cultural Soil Water Inter-relationship Assets
Mitigation (4): To identify and address areas and issues of concern to the 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 safety and security of the travelling public.
Safer public transport No clear link No clear link No clear link No clear link No clear link No clear link No clear link No clear link Compatible across Commitment to thereby between between air between between between between between soil between health, population and Justification improved road Improved access and safety. promoting cultural and the climate and biodiversity and landscape and noise and the and the water and the material assets SEA safety. sustainable heritage and objective the objective the objective the objective objective objective objective objectives. modes of the objective transport. To achieve a year on year reduction in the number of killed and seriously injured.
Reword: To achieve a 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 year on year reduction in the number of people killed and seriously injured as a result of road traffic accidents.
Ensuring No clear link No clear link No clear link No clear link No clear link No clear link maximum No clear link No clear link General benefit to human Commitment to Improved safety encourages between between air between between between between usage and between soil between health and population Justification improved road increased use of walkways and cultural and the climate and biodiversity and landscape and noise and the lifespan of the and the water and the through improved road safety. cycleways. heritage and objective the objective the objective the objective objective existing objective objective safety. the objective network.
To support economic development by promoting schemes that 0 0 0 0 0 0 reduce congestion and enhance the efficiency of the transport network
Assist in maintaining Reduction in Assist in South adverse decreasing in Promotes the Ayrshire as effects of transport More efficient transport network efficient use Compatible across air, an AQMA noise and Justification related No direct link. No direct link. could potentially improve access to No direct link. of the existing No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. climate, population, noise free zone and vibration on greenhouse facilities. transport and material assets. potentially noise gas network. improved sensitive emissions local air receptors quality.
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South Ayrshire Local Transport Strategy Environmental Report Appendices
SEA Objectives
Material LTS Objectives Air Climatic Health Biodiversity Population Landscape Noise Cultural Soil Water Inter-relationship Assets
Mitigation (5) : To support economic development by promoting schemes that reduce congestion, 0 enhance the efficiency of the transport network and are sensitive to the environment.
To better integrate transport and land-use planning in order to promote economic 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 growth and inform the Development Plan process
More efficient Reduction in severance of No direct use of Justification No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. communities. link. transport infrastructure
Mitigation (6): Promote the integration of land use planning and transport in order to maximise the potential for economic growth whilst minimising the impact on the environment.
To provide information to users, operators, developers and others on 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 matter of local policy, priorities and potential schemes
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South Ayrshire Local Transport Strategy Environmental Report Appendices
SEA Objectives
Material LTS Objectives Air Climatic Health Biodiversity Population Landscape Noise Cultural Soil Water Inter-relationship Assets
Reword: To provide guidance to users, operators, developers No direct No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. and others on matter of link. local policy, priorities and potential schemes
No direct Justification No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. link.
To increase the accessibility of key community facilities (such as health centres) 0 0 0 0 0 0 to all people by walking, cycling and public transport Potential for Potential for reduced car reduced car usage and Improved usage and therefore human health Improved accessibility via therefore Promotion of potential through sustainable transport potential Improve public transport provision No direct sustainable Justification reduction of improved No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. modes will benefit the reduction in and linkages to community facilities. link. modes of Scottish walking and population and human air quality transport greenhouse cycling health. emissions per gas provisions. person per emissions km. from transport To provide a deliverable and measurable action plan covering all aspects of transportation over the short, medium and long term Reword: To provide a 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 deliverable and measurable action plan covering all aspects of transportation over the short, medium and long term in accordance with STAG
Action plan likely to No clear link No clear link No clear link No clear link No clear link No clear link No clear link No clear link No clear link include between between No interrelationships as between between health between No clear link between population and between between between soil between Justification objectives material cultural only air objective climate and and the biodiversity and the objective landscape and noise and the and the water and the compatible assets and heritage and compatible. the objective objective the objective the objective objective objective objective with SEA the objective the objective objectives.
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South Ayrshire Local Transport Strategy Environmental Report Appendices
SEA Objectives
Material LTS Objectives Air Climatic Health Biodiversity Population Landscape Noise Cultural Soil Water Inter-relationship Assets
Increase the number of walking trips made by 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 commuters and students
Potential for Potential for reduced car reduced car usage and usage and Improved opportunities Improved therefore therefore for walking will human health potential potential No direct encourage modal shift Justification through No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. reduction in reduction in link. and so indirect benefits increased air quality air quality to air quality and carbon walking. emissions per emissions per emissions person per person per km. km.
Improve both real and perceived pedestrian 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 safety
Improved No direct No inter- relationship as Justification No direct link. No direct link. pedestrian No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. link. only health compatible safety
To increase the quality, accessibility of pedestrian facilities and to link all new 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 developments with existing routes as part of the planning process
Potential for Potential for reduced car reduced car usage and usage and Improved opportunities Improved therefore therefore for walking will human health potential potential Improves linkages to community No direct encourage modal shift Justification through No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. reduction in reduction in facilities link. and so indirect benefits increased air quality air quality to air quality and carbon walking. emissions per emissions per emissions person per person per km. km.
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South Ayrshire Local Transport Strategy Environmental Report Appendices
SEA Objectives
Material LTS Objectives Air Climatic Health Biodiversity Population Landscape Noise Cultural Soil Water Inter-relationship Assets
To continually maintain improve and expand the 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 existing walking facilities in the area
Potential for Potential for reduced car reduced car usage and usage and Improved opportunities Improved therefore therefore for walking will human health potential potential Improves linkages to community No direct encourage modal shift Justification through No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. reduction in reduction in facilities link. and so indirect benefits increased air quality air quality to air quality and carbon walking. emissions per emissions per emissions person per person per km. km.
To continue to promote the use of CCTV and street lighting in town centre locations and 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 other areas where pedestrian safety is of concern
Improved No direct No inter- relationship as Justification No direct link. No direct link. pedestrian No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. link. only health compatible safety
To encourage walking amongst the student population of south 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Ayrshire to establish life- long, healthier modal choices
Potential for Potential for reduced car reduced car usage and usage and Improved opportunities Improved therefore therefore for walking will human health potential potential No direct encourage modal shift Justification through No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. reduction in reduction in link. and so indirect benefits increased air quality air quality to air quality and carbon walking. emissions per emissions per emissions person per person per km. km.
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SEA Objectives
Material LTS Objectives Air Climatic Health Biodiversity Population Landscape Noise Cultural Soil Water Inter-relationship Assets
To integrate a core path network planning to provide maximum walking opportunities and monitor the benefits
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Reword: To integrate the core path network to provide maximum walking opportunities and monitor the benefits
Potential for Potential for reduced car reduced car usage and usage and Improved opportunities Improved therefore therefore for walking will human health potential potential No direct encourage modal shift Justification through No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. reduction in reduction in link. and so indirect benefits increased air quality air quality to air quality and carbon walking. emissions per emissions per emissions person per person per km. km.
Promotion campaigns to further encourage people 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 to cycle
Potential for Potential for reduced car reduced car usage and usage and Improved opportunities Improved therefore therefore for cycling will encourage human health potential potential No direct modal shift and so Justification through No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. reduction in reduction in link. indirect benefits to air increased air quality air quality quality and carbon cycling emissions per emissions per emissions person per person per km. km.
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South Ayrshire Local Transport Strategy Environmental Report Appendices
SEA Objectives
Material LTS Objectives Air Climatic Health Biodiversity Population Landscape Noise Cultural Soil Water Inter-relationship Assets
Provision of cycle- 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 friendly facilities
No inter-relationships as No direct Justification No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. Improve cycle facilities No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. only population objective link. compatible.
Provision of other local 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 cycle networks (LCN)
Potential for Potential for reduced car reduced car usage and usage and Improved opportunities Improved therefore therefore for cycling will encourage human health potential potential No direct modal shift and so Justification through No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. reduction in reduction in link. indirect benefits to air increased air quality air quality quality and carbon cycling emissions per emissions per emissions person per person per km. km.
To encourage children to cycle to school as part of 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Safer Route to School Initiative
Potential for Potential for reduced car reduced car usage and usage and Improved opportunities Improved therefore therefore for cycling will encourage human health potential potential No direct modal shift and so Justification through No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. reduction in reduction in link. indirect benefits to air increased air quality air quality quality and carbon cycling emissions per emissions per emissions person per person per km. km.
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SEA Objectives
Material LTS Objectives Air Climatic Health Biodiversity Population Landscape Noise Cultural Soil Water Inter-relationship Assets
Integration of cycling 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 provisions
No inter-relationships as No direct Justification No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. Improve cycle facilities No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. only population objective link. compatible.
To ensure there are appropriate cycle facilities in all new 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 developments as part of the planning process
No inter-relationships as No direct Justification No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. Improve cycle facilities No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. No direct link. only population objective link. compatible.
Scale: Compatible
No direct 0 link
X Incompatible
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South Ayrshire Local Transport Strategy Environmental Report Appendices
Appendix E: Environmental Assessment of LTS Policies and Proposals
Table E1.1: Environmental Assessment of Policies and Proposals
SEA Objectives
Material Cultural Soils / Geology Inter- LTS Proposals Air Climatic Health Biodiversity Population Landscape Noise Water Assets Heritage / Land use relationship
Potential Road Scheme Proposals
(1) Port of Ayr Access: Alterations to other junctions to improve hierarchy of + 0 + 0 0 0 + + 0 0 0 + road.
Long term, local, minor positive. The route currently Uncertain neutral: Long term, local, Neutral. Outwith passes close to The degree of minor positive. Ayr Conservation residential houses, land uptake is Neutral. No The route Area. Policy BE6 less congestion is small and the TPOs. The area currently passes assigns the likely to reduce road scheme is not covered by close to Neutral. STRAT5 protection of PM10 and NO2 does not lie in a TPOs nor does residential Long term, local, Neutral. No requires that all ancient levels in the close proximity of it lie within a houses. Freely minor positive. geological SSSIs in development Neutral: The monuments and locality; however any site Scenic Area; no flowing traffic Promotes the vicinity. Further employs the change in CO (e) archaeological Long term, local, present air quality 2 designated for significant long tends to produce efficient use of investigation may be principles of output as a result Neutral sites. Policy BE7 minor positive. is not thought to ecological terms negative less noise the existing required to sustainable of this scheme is requires the Beneficial in terms be a particularly Long term, local, importance. long term impacts nuisance, transport determine whether urban drainage not thought to be Possible short recording of air, health, noise important issue minor positive. on local although this network. or not the site is systems. significant since term, local, archaeological and use of existing and the area is not The junctions Possible short landscape would be offset potentially any small change negligible negative resources prior to transport network. Justification covered by an air improvements are term, local, character are by increased Possible short contaminated. Possible short due to a reduction impacts during development. quality forecast to reduce negligible envisaged traffic speeds, term, local, term, local, in congestion construction eg Possible short term management area, accidents in this negative impacts which increase negligible Possible short term, negligible would be at least delays to journeys Possible short negative impacts nor as it been area during Possible short noise levels. negative impacts local, negligible negative impacts partially offset by caused by road term, local, on all aspects of identified as a construction, from term, local, during negative impacts during faster traffic works negative impacts the environment candidate AQMA. temporary land negligible Possible short construction, due during construction, construction, eg speeds and of unknown during construction take or negative impacts term, local, to requirements due to disturbance to due to potential increased usage. quantity, due to Possible short disturbance to during negligible for use of raw geology, soils and release of risks of term, local, species. An construction, negative impacts materials land use polluted runoff or discovering negligible impacts ecological from site works during spillages unknown buried during watching brief and storage of construction, due archaeological construction, eg should be materials to noise from remains during emissions from employed at the construction plant construction construction traffic project level and traffic or plant
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SEA Objectives
Material Cultural Soils / Geology Inter- LTS Proposals Air Climatic Health Biodiversity Population Landscape Noise Water Assets Heritage / Land use relationship
(2) A70 Coylton Bypass: Provision of a single carriageway bypass of the town. + + + - + - - 0 0 ? - ? -
The bypass is likely to cross some small watercourses (Lochend Loch lies to the north) depending on Neutral. There Potential for long location, with may be long term term, local, potential for long relief from noise negative impact Long term, local, Long term, local, term, local, A new road could for receptors on SM - Highpark minor negative. minor negative. Neutral. adverse impacts. result in negative Long term, local, along the A70 enclosure Potential for loss of There is likely to Promotes more However impacts on water, minor positive. The Long term, local, Short and long and at the (NS400192) and agricultural land. be habitat loss efficient use of STRAT5 requires soils, cultural removal of traffic minor positive. A term, local, congested listed buildings Further investigation and the existing that all heritage, landscape from the currently bypass is likely to moderate junctions, depending on the may be required to Long term, local, fragmentation transport network development and biodiversity congested Coylton improve community negative. There however, the location of the determine whether minor positive; due to the and more employs the depending on the town centre would Long term, linkages within and are likely to be bypass will create bypass. Bypass or not the site is improvements to presence of the sustainable forms principles of location of the improve air quality national, minor around Coylton. adverse impacts a new long term may benefit potentially safety in Coylton new road. of transport. sustainable bypass. Proposal locally. positive. Proposal on the noise source conservation contaminated.(Ref and local urban drainage will benefit air Justification may ease Possible short surrounding where there is area. Inspection Strategy, improvements to Possible short Possible short systems. The quality, climate and Possible short congestion and term, local, landscape and currently no South Ayrshire air quality will term, local, term, local, action may population. Cultural term, local, therefore improve negligible negative potential adverse traffic. Possible short Council 2003) benefit health and negligible negligible require Heritage may be negligible negative CO2 levels impacts during visual impacts term, local, promote walking negative impacts negative impacts authorisation positive or negative impacts during construction eg from residential Possible short negative impacts Possible short term, and cycling during during from SEPA, in construction, eg delays to journeys properties during term, local, of unknown local, negligible construction, from construction, due accordance with Possible short term emissions from caused by road both construction negligible quantity, due to negative impacts temporary land to requirements the CAR negative impacts construction traffic works and operation negative impacts risks of during construction, take or for use of raw Regulations. on all aspects of or plant during discovering due to disturbance to disturbance to materials the environment construction, due unknown buried geology, soils and species Possible short during construction to noise from archaeological land use term, local, construction plant remains during negligible and traffic construction negative impacts during construction, eg due to potential release of polluted runoff or spillages SEA Recommendation: Improve public transport links to Ayr from outlying + + + 0 + + 0 0 + + 0 0 0 + + areas to the east Long term, Long term, local, regional, minor moderate positive; Long term, Long term, positive; promotes proposal would regional, minor national, minor modal shift from Long term, local, encourage modal Long term, local, positive; improving positive; improving private car to moderate shift from private moderate positive; Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal public transport public transport public transport, Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal positive; utilises Neutral; proposal will car to public improving public will have no will have no promotes modal promotes modal with a will have no will have no will have no existing network have no significant transport, with Justification transport will result significant impact significant impact shift which will shift which will corresponding significant impact significant impact significant impact and promotes impact on geology or potential in better on cultural on water quality result in a result in a reduction in on biodiversity on landscape on noise sustainable land use improvements in air community heritage or flooding reduction in reduction in emissions from modes of quality. This will linkages transport-related transport-related private vehicles, transport result in benefits to air emissions carbon emissions and potential human health and benefit to human improved health community linkages
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SEA Objectives
Material Cultural Soils / Geology Inter- LTS Proposals Air Climatic Health Biodiversity Population Landscape Noise Water Assets Heritage / Land use relationship
(4) A70 Road Widening. Dobbies to Holmston Roundabout + + + 0 0 - 0 + 0 0 0 + Short term, local, minor negative. Neutral. STRAT5 The proposals lie Long term, local, Archaeology Neutral. No requires that all Long term, local, within Heads of minor positive; Long term, local, consultation geological SSSIs in development minor positive; Ayr Scenic Area. Neutral; no proposal utilises the Neutral; proposal minor positive as trigger around vicinity. Further employs the road widening will The scale and change in noise existing transport will have no promoted efficient Holmston investigation may be principles of reduce congestion nature of works level is expected network whilst significant impact use of existing roundabout. required to sustainable on the approach to are unlikely to in the long term reducing Long term, Long term, local, on population road network determine whether urban drainage roundabout have negative congestion. This is national minor minor positive; Possible short or not the site is systems. thereby improving Neutral; proposal impacts on Possible short envisaged to positive. Improved reducing Possible short Possible short term, local, potentially air quality will have no landscape in the term, local, improve local air Justification traffic flows may transport-related term, local, term, local, negative impacts contaminated. Possible short Possible short significant impact long term, negligible quality, with lead to a minor emissions will negligible negative negligible of unknown term, local, term, local, on biodiversity however there negative impacts secondary benefits reduction in CO2 have benefits to impacts during negative impacts quantity, due to Possible short term, negligible negligible negative will be possible during to human health emissions human health construction e.g. during risks of local, negligible negative impacts impacts during short term, local, construction, due delays to journeys construction, due discovering negative impacts during construction, e.g. negligible to noise from Possible short term caused by road to requirements unknown buried during construction, construction, e.g. emissions from negative impacts construction plant negative impacts works for use of raw archaeological due to disturbance to due to potential construction traffic during and traffic on all aspects of materials remains during geology, soils and release of or plant construction, the environment construction land use polluted runoff or from site works during construction spillages and storage of materials. (5) Prestwick Eastern Bypass: Provision of a traffic distributor road linking + + 0 - + - - 0 0 - - - Heathfield with the A77 (T) at Sandyford. Long term, local, minor negative. Likely to cross Long term, local, Ladykirk Burn. Policy BE6 Long term, local, minor negative. Potential for assigns the minor positive. The Long term, local, Potential for deterioration in protection of Long term, local, proposals are minor negative. noise impacts on Long term, local, water quality and Long term, local, ancient minor negative. envisaged to ease No designated receptors at East minor negative. No increased minor positive. monuments and Potential benefits in congestion in areas within the Long and short Sanquhar and Proposal may geological SSSIs. flooding. Does not promote archaeological Prestwick town Prestwick town vicinity. Potential term, local, minor residential areas encourage more Loss of soil STRAT5 requires public transport. sites. Policy BE7 centre in terms of centre and on for adverse negative. to west of sustainable resources. Further that all Neutral. Potential Potential for requires the air quality and Heathfield Road, impacts on Possible short bypass. Potential modes of investigation may be development Long term, improvement in air improved links to recording access. However, therefore habitats and term impacts reduction in noise transport required to employs the national, minor quality and road Prestwick town archaeological proposed bypass improving local air possible during for receptors determine whether principles of positive. Ease of safety within centre and resources prior to would result in a quality. There are fragmentation. construction, south of Whitletts Possible short or not the site is sustainable congestion in Prestwick town Prestwick airport. development. number of adverse Justification few receptors in from site works junction and term, local, potentially urban drainage Prestwick town centre, and the environmental the vicinity of the Possible short and storage of Prestwick town negligible contaminated. systems. The centre, resulting in proposal may Possible short Possible short impacts. proposed bypass. term, local, materials. centre. negative impacts action is likely to reduced CO encourage term, local, term, local, Requirement for 2 negligible Potential for long during Possible short term, require emissions. walking and negligible negative negative impacts EIA. Possible short negative impacts term minor visual Possible short construction, due local, negligible authorisation cycling impacts during of unknown term, local, during degradation of term, local, to requirements negative impacts from SEPA, in construction e.g. quantity, due to Possible short term negligible impacts construction, from local landscape negligible for use of raw during construction, accordance with delays to journeys risks of negative impacts during temporary land character. negative impacts materials due to disturbance to the CAR caused by road discovering on all aspects of construction, e.g. take or during geology, soils and Regulations. works unknown buried the environment emissions from disturbance to construction, due land use archaeological during construction construction traffic species to noise from Possible short remains during or plant construction plant term, local, construction and traffic negligible negative impacts during construction, e.g.
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SEA Objectives
Material Cultural Soils / Geology Inter- LTS Proposals Air Climatic Health Biodiversity Population Landscape Noise Water Assets Heritage / Land use relationship
due to potential release of polluted runoff or spillages SEA Recommendation: Improved public transport links between Prestwick town + + + 0 + 0 0 + 0 0 0 + + centre and peripheral areas. Long term, local, moderate positive Long term, local, benefits overall Long term, Long term, local, minor positive; a through national, minor minor positive; reduction in air Long term, local, improvements to positive; improving Long term, local, improving public pollution will minor positive; Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal will Neutral; proposal public transport public transport Neutral; proposal minor positive; Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal transport promotes reduce the improves existing will have no have no significant will have no provision which promotes modal will have no improved public will have no will have no Justification modal shift which population's infrastructure significant impact impact on significant impact promotes modal shift which will significant impact transport links will significant impact significant impact will result in a exposure to thereby ensuring on cultural soils/geology/land on water quality shift away from the result in a on biodiversity enhance access to on landscape on noise reduction in transport efficient use of heritage use or flooding car thereby reduction in community facilities transport-related generated resources reducing transport transport-related air emissions emissions and so related emissions. carbon emissions benefit health This has secondary benefits to human health. (6) Prestwick Northern Distributor and GPIA Access: Upgrading of Shawfarm Road and provision of tunnel under + + + 0 + - 0 - 0 - - - second runway to link into the A77 (T) at Sandyford roundabout. Neutral. Long term, local, Long term, local, Neutral. Policy potential minor negative. Long term, local, BE6 assigns the reduction in noise Likely to cross Neutral. Although minor negative. protection of levels in Ladykirk Burn. there is potential Does not promote ancient Long term, local, Prestwick town STRAT5 requires for long term, Long term, local, the more efficient monuments and minor negative. Eases congestion Long term, local, Long and short centre, however, that all local, minor minor positive. use of the archaeological Potential loss of within Prestwick minor positive; will term, local, minor this is likely to development impacts on Route would existing transport sites. Policy BE7 agricultural land. and improves ease congestion Long term, local, negative. result in more employs habitats and improve east-west network, however requires the Further investigation access east-west, and result in minor positive. Possible short traffic on the road principles of Long term, species linkage and access eases congestion recording of may be required to however, there are improvements to The proposal will term impacts linking with the sustainable national, minor associated with to GPIA and the in the town centre archaeological determine whether potential long term, air quality ease congestion during new tunnel and urban drainage positive. Ease of Ladykirk Burn. A77 (T). and may promote resources prior to or not the site is local, negative in Prestwick town construction, onto the A79, systems. The congestion in sustainable forms development. potentially impacts associated Justification Possible short centre, therefore from site works increasing long action may Prestwick town Possible short Possible short of transport contaminated. with land take and term, local, reducing exposure and storage of term noise levels require centre, resulting in term, local, term, local, Possible short water environment. negligible negative to emissions and materials. at residential authorisation reduced CO2 negligible negligible negative Possible short term, local, Possible short term, impacts during encouraging Potential for long properties. from SEPA, in emissions. negative impacts impacts during term, local, negative impacts local, negligible Possible short term construction, e.g. increased walking term, minor visual accordance with during construction e.g. negligible of unknown negative impacts negative impacts emissions from and cycling degradation of Possible short the CAR construction, from delays to journeys negative impacts quantity, due to during construction, on all aspects of construction traffic local landscape term, local, Regulations. temporary land caused by road during risks of due to disturbance to the environment or plant character. negligible Possible short take or works construction, due discovering geology, soils and during construction negative impacts term, local, disturbance to to requirements unknown buried land use during negligible species for use of raw archaeological construction, due negative impacts materials remains during to noise from during construction construction plant construction and traffic
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Material Cultural Soils / Geology Inter- LTS Proposals Air Climatic Health Biodiversity Population Landscape Noise Water Assets Heritage / Land use relationship
SEA Recommendation: Support the increase in rail and bus services linking Prestwick with peripheral communities. + + + + + + 0 + + 0 + + 0 0 0 + + Improve public transport access to GPIA.
Overall, the Long term, local, proposal has long Long term, Long term, local, Long term, local, moderate positive; term, local, national, moderate Long term, local, moderate positive; moderate positive; improvements to moderate benefits positive; Long term, local, minor positive; increasing rail and reductions in rail and bus as a result of the increasing rail and minor positive; utilises existing Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal will Neutral; proposal bus services traffic as a result Neutral; proposal services between Neutral; proposal provision of bus services modal shift to rail network to its full will have no have no significant will have no especially to the of modal shift will have no Prestwick and will have no services to key Justification especially to the and bus could potential whilst significant impact impact on significant impact airport promotes reduces air significant impact peripheral significant impact amenities such as airport promotes reduce traffic and supporting on cultural soils/geology/land on water quality modal shift away emissions from on biodiversity communities and in on landscape Prestwick airport modal shift away therefore reduce sustainable heritage use or flooding from the car so transport so particular to the through sustainable from the car so noise emissions modes of reducing air improving human airport will improve modes of transport reducing carbon transport emissions health community which promotes emissions linkages to facilities modal shift thereby reducing emissions. (7) Ayr Inner Ring Road (west): Provision of a dual carriageway link including a new bridge across the River Ayr to link 0 + + - + - - 0 - 0 - - the Fort Street / Harbour Street with A719 King Street. Long term, local, Long term, local, minor negative. minor negative. Long term, local, Ayr town centre River Ayr is of minor negative. is a Conservation Good water River Ayr Long and short Area. There are a quality (SEPA provides habitat term, local, minor number of river to salmon, sea negative. Scheduled classification) Long term, local, Long term, local, trout, brown trout, Possible short Monuments and therefore minor negative. A minor negative. Neutral. No grayling, eel, The action will term impacts within Ayr town construction and Long term, local, new road and Does not promote geological SSSIs or stickleback, provide an during centre and operation of a minor negative. A bridge will result the more efficient prime agricultural Neutral; no likely Long term, local, minnow and additional link construction, potentially within new bridge could new road and in a new source use of the land. Further long term impacts minor positive. stone loach. Also across the River from site works the vicinity of the result in negative bridge will result in of noise for existing transport investigation may be as a result of this National Cycle a potential wildlife Ayr which currently and storage of proposed road impacts on water a large number of receptors, network, but it required to proposal Route 7 currently corridor, therefore limits north-south materials. and bridge; these quality and an negative CO2 emissions including people promotes more determine whether uses the New a bridge could links, it improves Although the include Ayr Fort increase in environmental may be reduced using the River sustainable forms or not the site is Possible short Bridge to cross potentially result public transport surrounding Gate (NS334220) flooding risk. impacts, but priority as a result of Ayr Way. of transport. potentially Justification term, local, River Ayr. An in fragmentation landscape and Ayr Fort Wall However, measures for buses possible increased contaminated. negligible negative additional bridge and impact upon Possible short character is (NS332221 and appropriate and cyclists will bus use and Possible short Possible short impacts during would ease habitats post term, local, classified by SNH NS333220). The mitigation could have benefits. cycling term, local, term, local, Possible short term, construction, e.g. congestion on this construction. negligible negative as 'factories and extent of impact reduce these negligible negligible local, negligible emissions from bridge, providing a impacts during urban', a new on these sites impacts, Possible short term negative impacts negative impacts negative impacts construction traffic safer crossing for Possible short construction e.g. bridge could and their settings including the negative impacts during during during construction, or plant cyclists. term, local, delays to journeys potentially result is dependent on incorporation of on all aspects of construction, due construction, due due to disturbance to negligible caused by road in long term the location of the SUDS into the the environment to noise from to requirements geology, soils and negative impacts works adverse visual proposed road scheme design. during construction construction plant for use of raw land use during impacts to and bridge. and traffic materials construction, from recreational Possible short temporary land users along the Possible short term, local, take or River Ayr. term, local, negligible disturbance to negative impacts negative impacts species of unknown during quantity, due to construction, e.g. risks of due to potential
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SEA Objectives
Material Cultural Soils / Geology Inter- LTS Proposals Air Climatic Health Biodiversity Population Landscape Noise Water Assets Heritage / Land use relationship
discovering release of unknown buried polluted runoff or archaeological spillages remains during construction
SEA Recommendation; Bus and cycle priority at both existing bridges (without + + + 0 + 0 0 + 0 0 0 + widening).
Overall there are long term, local, Long term, local, Long term, Long term, local, Long term, local, minor positive minor positive; national, minor Long term, local, minor positive; minor positive; impacts as a result priority for buses positive; priority for minor positive; proposal ensures reducing air Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal will Neutral; proposal of this proposal and cyclists may buses and cyclists Neutral; proposal improves access to Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal efficient use of emissions benefits will have no have no significant will have no through the encourage modal may encourage will have no community facilities will have no will have no existing Justification human health and significant impact impact on significant impact prioritisation of shift so reducing modal shift so significant impact as bus services will significant impact significant impact infrastructure cycle priority will on cultural soils/geology/land on water quality buses and cyclists the amount of reducing the on biodiversity be more efficient on landscape on noise whilst promoting promote the heritage use or flooding across the bridges traffic and amount of traffic as a result of sustainable safety of cyclists with benefits to air improving air and reducing priority on bridges modes of on the road quality, climate, quality carbon emissions transport health, population and material assets
(8) A77 (T) Maybole Bypass: To support Transport Scotland in the delivery of + 0 + ? 0 - - 0 0 0 ? ? - Maybole Bypass.
Ayr - Stranraer Neutral; Maybole disused railway is a Conservation line consists of Bypass unlikely Neutral. Long Area so a bypass scrub habitat and Long and short to cross any term, local relief may be beneficial is a potential term, local, Uncertain, long term major burns, from noise for to preserve the wildlife corridor. moderate Neutral: Does not impact. No however smaller receptors in character of the Long term, local, This is located to negative. promote the more geological SSSIs in burns will be Long term, local, Long term, local, Maybole town town. Lyonston minor negative; the south of Neutral. The action Possible short efficient use of vicinity of proposals. crossed, with minor positive; minor positive; a centre, however standing stone is proposal is could Maybole and may does not improve term impacts the existing Potential for land potential for long congestion within proportion of the the bypass will a SM located to affect water, soils, therefore be public transport nor during transport network take of prime term, local, minor Maybole town population within increase local the north east of cultural heritage crossed by the does it improve construction, but helps to agricultural land (To negative impacts. would be the centre of noise levels Maybole town and biodiversity bypass. (294094 linkages to from site works promote more be confirmed) It is assumed that significantly Maybole will experienced by centre. depending on - 307106). community and storage of sustainable forms Further investigation appropriate reduced by a benefit from an properties and Dependent on location. Adverse Neutral; Neutral; Impacts depend facilities. materials. SNH of transport in may be required to mitigation during bypass improvement in air outdoor receptors location of impacts on Justification (assume bypass to west or proposal will have on the location of has classified the Maybole determine whether construction and quality and on the outskirts of bypass, potential landscape likely but east). no significant the bypass, but Possible short land surrounding or not the site is SUDS will be Possible short therefore benefit Maybole in the for impact upon positive effects to impact on climate would be long term, local, Maybole as Possible short potentially implemented. term, local, health. Safety long term. this SM. human health and term and local in negligible negative improved term, local, contaminated. negligible negative levels in the town air quality. nature impacts during grassland. A negligible Possible short impacts during would also Possible short Possible short construction e.g. bypass would negative impacts Possible short term, term, local, construction, e.g. improve, and term, local, term, local, Possible short term Possible short delays to journeys therefore change during local, negligible negligible emissions from walking and negligible negative impacts negative impacts term, local, caused by road the existing construction, due negative impacts negative impacts construction traffic cycling is more negative impacts of unknown on all aspects of negligible works landscape and is to requirements during construction, during or plant likely. during quantity, due to the environment negative impacts likely to have a for use of raw due to disturbance to construction, e.g. construction, due risks of during construction during negative visual materials geology, soils and due to potential to noise from discovering construction, from impact in the long land use release of construction plant unknown buried temporary land term. polluted runoff or and traffic archaeological take or spillages remains during disturbance to construction species
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SEA Objectives
Material Cultural Soils / Geology Inter- LTS Proposals Air Climatic Health Biodiversity Population Landscape Noise Water Assets Heritage / Land use relationship
SEA Alternative: (8) A77(T) Maybole Bypass: To support Transport Scotland in the delivery of Maybole Bypass, assuming an EIA is carried out and that 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 mitigation is incorporated into scheme design such that there are no significant residual environmental impacts
TS has made the TS has made the TS has made the TS has made the TS has made the TS has made the TS has made the TS has made the TS has made the TS has made the TS has made the decision to go decision to go decision to go decision to go decision to go decision to go decision to go decision to go decision to go decision to go decision to go ahead ahead with the ahead with the ahead with the ahead with the ahead with the ahead with the ahead with the ahead with the ahead with the ahead with the with the bypass and bypass and so it is bypass and so it is bypass and so it is bypass and so it bypass and so it is bypass and so it bypass and so it bypass and so it bypass and so it bypass and so it so it is therefore out Justification therefore out of the therefore out of the therefore out of is therefore out of therefore out of the is therefore out of is therefore out of is therefore out of is therefore out of is therefore out of of the scope of this scope of this SEA scope of this SEA the scope of this the scope of this scope of this SEA the scope of this the scope of this the scope of this the scope of this the scope of this SEA to influence the to influence the to influence the SEA to influence SEA to influence to influence the SEA to influence SEA to influence SEA to influence SEA to influence SEA to influence effects on the effects on the effects on the the effects on the the effects on the effects on the the effects on the the effects on the the effects on the the effects on the the effects on the environment environment environment environment environment environment environment environment environment environment environment
Potential Traffic Management Proposals
(10) Ayr Town Centre West Enhancements: Provision of enhanced bus stops, shelters and footway areas to serve the west town centre area. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Associated traffic management to + + + + + enhance safety and improve traffic movements. Enhanced footway width at the Gaiety Theatre.
Long term, local, Long term, local, Long term, local, Long term, local, minor positive. minor positive. minor positive. minor positive. Supports Improvements Neutral; proposal will Supports Neutral. No Neutral; proposal Improved access Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Justification (assuming traffic management Neutral. No direct Improved safety sustainable may improve have no significant sustainable modes predicted will have no and pedestrian will have no will have no will have no measures do not include pedestrianising impact on air within Ayr town modes of character of Ayr impact on of transport through reduction in CO2 significant impact facilities within Ayr. significant impact significant impact significant impact areas such as the town centre). quality. centre (west) for transport through Conservation soils/geology/land bus stop and emissions. on biodiversity Improved safety for on landscape on noise on water road users and bus stop and Area use footway road users and pedestrians. footway improvements and pedestrians. improvements. road safety.
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Material Cultural Soils / Geology Inter- LTS Proposals Air Climatic Health Biodiversity Population Landscape Noise Water Assets Heritage / Land use relationship
(11) To support the Council with the delivery of the Renaissance of Ayr Town 0 + + 0 + + + + 0 0 + 0 0 + + Centre.
Long term, local, Neutral. No direct Neutral. STRAT5 minor positive. impact on air requires that all Improved access quality as the Neutral. The development Long term, local, to the Citadel and Strategy does not Strategy does employs the minor positive. seafront. Long term, local, discourage travel propose Neutral. Further principles of The general Potential for moderate positive. by car within Ayr improvements to investigation may be sustainable Modal shift to improvement in Neutral; proposal Proposal will Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal further positive Overall town centre. the existing required to urban drainage public transport the appearance of will have no improve will have no will have no impacts through improvements to Justification However, it is transport determine whether systems. The may reduce CO Ayr town centre significant impact appearance of Ayr significant impact significant impact the establishment the appearance of recognised that 2 infrastructure, or not the site is action may emissions will have a on biodiversity town centre on landscape on noise of the Ayr Ayr town centre the integration of however, it also a potentially require positive impact on Townscape with improved rail and bus new road link and contaminated. authorisation health and well Heritage pedestrian links. stations could new car parks are from SEPA, in being and safety. Initiative, and encourage modal proposed. accordance with Conservation shift to public the CAR Area transport. Regulations. enhancements
Potential Public Transport Scheme Proposals
(12) Ayr to Glasgow via Paisley Service Enhancement + + + 0 + + 0 0 + + 0 0 0 + +
Neutral. Long term, local, minor negative impact Long term, local, Long term, Long term, local, due to increased Long term, local, moderate national, minor minor positive. noise emissions Long term, local, minor positive. Long term, local, positive. positive. Encourages from additional Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal will Neutral; proposal moderate positive. Encourages modal Neutral; proposal moderate positive. Neutral; proposal Promotes Encourages modal modal shift to train service. will have no have no significant will have no Promotes shift to public will have no Improved public will have no sustainable Justification shift to public public transport However, long significant impact impact on significant impact sustainable mode transport and significant impact transport services significant impact modes of transport and and therefore term, local, minor on cultural soils/geology/land on water quality of transport and therefore potential on biodiversity. between Ayr and on landscape transport and therefore potential potential to reduce positive impact heritage use or flooding improves public to reduce road Glasgow. utilises the to reduce CO2 exposure to road due to a transport service. vehicle emissions. existing transport emissions. vehicle emissions. reduction in noise infrastructure. vehicle emissions as a result of modal shift.
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Material Cultural Soils / Geology Inter- LTS Proposals Air Climatic Health Biodiversity Population Landscape Noise Water Assets Heritage / Land use relationship
(13) Electric Service Extension including new station near Ayr hospital. + + + 0 0 0 0 + + 0 0 0 + +
Neutral. The shift Long term, local, Neutral. Although Long term, local, Neutral. The action from a diesel to moderate positive. electrification will moderate will not have a direct Long term, local, electric rail Reduced emissions Long term, local, improve the positive. Neutral; proposal impact on Neutral; proposal Long term, minor positive. Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal service will result will contribute to minor positive. efficiency of the Promotes will have no soils/geology/land will have no national, minor Potential to will have no will have no in a long term, improvement in Justification Reduction in PM existing rail sustainable mode significant impact use, although some significant impact 10 positive. Reduction reduce exposure significant impact significant impact local, slight local air quality, and NO service, there will of transport and on cultural land take may be on water quality 2 in CO emissions to existing rail on biodiversity on landscape reduction in reduction in CO2 emissions. 2 be no direct efficient use of heritage required for or flooding diesel emissions. noise, however, emissions and improvement to existing transport supporting this is unlikely to associated benefits linkages. infrastructure. infrastructure. be significant. to health.
Potential Walking Policies
(W1) The council will investigate areas of high pedestrian demand with a view to the reallocation of road space to ease 0 0 + 0 0 0 0 + 0 0 0 + pedestrian congestion and improve the pedestrian environment
Neutral; proposal will have no significant impact Long term, on population regional, minor Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal will Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Promotes positive; improves Possible short will have no have no significant will have no Proposal contains will have no will have no will have no will have no will have no sustainable mode Justification the pedestrian term, local, significant impact impact on significant impact benefits to material significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact of transport, i.e. environment so negligible negative on cultural soils/geology/land on water quality assets and health on air quality on climate on biodiversity on landscape on noise walking encourages more impacts during heritage. use or flooding people to walk construction e.g. delays to journeys caused by road works
(W2) The council will prioritise the linkage of major transport hubs with other facilities through effective + + + 0 ++ 0 0 + 0 0 0 + pedestrian routes
Long term, Long term, Long term, Long term, Long term, regional, minor regional, minor regional, minor Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal will Neutral; proposal national, minor regional, minor Neutral; proposal Long term, Neutral; proposal positive. positive. positive. will have no have no significant will have no positive. positive. will have no regional, moderate will have no Neutral; proposal Promotes Improvement to Encourages modal significant impact impact on significant impact Encourages modal Improves human significant impact positive. Improves significant impact will have no sustainable pedestrian routes Justification shift to walking on cultural soils/geology/land on water quality shift to walking health through on biodiversity. linkages with on landscape. significant impact modes of will have secondary and therefore heritage. This is use. This is or flooding. This and therefore greater This is dependant transport and other This is dependant on noise transport and benefits to air potential to reduce dependant on dependant on is dependant on potential to reduce opportunities for on location. facilities on location. utilises the quality and the road vehicle location. location. location. CO2 emissions. walking. existing transport health of the emissions. infrastructure. population
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Material Cultural Soils / Geology Inter- LTS Proposals Air Climatic Health Biodiversity Population Landscape Noise Water Assets Heritage / Land use relationship
(W3) The council will require that all new developments adequately cater for + + + 0 + 0 0 0 0 0 0 + walking trips
Long term, Long term, Long term, Long term, regional, minor regional, minor national, minor regional, minor positive. Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal will Neutral; proposal positive; facilitating positive. positive. Neutral; proposal Proposal will have Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Encourages modal will have no will have no have no significant will have no walking trips Encourages modal Improves human will have no improved linkages will have no will have no Justification shift to walking significant impact significant impact impact on significant impact improves human shift to walking health through significant impact to community significant impact significant impact and therefore on material on cultural soils/geology/land on water quality health and may and therefore greater on biodiversity facilities. on landscape on noise potential to reduce assets heritage use or flooding promote modal shift potential to reduce opportunities for road vehicle so improving air CO emissions. walking. emissions. 2 quality
(W4) The council shall continue to upgrade all pedestrian crossing points 0 0 + 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 + to have dropped kerbs and tactile paving
Long term, regional, minor Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal will Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal positive. will have no will have no have no significant will have no will have no will have no will have no will have no will have no will have no This is a single Justification Improves human significant impact significant impact impact on significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact issue policy health through on material on cultural soils/geology/land on air quality on climate on biodiversity on population on landscape on noise on water improved assets heritage use pedestrian safety
(W5) The council will provide or require pedestrian stages at all new traffic signal installations where there is a proven or 0 0 + 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 + expected demand
Long term, regional, minor Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal will Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal positive. will have no will have no have no significant will have no will have no will have no will have no will have no will have no will have no This is a single Justification Improves human significant impact significant impact impact on significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact issue policy health through on material on cultural soils/geology/land on water quality on air quality on climate on biodiversity on population on landscape on noise improved assets heritage use and flooding pedestrian safety
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Material Cultural Soils / Geology Inter- LTS Proposals Air Climatic Health Biodiversity Population Landscape Noise Water Assets Heritage / Land use relationship
Potential Cycling Policies
(C1) The Council will prioritise the implementation of schemes identified in the Local Cycle Network Study and continue to work in partnership with Sustrans and other cycle development + + + 0 + 0 0 + 0 0 0 + bodies in the improvement and promotion of the National Cycle Network and other cycling infrastructure where appropriate.
Long term, regional, minor Long term, Long term, Long term, positive. regional, minor Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal regional, minor national, minor Improves human Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal will positive; Improves Long term, will have no will have no positive. positive. health through will have no will have no will have no Promotes have no significant quality of the cycle regional, minor significant impact significant impact Encourages modal Encourages modal greater significant impact significant impact significant impact sustainable mode impact on network which will Justification positive; Improves on cultural on water quality shift to cycling and shift to cycling and opportunities for on biodiversity. on landscape. on noise. This of transport - soils/geology/land encourage linkages within the heritage. This or flooding . This therefore potential therefore potential cycling. Policy This depends on This depends on depends on the cycling use. This depends increased usage. cycle network depends on the is dependant on to reduce road to reduce CO2 does not improve the location. the location. location. on the location. Secondary benefits location. location. vehicle emissions. emissions. road safety or to air quality and reduce exposure human health. to air pollution
(C2) Encourage increased cycling trips by requiring cycle networks to be + + + 0 + 0 0 + 0 0 0 + effectively linked
Long term, regional, minor Long term, Long term, Long term, positive. regional, minor Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal regional, minor national, minor Improves human Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal will positive; Improves Long term, will have no will have no positive. positive. health through will have no will have no will have no Promotes have no significant quality of the cycle regional, minor significant impact significant impact Encourages modal Encourages modal greater significant impact significant impact significant impact sustainable mode impact on network which will Justification positive; Improves on cultural on water quality shift to cycling and shift to cycling and opportunities for on biodiversity. on landscape. on noise. This of transport - soils/geology/land encourage linkages within the heritage. This or flooding. This therefore potential therefore potential cycling. Policy This depends on This depends on depends on the cycling use. This depends increased usage. cycle network depends on the is dependant on to reduce road to reduce CO2 does not improve the location. the location. location. on the location. Secondary benefits location. location. vehicle emissions. emissions. road safety or to air quality and reduce exposure human health. to air pollution
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SEA Objectives
Material Cultural Soils / Geology Inter- LTS Proposals Air Climatic Health Biodiversity Population Landscape Noise Water Assets Heritage / Land use relationship
SEA Alternative: Encourage and promote increased cycling trips by requiring cycle networks to be + + + 0 + 0 0 + 0 0 0 + effectively linked
Long term, regional, minor Long term, Long term, Long term, positive. Neutral; proposal regional, minor Neutral; proposal regional, minor national, minor Improves human Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal will will have no positive; Improves Long term, will have no positive. positive. health through will have no will have no will have no Promotes have no significant significant impact quality of the cycle regional, minor significant impact Encourages modal Encourages modal greater significant impact significant impact significant impact sustainable mode impact on on water quality network which will Justification positive; Improves on cultural shift to cycling and shift to cycling and opportunities for on biodiversity. on landscape. on noise. This of transport - soils/geology/land and flooding. encourage linkages within the heritage. This therefore potential therefore potential cycling. Policy This depends on This depends on depends on the cycling use. This depends This is increased usage. cycle network depends on the to reduce road to reduce CO does not improve the location. the location. location. on the location. dependant on Secondary benefits 2 location. vehicle emissions. emissions. road safety or location. to air quality and reduce exposure human health. to air pollution
(C3) a) The Council will require that new developments have cycle parking facilities and adequate access for cycle use and continue to install or seek installation of secure short to long term + + + 0 0 0 0 + 0 0 0 + cycle parking at appropriate locations where there is a significant actual or potential demand for parking.
Long term, Long term, Long term, regional, minor regional, minor national, minor positive; Improves Long term, positive. positive. Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal provision of secure regional, minor Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal will Encourages modal Encourages modal will have no will have no bike parks and so positive. will have no Neutral; proposal will have no will have no Promotes have no significant shift to cycling shift to cycling significant impact significant impact encourages greater Improves human significant impact will have no significant impact significant impact sustainable mode impact on Justification through increased through increased on cultural on water quality use of bikes as an health through on biodiversity. significant impact on landscape. on noise. This of transport - soils/geology/land parking provision parking provision heritage. This or flooding. This alternative method provision of This depends on on population This depends on depends on the cycling use. This depends and security and and security and depends on the is dependant on of transport. This measures to the location. the location. location. on the location. therefore potential therefore potential location. location. therefore has encourage cycling to reduce road to reduce CO2 indirect benefits to vehicle emissions. emissions. air quality, climate and human health
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SEA Objectives
Material Cultural Soils / Geology Inter- LTS Proposals Air Climatic Health Biodiversity Population Landscape Noise Water Assets Heritage / Land use relationship
C3 b) The Council will work with partners to provide cycle access routes + + + 0 + 0 0 + 0 0 0 + to major areas of activity Long term, regional, minor positive; provision of cycle access Long term, Long term, Long term, routes will regional, minor national, minor Long term, regional, minor encourage modal positive. positive. Neutral; proposal regional, minor Neutral; proposal positive; provision Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal will Neutral; proposal shift away from the Encourages modal Encourages modal will have no positive. will have no of cycle access will have no will have no Promotes have no significant will have no car with additional shift to cycling shift to cycling significant impact Improves human significant impact routes to major significant impact significant impact sustainable mode impact on significant impact benefits to air Justification through better through better on cultural health through on biodiversity. areas of activity will on landscape. on noise. This of transport - soils/geology/land on water. This is quality and also to provision of cycle provision of cycle heritage. This provision of This depends on improve community This depends on depends on the cycling use. This depends dependant on human health routes and routes and depends on the measures to the location. linkages and the location. location. on the location. location. through increased therefore potential therefore potential location. encourage cycling therefore benefit physical activity. to reduce road to reduce CO2 the population The intervention will vehicle emissions. emissions. also benefit the population as a result of better linkages (C4) The Council will take account of the needs of cyclists in the implementation of traffic management schemes and road + + + 0 + 0 0 + 0 0 0 + developments
Long term, regional, minor Long term, Long term, Long term, Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal positive; Improves regional, minor national, minor regional, minor Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal will Long term, will have no will have no quality of the cycle positive. positive. positive. will have no will have no will have no Promotes have no significant regional, minor significant impact significant impact infrastructure which Encourages modal Encourages modal Improves human significant impact significant impact significant impact sustainable mode impact on Justification positive; Improves on cultural on water quality will encourage shift to cycling and shift to cycling and health through on biodiversity. on landscape. on noise. This of transport - soils/geology/land linkages to heritage. This or flooding. This increased usage. therefore potential therefore potential greater This depends on This depends on depends on the cycling use. This depends community facilities depends on the is dependant on Secondary benefits to reduce road to reduce CO2 opportunities for the location. the location. location. on the location. location. location. to air quality, vehicle emissions. emissions. cycling population and human health.
(C5) The Council will support the transport of bicycles on rail services and + + + 0 + 0 0 + 0 0 0 + on medium to long bus services
Long term, regional, minor Long term, Long term, positive; Promotes regional, minor national, minor Long term, Long term, Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal use of public positive. positive. regional, minor Neutral; proposal will Long term, regional, minor will have no will have no transport and Encourages modal Encourages modal positive. Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal have no significant regional, minor positive; significant impact significant impact bicycles through shift to cycling and shift to cycling and Improves human will have no will have no will have no impact on Justification positive; improves promotes on cultural on water quality greater integration use of public use of public health through significant impact significant impact significant impact soils/geology/land sustainable sustainable heritage. This or flooding. This of these transport and transport and provision of on biodiversity on landscape. on noise use. This depends transport linkages modes of depends on the is dependant on sustainable modes therefore potential therefore potential measures to on the location. transport location. location. of transport. to reduce road to reduce C02 encourage cycling Indirect benefits to vehicle emissions. emissions. air quality, human health and climate
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Potential Public Transport Policies
(PT1) The Council will work with Strathclyde Partnership for Transport and other stakeholders to promote public transport as the most attractive and convenient option for most journeys and improves public awareness of public transport services by developing/providing relevant publicity + + + 0 + 0 0 + + 0 0 0 + material. The Council will also co- operate with operators in providing comprehensive information about their services and support the provision of traveline Scotland as the telephone and internet service portal for public transport information.
Long term, Long term, Long term, Long term, regional, minor regional, minor Long term, regional, Long term, national, minor positive. Overall Neutral. No Neutral. No positive. Overall Neutral. No regional, minor Neutral. No moderate Neutral. Overall, no Neutral. No regional, minor positive. Overall improvements to overall overall direct potential for overall direct positive; overall overall direct positive; direct impact on overall impact on positive; overall Justification potential for health in terms of cumulative impact on the reduction in PM impacts on improves impact on the promotes the soils/geology/land the water promotion of 10 reduction in CO reduced exposure reduction in historical built and NO 2 biodiversity. community and landscape. sustainable use use. environment. sustainable public 2 emissions from to road vehicle transport noise. environment. emissions from transport linkages of existing public transport private car use. emissions and private car use. transport network improved safety
(PT2) The Council will strive to maintain, where appropriate, levels of service of public transport systems which would otherwise be withdrawn without financial support from the Council and SPT and 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 + 0 0 0 0 work with SPT to apply fares on tendered services, with a philosophy of maximising best value.
Long term, regional, minor Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal will Neutral. Seeks to Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal positive; will have no have no significant maintain current will have no will have no will have no will have no will have no will have no will have no will have no Justification maintains significant impact impact on public transport significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact sustainable public on cultural soils/geology/land provision, hence on air quality on climate on health on biodiversity on population on landscape on noise on water transport heritage use neutral impact provision.
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(PT3) The Council will, where appropriate develop Quality Partnerships with bus operators, SPT and other organisations and will pursue, where relevant, measures specifically + + + 0 + + 0 0 + 0 0 0 + related to promoting the use of public transport, such as bus priority schemes to improve bus service provision in the area.
Long term, Long term, Long term, Long term, Long term, regional, minor Long term, regional, moderate regional, minor national, minor Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal will Neutral; proposal regional, minor positive. Overall regional, minor Neutral; proposal positive; improves Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal positive; positive. Overall will have no have no significant will have no positive; overall potential for positive; will have no public transport will have no will have no promotes and Justification potential for significant impact impact on significant impact promotion and reduction in PM10 encourages modal significant impact provision and significant impact significant impact improves the use reduction in CO2 on cultural soils/geology/land on water quality improvement of and NO2 shift from private on biodiversity. linkages to on landscape on noise of existing public emissions from heritage use or flooding sustainable public emissions from car use to buses. community transport private car use. transport private car use. facilities. facilities.
(PT4) The Council will pursue the integration of local services, school transport and social services transport, where practical, including making full and efficient use of Council owned passenger carrying vehicles and + + + 0 + + 0 0 + 0 0 0 + + encouraging the use of innovative transport modes providing adequate access, by as many modes of transport as possible, to employment and other facilities for rural communities.
Long term, Long term, Long term, regional, moderate Long term, regional, moderate Long term, regional, minor positive; improves regional, minor positive; improves national, minor Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal will positive. Overall Minor positive - Neutral; proposal public transport Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal positive; Neutral; proposal public transport positive. Overall will have no have no significant potential for encourages shift will have no provision and will have no will have no promotes and will have no provision and Justification potential for significant impact impact on reduction in PM10 away from private significant impact linkages to significant impact significant impact improves the use significant impact linkages to reduction in CO2 on cultural soils/geology/land and NO2 car on biodiversity employment and on landscape on noise of existing public on water employment and emissions from heritage use emissions from community facilities transport community facilities private car use. private car use. for rural facilities. for rural communities. communities.
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(PT5) The Council will work with others to assist in the integration of the public transport network, through improved interchange facilities, Park-and-Ride, + + + 0 + + 0 0 + + 0 0 0 + + through ticketing, improved timetables and other initiatives.
Long term, Long term, regional, minor Long term, regional, moderate Long term, Long term, positive; promotes Long term, regional, positive; improves regional, minor national, minor the reduction of regional, moderate moderate Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal public transport Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal will positive. positive. private vehicle positive; improves positive; will have no will have no efficiency through will have no will have no will have no have no significant Justification Encourages modal Encourages modal emissions, public transport improves public significant impact significant impact public transport significant impact significant impact significant impact impact on shift from private shift from private harmful to human efficiency through transport on cultural on water quality service integration on biodiversity on landscape on noise soil/geology/land use car use to public car use to public health, through public transport integration using heritage or flooding with the potential to transport. transport. modal shift to service integration. existing transport reduce private car public transport infrastructure. use and associated use. emissions.
(PT6) The Council will seek to promote a Park-and-Ride scheme, complimented with passenger information systems and + + + + + + 0 + + 0 0 + 0 0 0 + + cycle and pedestrian facilities, to serve the town of Ayr.
Long term, local, Long term, Long term, local, Long term, local, Long term, moderate positive; regional, moderate Long term, local moderate positive; minor positive; Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal will Neutral; proposal national, moderate encourages modal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal positive; facilitates moderate positive. improves public promotes will have no have no significant will have no positive; shift away from will have no will have no will have no transports linkages Justification Encourages modal transport provision sustainable significant impact impact on significant impact encourages modal private car use significant impact significant impact significant impact that promotes the shift away from and linkages to transport and use on cultural soils/geology/land on water quality shift away from towards public on biodiversity on landscape on noise use of public and private car use. community facilities of existing heritage use or flooding private car use. and active active transport within Ayr. infrastructure. transport modes. modes.
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(PT7) The Council will promote and provide public transport, including taxi concessionary fares schemes for socially excluded groups and communities, including women, the 0 0 + 0 + + 0 0 0 0 0 0 + + elderly, the young, the mobility challenged and ethnic minorities to access to employment and other facilities.
Long term, regional, moderate positive; improves Long term, social inclusion regional, moderate through greater Long term, Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal will Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal positive; provides Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal public transport regional, minor will have no will have no have no significant will have no will have no will have no will have no more affordable will have no will have no access to Justification positive; improves significant impact significant impact impact on significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact access to significant impact significant impact employment and access to health on material on cultural soils/geology/land on water quality on air quality on climate on biodiversity employment and on landscape on noise other faculties for facilities. assets heritage use or flooding community the elderly, facilities. disabled and socially disadvantaged groups.
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(PT8) The Council will work with Strathclyde Passenger Transport, train operating companies and GPIA to upgrade and maintain bus and rail + + + ? + ? ? + ? ? ? 0 facilities to a high standard and to provide infrastructure where appropriate.
Unknown; additional Unknown; Overall impacts are infrastructure has Unknown; additional Unknown; dependant on Unknown; the potential to additional infrastructure has additional location. Potential additional impact upon infrastructure has the potential for infrastructure has Unknown; additional for long term, infrastructure has landscape in both the potential to long term, local, the potential for infrastructure has regional, adverse Long term, the potential to the short and impact upon the negative impact long term, local, Long term, the potential for long impact in terms of regional, minor impact upon long term, but as noise upon cultural negative impacts regional, minor term, regional, biodiversity, positive. biodiversity, the location of environment, heritage, upon water, positive; facilitates negative impacts landscape, noise, Encourages modal however, as the any new however, due to however, due to however, due to the potential for upon cultural heritage, shift from private Long term, location of any infrastructure is the location of the location of the location of higher quality bus soil/geology/land soil, geology, land car use to public regional, minor new infrastructure unknown, the any new any new any new and rail provision. use, however, due to use and water, transport, with Long term, positive; promotes being unknown, level of impact infrastructure infrastructure infrastructure the location of any where new consequent national, minor the reduction of the level of cannot at this being unknown, Minor positive - being unknown, being unknown, Possible short new infrastructure infrastructure is improvements to positive. private vehicle impact cannot at stage be the level of long promotes use of the level of the level of term, local, being unknown, the proposed, however Justification air quality. Encourages modal emissions, this stage be assessed. term impact sustainable impact cannot at impact cannot at negligible negative level of impact beneficial in terms shift from private harmful to human assessed. Possible short cannot at this modes of this stage be this stage be impacts during cannot at this stage of air quality, Possible short car use to public health, through term, local, stage be transport assessed. assessed. construction e.g. be assessed climate, health and term, local, transport. modal shift to Possible short negative impacts assessed. delays to journeys population due to negligible negative public transport term, local, are possible Possible short Possible short caused by Possible short term, the focus on impacts during use. negligible during Possible short term, local, term, local, timetable changes local, negligible providing a high construction, e.g. negative impacts construction, term, local, negative impacts negligible on railways / negative impacts standard of public emissions from during from site works negligible of unknown negative impacts roadworks on during construction, transport facilities. construction traffic construction, from and storage of negative impacts quantity, due to during roads due to disturbance to or plant temporary land materials. Long during risks of construction, e.g. geology, soils and Possible short term take or term impacts construction, due discovering due to potential land use negative impacts disturbance to could result from to noise from unknown buried release of on all aspects of species a permanent construction plant archaeological polluted runoff or the environment change in and traffic remains during spillages during construction landscape construction character
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SEA Alternative; The Council will work with Strathclyde Passenger Transport, train operating companies and GPIA to upgrade and maintain bus and rail facilities to a high standard and to provide infrastructure where appropriate + + + 0 + 0 0 + 0 0 0 + which incorporates environmental best practice that mitigates any adverse environmental impacts during design, construction and implementation. Minor positive; Long term, Neutral; proposal facilitates the regional, minor will have no potential for higher positive. Long term, significant impact quality bus and rail Encourages modal regional, minor on biodiversity. provision. Long term, shift from private Long term, positive; promotes regional, minor car use to public national, minor the reduction of Possible short Possible short Minor positive - Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal will positive; improves transport. Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal positive. private vehicle term, local, term, local, promotes use of will have no have no significant overall bus and rail will have no will have no will have no Justification Encourages modal emissions, negligible negligible negative sustainable significant impact impact on provision and Possible short significant impact significant impact significant impact shift from private harmful to human negative impacts impacts during modes of on cultural soils/geology/land associated term, local, on landscape on noise on water car use to public health, through during construction e.g. transport heritage use infrastructure in an negligible negative transport. modal shift to construction, from delays to journeys environmentally impacts during public transport temporary land caused by sound manner. construction, e.g. use. take or timetable changes emissions from disturbance to on railways / construction traffic species roadworks on or plant roads
Adopted Revision of Alternative: The Council will work with Strathclyde Passenger Transport, train operating companies and GPIA to upgrade and maintain bus and rail facilities to a high + + + 0 + 0 0 + 0 0 0 + standard and to provide infrastructure where appropriate which assumes environmental best practice is adopted.
Minor positive; Long term, Neutral; proposal facilitates the regional, minor will have no potential for higher positive. Long term, significant impact quality bus and rail Encourages modal regional, minor on biodiversity. provision. Long term, shift from private Long term, positive; promotes regional, minor car use to public national, minor the reduction of Possible short Possible short Minor positive - Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal will positive; improves transport. Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal positive. private vehicle term, local, term, local, promotes use of will have no have no significant overall bus and rail will have no will have no will have no Encourages modal emissions, negligible negligible negative sustainable significant impact impact on provision and Justification Possible short significant impact significant impact significant impact shift from private harmful to human negative impacts impacts during modes of on cultural soils/geology/land associated term, local, on landscape on noise on water car use to public health, through during construction e.g. transport heritage use infrastructure in an negligible negative transport. modal shift to construction, from delays to journeys environmentally impacts during public transport temporary land caused by sound manner. construction, e.g. use. take or timetable changes emissions from disturbance to on railways / construction traffic species roadworks on or plant roads
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(PT9) The Council will assist where appropriate in the development of an increased frequency rail service and/or + + + 0 + 0 0 + 0 0 0 + + increased train lengths between Ayr and Glasgow.
Long term, regional, minor Long term, Long term, Long term, positive; promotes Long term, regional, moderate regional, minor national, minor the reduction of Long term, Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal will Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal regional, minor Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal positive; improves positive. positive. private vehicle regional, minor will have no have no significant will have no will have no positive; facilitates will have no will have no existing rail Justification Encourages modal Encourages modal emissions, positive; utilises significant impact impact on significant impact significant impact the potential for significant impact significant impact services and shift from private shift from private harmful to human existing rail on cultural soils/geology/land on water quality on biodiversity higher quality rail on landscape on noise encourages further car use to public car use to public health, through infrastructure. heritage use or flooding provision. modal shift towards transport. transport. modal shift to public transport. public transport use.
Potential Taxi Policies
(Taxi 1) The number of taxis and PHCs in South Ayrshire is not limited. The Council will consider each taxi or PHC 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 application.
Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal will Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal will have no will have no have no significant will have no Neutral. No overall will have no will have no will have no will have no will have no will have no will have no Justification significant impact significant impact impact on significant impact direct impacts on significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact on material on cultural soils/geology/land on water quality environment. on air quality on climate on health on biodiversity on population on landscape on noise assets heritage use or flooding
(Taxi 2) The Council will consult in the event of relocation of existing ranks or determination of appropriate locations 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 for new ranks so that the needs of users and operators are taken into account.
Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal will Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal will have no will have no have no significant will have no Neutral. No overall will have no will have no will have no will have no will have no will have no will have no Justification significant impact significant impact impact on significant impact direct impacts on significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact on material on cultural soils/geology/land on water quality environment. on air quality on climate on health on biodiversity on population on landscape on noise assets heritage use or flooding
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(Taxi 3) The Council will work with partners to promote the availability of taxis at key interchanges points so that 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 + 0 0 0 0 better integration between taxis and other modes is impaired.
May have indirect benefits in Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal will Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal promoting will have no have no significant will have no Neutral. No overall will have no will have no will have no will have no will have no will have no will have no Justification sustainable significant impact impact on significant impact direct impacts on significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact modes of on cultural soils/geology/land on water quality environment. on air quality on climate on health on biodiversity on population on landscape on noise transport as part heritage use or flooding of journeys
(Taxi 4) The Council will continue to provide taxi marshals at ranks between 11:00pm and 4:00am on Friday/Saturday 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 nights and during other busy occasions at appropriate locations.
Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal will Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal will have no will have no have no significant will have no Neutral. No overall will have no will have no will have no will have no will have no will have no will have no Justification significant impact significant impact impact on significant impact direct impacts on significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact on material on cultural soils/geology/land on water quality environment. on air quality on climate on health on biodiversity on population on landscape on noise assets heritage use or flooding
Potential Safety and Security Policies
(Safety 1) The Council will require that road safety audits are carried out at the planning, design and construction stages of all developments as 0 0 + 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 + appropriate. Audits appropriately address the various modes of transport being considered.
Long term, Long term, Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal will Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal regional, minor Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal regional, minor will have no will have no have no significant will have no will have no will have no positive; improved will have no will have no will have no will have no positive; should Justification significant impact significant impact impact on significant impact significant impact significant impact road safety will significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact contribute to the on material on cultural soils/geology/land on water quality on air quality on climate benefit human on biodiversity on population on landscape on noise area becoming assets heritage use or flooding health. safer.
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(Safety 2) All new housing developments will be required to be planned as mandatory 20mph zones and 20mph areas will be promoted and installed, 0 0 + 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 + including part time mandatory 20mph speed limits outside schools.
Long term, Long term, Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal will Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal regional, minor Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal regional, minor will have no will have no have no significant will have no will have no will have no positive; improved will have no will have no will have no will have no positive; will Justification significant impact significant impact impact on significant impact significant impact significant impact road safety will significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact contribute to the on material on cultural soils/geology/land on water quality on air quality on climate benefit human on biodiversity on population on landscape on noise area becoming assets heritage use or flooding health. safer.
(Safety 3) The Council will improve pedestrian safety and security through routes or areas that require such measures, with a particular focus on routes to school, including the + + + 0 + 0 0 + + 0 0 0 + + implementation of pedestrian crossing facilities that have been assessed using the approved criteria, when funding is available.
Long term, regional, Long term, Long term, Long term, moderate regional, moderate national, minor Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal will Neutral; proposal regional, minor Neutral; proposal Proposal offers Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal positive; positive; improves positive; will have no have no significant will have no Minor positive - positive; improved will have no improved linkages will have no will have no supports infrastructure Justification encourages modal significant impact impact on significant impact indirect benefits pedestrian safety significant impact to community significant impact significant impact pedestrians and supporting modal shift to walking on cultural soils/geology/land on water quality will benefit human on biodiversity facilities on landscape on noise promotes shift away from may reduce CO2 heritage use or flooding health. sustainable private car use emissions modes of around schools. transport (Safety 4) The Council will provide a consistent and structured programme of education, training and publicity, within education establishments, from pre- five's to colleges, aimed at developing awareness, skills and attitudes that will + + + 0 + 0 0 + + 0 0 0 + enable travellers to minimise their exposure to risks and will support individual schools to develop school travel plans aimed at safe and sustainable travel. Long term, Long term, Long term, regional, minor national, minor regional, Long term, Long term, positive. positive; moderate regional, minor regional, minor Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal will Neutral; proposal Encourages modal encourages modal Neutral; proposal Proposal offers Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal positive; positive; raises the positive; safety will have no have no significant will have no shift towards shift towards will have no improved linkages will have no will have no supports importance of Justification awareness significant impact impact on significant impact sustainable modes sustainable modes significant impact to community significant impact significant impact pedestrians and safety and initiatives will on cultural soils/geology/land on water quality of transport, of transport, on biodiversity facilities on landscape on noise promotes sustainable travel encourage safer heritage use or flooding reducing reducing sustainable through community travel. emissions from emissions from modes of based education. private car use. private car use. transport
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(Safety 5) The Council will work with SPT and Strathclyde Police to improve safety and personal security on public transport services and infrastructure 0 0 + 0 0 0 0 + 0 0 0 + and will develop and enhance CCTV coverage to improve the safety and security of public transport users.
Long term, Long term, Long term, regional, minor regional, minor regional, minor Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal will Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal positive; promotes positive; improved positive; will have no have no significant will have no will have no will have no will have no will have no will have no will have no modal shift towards Justification personal safety on promotes use of significant impact impact on significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact public and active when travelling transport network on cultural soils/geology/land on water quality on air quality on climate on biodiversity on population on landscape on noise modes of transport will benefit human through improved heritage use or flooding through improved health. personal safety. personal safety.
(Safety 6) The Council will support and assist the Scottish Government, Police and other emergency services with their enforcement initiatives, which are focused on casualty reductions or 0 0 + 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 + collision avoidance and will identify areas where casualty savings can be made within the development of transport activities.
Long term, Long term, Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal will Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal regional, minor Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal regional, minor will have no will have no have no significant will have no will have no will have no positive; improved will have no will have no will have no will have no positive; will Justification significant impact significant impact impact on significant impact significant impact significant impact road safety will significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact contribute to the on material on cultural soils/geology/land on water quality on air quality on climate benefit human on biodiversity on population on landscape on noise area becoming assets heritage use or flooding health. safer.
(Safety 7) The Council will require that vehicle pollution levels are regularly monitored at key locations to identify 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 sites, which might pose a risk to health from vehicle emissions.
Neutral. No overall Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal will Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; no direct impacts on will have no will have no have no significant will have no will have no will have no will have no will have no will have no will have no significant impacts Justification air as monitoring significant impact significant impact impact on significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact as a result of this does not directly on material on cultural soils/geology/land on water quality on climate on health on biodiversity on population on landscape on noise policy reduce air quality assets heritage use or flooding
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Potential Demand Management Policies
(Demand 1) The Council will improve access to the main town centres by enhancing public transport, walking and + + + 0 + 0 0 + 0 0 0 + cycling facilities, to offer attractive sustainable transport alternatives.
Long term, Long term, Long term, regional, minor regional, minor national, minor Long term, positive; promotes Long term, positive. positive; regional, minor the reduction of regional, minor Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal will Neutral; proposal Encourages modal encourages modal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Promotes positive; enhancing private vehicle positive; facilitates will have no have no significant will have no shift towards shift towards will have no will have no will have no sustainable public transport Justification emissions, the potential for significant impact impact on significant impact sustainable modes sustainable modes significant impact significant impact significant impact modes of encourages modal harmful to human higher quality on cultural soils/geology/land on water quality of transport, of transport, on biodiversity on landscape on noise transport shift towards more health, through public and active heritage use or flooding reducing reducing sustainable modal shift to transport provision. emissions from emissions from transport types. public transport private car use. private car use. use.
(Demand 2) The Council will promote Park-and-Ride and Multi-Modal Travel Stations to offer an alternative to urban + + + 0 + 0 0 + 0 0 0 + long stay parking, where appropriate.
Long term, Long term, Long term, regional, minor Long term, regional, minor national, minor Long term, positive; promotes regional, minor positive. positive; regional, minor Long term, the reduction of Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal will Neutral; proposal positive; Encourages modal encourages modal Neutral; proposal positive; promotes Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal regional, minor private vehicle will have no have no significant will have no encourages modal shift towards shift towards will have no wider community will have no will have no positive; utilises Justification emissions, significant impact impact on significant impact shift away from sustainable modes sustainable modes significant impact access to town significant impact significant impact existing public harmful to human on cultural soils/geology/land on water quality private cars of transport, of transport, on biodiversity centres centred on landscape on noise transport health, through heritage use or flooding towards more reducing reducing around public infrastructure. modal shift to sustainable modes emissions from emissions from transport. public transport of transport. private car use. private car use. use.
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(Demand 3) The Council will control the impacts of vehicles, to safeguard sensitive areas. If there is an opportunity 0 0 0 + 0 + 0 0 + + + + for improvement, this will be achieved in association with other agencies.
Long term, Long term, Long term, Long term, Long term, regional, minor regional, minor Long term, regional, regional, minor regional, minor regional, minor positive; as positive; as Neutral; proposal minor positive; as positive; as Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal positive; as positive; as provides an provides an will have no provides an provides an will have no will have no will have no will have no will have no provides an provides an Justification additional additional significant impact additional safeguard additional significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact additional additional safeguard to safeguard to on material to areas with safeguard to on air quality on climate on health on population on noise safeguard to safeguard to areas sensitive areas of areas with assets valuable soils and areas with areas with of environmental biological sensitive geology. valuable water cultural value. importance. importance. landscapes. resources.
Potential Land Use Planning Policies
(Land 1) The Council will require large new developments are located where travel distances are minimised and ? ? 0 0 ? 0 0 ? 0 0 0 ? where they provide good access to transport systems.
Unknown; Unknown; Unknown; potential potential long potential long Unknown; potential long term, regional, Unknown; term, regional, term, national long term, regional, adverse impacts as potential long negative impact negative impact negative impact new developments term, regional, upon air quality as upon air quality as upon the Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal will Neutral; proposal may require Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal negative impact if new developments new developments population as new will have no have no significant will have no additional transport will have no will have no will have no will have no further Justification could be located could be located developments that significant impact impact on significant impact infrastructure. significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact infrastructure is outwith the outwith the do not have on cultural soils/geology/land on water quality on health on biodiversity on landscape on noise required that existing public existing public integrated public heritage use or flooding Possible short term does not promote transport network, transport network, transport links negative impacts public and active leading to a leading to a could lead to social on all aspects of transport. dependency on dependency on exclusion. the environment private car use. private car use. during construction
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SEA Objectives
Material Cultural Soils / Geology Inter- LTS Proposals Air Climatic Health Biodiversity Population Landscape Noise Water Assets Heritage / Land use relationship
SEA Recommendation; The Council will require large new developments are located where travel distances are minimised and where they provide good + + + + + 0 + 0 0 + 0 0 0 + + access to integrated public transport systems.
Long term, regional, minor Long term, Long term, Long term, positive; promotes Long term, Long term, regional, moderate national, moderate regional, moderate the reduction of regional, minor regional, minor Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal will Neutral; proposal positive; positive; Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal positive; supports private vehicle positive; integrated positive; will have no have no significant will have no encourages modal encourages modal will have no will have no will have no the provision of Justification emissions, public transport will promotes significant impact impact on significant impact shift away from shift away from significant impact significant impact significant impact public transport harmful to human help enhance sustainable on cultural soils/geology/land on water quality private car use private car use on biodiversity on landscape on noise links to all new health, through community access modes of heritage use or flooding and a reduction in and a reduction in large modal shift to to facilities. transport. the need to travel. the need to travel. developments. public transport use.
(Land 2) The Council will develop a pattern of land use, which is integrated with all modes of transport including walking, cycling and public transport and will ensure that transport provision 0 0 0 0 + + ? 0 0 0 ? 0 ? contributes to the release of and access to employment sites, and generally to the growth of the economy, to ensure job opportunities are available to all.
Unknown; potential long term, regional, negative impact Long term, Long term, as changing land regional, positive regional, moderate use could impact in terms of positive; support Unknown; potential adversely affect integrated transport and facilitates Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal for changing land Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal landscape Neutral; proposal provision, however, employment will have no will have no use patterns to have will have no will have no will have no will have no will have no character. will have no there is potential for Justification throughout the significant impact significant impact either a positive or significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact However, there is significant impact the changing community and on material on cultural negative long term, on water quality on air quality on climate on health on biodiversity also the potential on noise patterns of land use includes for the assets heritage regional impact upon or flooding for beneficial to have long term, provision of public land use. landscape regional adverse and active impacts through landscape and land transport. high quality urban use impacts. design and improvements to streetscapes.
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SEA Objectives
Material Cultural Soils / Geology Inter- LTS Proposals Air Climatic Health Biodiversity Population Landscape Noise Water Assets Heritage / Land use relationship
SEA Alternative : The Council will develop a pattern of land use, which is integrated with all modes of transport including walking, cycling and public transport and which does not degrade existing land use or landscape character and which will ensure that transport 0 0 0 0 + + 0 0 0 0 0 0 + provision contributes to the release of and access to employment sites, and generally to the growth of the economy, to ensure job opportunities are available to all.
Long term, regional, moderate Long term, positive; support regional, minor and facilitates Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal will Neutral; proposal positive; supports Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Policy ensures Neutral; proposal employment will have no will have no have no significant will have no integrated transport will have no will have no will have no will have no that landscape will have no Justification throughout the significant impact significant impact impact on significant impact provision and significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact character will not significant impact community and on material on cultural soils/geology/land on water quality facilitates on air quality on climate on health on biodiversity be degraded. on noise includes for the assets heritage use or flooding improvements to provision of public community linkages and active and employment. transport.
(Land 3) The Council regard the responsibility for funding new infrastructure and improvement schemes, required primarily for development purposes, as resting with the developer and will seek to obtain contributions to specified public transport infrastructure, where + + + + + 0 + + 0 0 + 0 0 0 + developments can support a high level of public transport in the future. Contributions in lieu of car parking may also be sought for town centre developments, where full car parking standards cannot be met on-site.
Long term, Long term, regional, minor regional, moderate Long term, Long term, Long term, positive through positive; regional, moderate national, moderate Long term, regional, moderate encouraging encourages positive; attempts positive; attempts regional, minor positive; support provision of provision of to shift the focus of to shift the focus of positive; and facilitates sustainable Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal will Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; No direct Neutral; proposal sustainable modes development from development from improving air employment modes of will have no have no significant will have no will have no link between will have no of transport, Justification private car parking private car parking quality will reduce throughout the transport; significant impact impact on significant impact significant impact policy and significant impact promoting modal provision towards provision towards the population's community and however policy on cultural soils/geology/land on water quality on biodiversity landscape on noise shift away from the public and active public and active exposure to includes for the also relates to heritage use or flooding car so improving air travel modes, travel modes, transport-related provision of public new infrastructure quality and reducing private reducing private emissions and active which does not improving car emissions. car emissions. transport. utilise the existing community network to its full linkages. potential
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SEA Objectives
Material Cultural Soils / Geology Inter- LTS Proposals Air Climatic Health Biodiversity Population Landscape Noise Water Assets Heritage / Land use relationship
(Land 4) The Council will set out the standards for roads and transport design within the Council's Roads Development Guidelines and apply these 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 guidelines to the control of all new developments.
Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal will Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal will have no will have no have no significant will have no Policy itself will will have no will have no will have no will have no will have no will have no will have no Justification significant impact significant impact impact on significant impact have neutral impact significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact on material on cultural soils/geology/land on water quality on environment on air quality on climate on health on biodiversity on population on landscape on noise assets heritage use or flooding
(Land 5) The Council will require proposed developments of a certain scale and/or potential impact to be ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? examined through a Transport Assessment.
Potential Potential impacts Potential impacts Potential impacts Potential impacts Potential changes Potential health Potential impacts Potential impacts Potential impacts landscape on noise sensitive on material on cultural Potential impacts on Potential on air quality may to CO2 emissions impacts may not on biodiversity on water may not on population may impacts may not receptors may assets may not heritage may not soils, geology and environmental not be addressed may not be be addressed may not be be addressed not be addressed be addressed not be addressed be addressed be addressed land use may not be impacts may not be within the addressed within within the addressed within within the Justification within the within the within the within the within the addressed within the addressed within Transport the Transport Transport the Transport Transport Transport Transport Transport Transport Transport Transport the Transport Assessment Assessment Assessment Assessment Assessment Assessment unless Assessment Assessment Assessment Assessment Assessment unless Assessment unless unless this is unless this is unless this is unless this is unless this is this is specified. unless this is unless this is unless this is unless this is this is specified. this is specified. specified. specified. specified. specified. specified. specified. specified. specified. specified.
SEA Alternative: The Council will require proposed developments of a certain scale and/or potential impact to be examined through a Transport Assessment and through an 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Environmental Impact Assessment where this is required, or through an environmental appraisal in the absence of these requirements.
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SEA Objectives
Material Cultural Soils / Geology Inter- LTS Proposals Air Climatic Health Biodiversity Population Landscape Noise Water Assets Heritage / Land use relationship
An EIA or environmental Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal will Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal appraisal will be will have no will have no have no significant will have no will have no will have no will have no will have no will have no will have no will have no carried out which Justification significant impact significant impact impact on significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact will allow on material on cultural soils/geology/land on water quality on air quality on climate on health on biodiversity on population on landscape on noise environmental assets heritage use or flooding impacts to be considered.
(Land 6) The Council will require that any proposed development that requires a Transport Assessment shall also have + + + 0 ? 0 0 + ? 0 0 ? a Travel Plan. Existing developments will be encouraged to develop travel plans.
Impacts depend on Unknown; may Proposal may Neutral; proposal will Neutral; proposal the contents of the Proposal will have Proposal will have Proposal will have Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Unknown; improve community encourage more have no significant will have no Travel Plans but an overall minor an overall minor an overall minor will have no will have no will have no depends on Justification linkages depending sustainable impact on significant impact could benefit air positive benefit to positive benefit to positive benefit on significant impact significant impact significant impact content of travel on contents of modes of soils/geology/land on water quality quality, human air quality climate health on biodiversity on landscape on noise plans Travel Plan transport use or flooding health and population
(Land 7) The Council will require that new developments provide facilities for pedestrians, cyclists, public transport, people with disabilities and speed reduction measures, where practical and + + + + + 0 + + 0 0 + 0 0 0 + + + ensure that public rights of way are protected in the promotion of new transport proposals.
Long term, Long term, Long term, regional, minor regional, major Long term, regional, moderate positive; positive; national, moderate positive; encourages modal encourages modal positive; encourages modal shift to public and shift to public and encourages modal Long term, shift to public and active transport Long term, Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal will Neutral; proposal active transport and shift to public and Neutral; proposal regional, moderate Neutral; proposal active transport and away from car Neutral; No direct regional, minor will have no have no significant will have no requires that all active transport will have no positive - facilitates will have no Justification and away from car dependency, link between positive - support significant impact impact on significant impact new developments and away from car significant impact and improves significant impact dependency, therefore has the policy and noise sustainable on material soils/geology/land on water quality must provide dependency, on biodiversity community on landscape therefore has the potential to reduce transport modes. assets use or flooding transport facilities thereby has the linkages potential to reduce road vehicle that do not rely potential to reduce road vehicle emissions that solely on car use, CO emissions emissions and 2 can adversely contributing to a from road vehicles. improve air quality. affect human reduction in road health. vehicle emissions.
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SEA Objectives
Material Cultural Soils / Geology Inter- LTS Proposals Air Climatic Health Biodiversity Population Landscape Noise Water Assets Heritage / Land use relationship
Potential Freight Policies
(Freight 1) The Council will work with the Scottish Government, network Rail and relevant train operating companies (TOCs) to facilitate the efficient movement of freight with appropriate + - + 0 0 0 0 - 0 0 0 - routes and service accesses and to encourage transfer form road to air, sea and rail, where possible.
Long term, Long term, regional, minor Long term, Long term, regional, minor negative; regional, minor national, minor positive; has encourages Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal will Neutral; proposal negative; supports Minor positive: negative - potential to reduce Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal transfer of freight will have no have no significant will have no movement of freight benefits movement encourages human exposure will have no will have no will have no will have no Justification from road to air, significant impact impact on significant impact to sustainable of freight by rail transfer of freight to road vehicle significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact therefore does on cultural soils/geology/land on water quality modes of transport and sea over road. by air which could emissions by on biodiversity on population on landscape on noise not fully promote heritage use or flooding but also to air which increase CO encourage 2 sustainable could increase CO2 emissions transfer of freight modes of emissions. from road to rail. transport
SEA Alternative: The Council will work with the Scottish Government, network rail and relevant train operating companies (TOCs) to facilitate the efficient movement of freight with + + + 0 0 0 0 + 0 0 0 + appropriate routes and service accesses and to encourage transfer from road to sea and rail, where possible.
Long term, regional, minor Long term, Long term, positive; has regional, minor national, minor Minor positive - Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal will Neutral; proposal Minor positive: potential to reduce Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal positive - positive - promotes use of will have no have no significant will have no benefits movement human exposure will have no will have no will have no will have no encourages Justification encourage shift of sustainable significant impact impact on significant impact of freight by rail to road vehicle significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact movement of freight freight movement modes of on cultural soils/geology/land on water quality and sea over road. emissions by on biodiversity on population on landscape on noise away from road from road to rail transport heritage use or flooding encourage towards rail and and sea transfer of freight sea. from road to rail.
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SEA Objectives
Material Cultural Soils / Geology Inter- LTS Proposals Air Climatic Health Biodiversity Population Landscape Noise Water Assets Heritage / Land use relationship
(Freight 2). The Council will support the provision of new rail freight depots and the expansion of existing facilities including giving advice on appropriate applications by firms for grants to + + + + + ? 0 ? ? + + ? ? ? ? construct freight facilities. The Council will also encourage new activities with high freight movements to locate close to existing or proposed rail facilities
Unknown; additional infrastructure has Depending on the Long term, potential to location of any Depending on the Supports regional, moderate impact upon new rail Long term, location of any Depending on movement of freight positive; landscape in infrastructure has Depending on regional, new rail Depending on the location of to rail which has a encourages short and long the potential to location of rail moderate infrastructure has location, any new rail any new rail long term, regional, movement of term, but as the for long term, infrastructure, positive; the potential to infrastructure has infrastructure, positive impact on freight by rail Long term, location of any local, adverse transport of promotes for long term, the potential for long this proposal has emissions, health rather than road; national, moderate new effects on freight by rail sustainable local adverse term, regional the potential for and material thereby has positive; Long term, infrastructure is biodiversity could affect new modes of effects on adverse impacts on long term, local assets, however potential to encourages regional, minor unknown, level of through loss of noise sensitive transport by features of land use, geology adverse effects there could be long contribute to a movement of positive; has impact cannot at habitat and receptors in the encourage cultural heritage and soils, through on surface water term, local, adverse reduction in road freight by rail potential to reduce Neutral; proposal this stage be through long term movement of interest land take required and groundwater environmental based vehicle rather than road; human exposure will have no assessed. Justification disturbance freight by rail for new impacts associated emissions, thereby has to road vehicle significant impact Possible short impacts Possible short Possible short infrastructure Possible short with the siting of including NO and potential to emissions by on population term, local, 2 term, local, Possible short term, local, term, local, new rail facilities PM s contribute to a encourage negative impacts 10 Possible short negligible term, local, negative impacts Possible short term, negligible and infrastructure reduction in road transfer of freight are possible term, local, negative impacts negligible of unknown local, negligible negative impacts depending on Possible short based vehicle from road to rail. during negligible during negative impacts quantity, due to negative impacts during location. term, local, emissions construction, negative impacts construction, due during risks of during construction, construction, e.g. negligible negative including CO from site works 2 during to noise from construction, due discovering due to disturbance to due to potential Possible short term impacts during and storage of construction, from construction plant to requirements unknown buried geology, soils and release of negative impacts construction, e.g. materials. Long temporary land and traffic for use of raw archaeological land use polluted runoff or on all aspects of emissions from term impacts take or materials remains during spillages the environment construction traffic could result from disturbance to construction during construction or plant a permanent species change in landscape character
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SEA Objectives
Material Cultural Soils / Geology Inter- LTS Proposals Air Climatic Health Biodiversity Population Landscape Noise Water Assets Heritage / Land use relationship
SEA Alternative : The Council will support the provision of new rail freight depots and the expansion of existing facilities where these are located in areas where all associated potential significant environmental impacts are avoided through appropriate siting or can be mitigated. This will include giving + + + + + 0 0 0 0 + + 0 0 0 + + advice on appropriate applications by firms for grants to construct freight facilities. The Council will also encourage new activities with high freight movements to locate close to existing or proposed rail facilities
Long term, Long term, regional, moderate Long term, national, moderate positive; Long term, regional, moderate positive; Long term, encourages regional, positive; encourages regional, minor movement of moderate encourages movement of positive; has freight by rail positive; Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal will Neutral; proposal movement of freight freight by rail potential to reduce Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal rather than road; promotes will have no have no significant will have no by rail and the rather than road; human exposure will have no will have no will have no will have no Justification thereby has sustainable significant impact impact on significant impact siting of new rail thereby has to road vehicle significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact potential to modes of on cultural soils/geology/land on water quality infrastructure and potential to emissions by on biodiversity on population on landscape on noise contribute to a transport by heritage use or flooding facilities in areas contribute to a encourage reduction in road encourage which do not reduction in road transfer of freight based vehicle movement of generate significant based vehicle from road to rail. emissions, freight by rail environmental emissions including NO2 and impacts. including CO2 PM10s
(Freight 3). The Council will provide access for delivery vehicles to town centres and assist the distribution of goods, subject to such time restrictions 0 0 0 0 + + 0 0 0 0 0 0 + as required to achieve a safe pedestrian environment and secure the operational performance of the network.
Long term, Long term, regional, moderate regional, minor positive; supports positive; supports use of community Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal will Neutral; proposal use of community Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal facilities within will have no will have no have no significant will have no facilities within town will have no will have no will have no will have no will have no will have no Justification town centre by significant impact significant impact impact on significant impact centre by significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact maintaining access on material on cultural soils/geology/land on water quality maintaining access on air quality on climate on health on biodiversity on landscape on noise for delivery assets heritage use or flooding for delivery vehicles, thereby vehicles, thereby maintaining maintaining community links. community links.
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SEA Objectives
Material Cultural Soils / Geology Inter- LTS Proposals Air Climatic Health Biodiversity Population Landscape Noise Water Assets Heritage / Land use relationship
(Freight 4) The Council will seek to safeguard sensitive areas from the 0 0 0 + + 0 + + 0 0 + + + + + + + + + negative impacts of road freight.
Long term, Long term, Long term, regional, Long term, regional, Long term, regional, major regional, moderate moderate positive; regional, positive benefits as Neutral; proposal moderate Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal positive; policy Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal sensitive soil / moderate a result of this Long term will have no positive; policy will have no will have no will have no states that will have no will have no geological and land positive; sensitive policy due to its Justification regional, significant impact will safeguard significant impact significant impact significant impact sensitive areas significant impact significant impact use locations will be locations will be commitment to moderate positive on material cultural heritage on air quality on climate on health will be on population on noise safeguarded from safeguarded from safeguard sensitive assets sites from safeguarded from negative effects of negative effects areas from negative adverse effects of negative impacts road freight of road freight impacts of road road freight of road freight freight
(Freight 5) The Council will designate appropriate advisory routes for heavy goods vehicles to provide traffic relief to communities. This will also include + 0 + ? + 0 + 0 ? ? ? + provision of lorry parks, where necessary.
Depending on location of lorry Depending on Unknown; parks, land take Long term, location of lorry depending on Unknown; required could regional, minor parks, land take location of lorry possible long Long term, have the potential positive; diversion required could parks, land take term, local regional, minor for long term, of heavy goods have the potential required could have adverse impacts, Long term, positive; relief from local adverse vehicles form Long term, for long term, Long term, the potential to depending on regional, minor traffic may improve impacts on community areas regional, minor regional, adverse regional, minor adversely affect location of lorry positive - will have community features of may improve local positive; diversion effects on positive - traffic existing land use parks a beneficial impact linkages. Neutral; proposal cultural heritage air quality for these Neutral; proposal of heavy goods sensitive habitats. Neutral; proposal relief to and sensitive on local will have no interest. communities. will have no vehicles form will have no communities may geological features Possible short communities; Justification Possible short significant impact significant impact community areas Possible short significant impact reduce heavy over the regional in term, local, however there term, local, on material Possible short Possible short on climate may improve local term, local, on landscape goods vehicles the long term negligible could be adverse negligible negative assets term, local, term, local, air quality for negligible noise impacts on negative impacts environmental impacts during negative impacts negligible negative these negative impacts sensitive noise Possible short term, during impacts as a result construction e.g. of unknown impacts during communities. during receptors. local, negligible construction, e.g. of the inappropriate delays to journeys quantity, due to construction, e.g. construction, from negative impacts due to potential siting of lorry parks. caused by road risks of emissions from temporary land during construction, release of works discovering construction traffic take or due to disturbance to polluted runoff or unknown buried or plant disturbance to geology, soils and spillages archaeological species land use remains during construction
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SEA Objectives
Material Cultural Soils / Geology Inter- LTS Proposals Air Climatic Health Biodiversity Population Landscape Noise Water Assets Heritage / Land use relationship
SEA Alternative: The Council will designate appropriate advisory routes for heavy goods vehicles to provide traffic relief to communities. This will also include provision of lorry parks, + 0 + 0 + 0 + 0 0 0 0 + where necessary sited in areas that do not give rise to significant residual impacts.
Long term, Long term, Long term, Minor positive - will regional, minor regional, minor regional, minor benefit local positive; diversion Long term, positive - traffic positive; diversion Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal will Neutral; proposal communities Neutral; proposal of heavy goods Neutral; proposal regional, minor Neutral; proposal relief to of heavy goods will have no will have no have no significant will have no through relief of will have no vehicles form will have no positive; relief from will have no communities may Justification vehicles form significant impact significant impact impact on significant impact exposure to significant impact community areas significant impact traffic may improve significant impact reduce heavy community areas on material on cultural soils/geology/land on water quality impacts from heavy on climate may improve local on biodiversity community on landscape goods vehicles may improve local assets heritage use or flooding good vehicles and air quality for linkages. noise impacts on air quality for these improve community these sensitive noise communities. linkages. communities. receptors. (Freight 6) The Council will work with Central Government and Network Rail to provide new and enhanced existing important rail links for freight and passengers between South West + + + + + + ? + + ? ? + + ? ? ? + + Scotland and, mainland Europe , via the Channel Tunnel, and to expand the current programme of electrification of include the whole of South Ayrshire. Unknown; additional infrastructure has Long term, the potential to regional, impact upon improvements to landscape in both rail noise as New rail links Long term, New rail links the short and Long term, electrification is have potential for Unknown; regional, moderate have potential for long term, but as New rail links have regional, moderate Long term, Long term, quieter than long term, local, possible long positive: long term, local the location of potential for long positive; Long term, regional, regional, moderate diesel, however negative impacts term, local encourages modal impacts on any new term, regional, encourages modal national, moderate moderate positive; positive; improves new rail on cultural adverse impacts, shift to rail away biodiversity infrastructure is adverse impacts on shift away from car positive; modal modal shift to rail community infrastructure heritage features, depending on from road through habitat unknown, the land use, sensitive to rail, contributing shift to rail away away from car linkages within could give rise to depending on location of rail dependency for loss, depending level of impact geological sites and positively to a from car dependency South Ayrshire and long term, local Long term, location links both freight and on location. cannot at this soil resources, reduction in dependency coupled with the beyond adverse noise regional, passenger stage be depending on greenhouse gas coupled with the electrification of impacts for new moderate positive Possible short Possible short Justification movements. Possible short assessed. location. emissions and electrification of rail will contribute Possible short receptors, -promotes term, local, term, local, term, local, Possible short improvements to rail with links to positively to a term, local, depending on sustainable negative impacts negligible Possible short negligible term, local, Possible short term, local air quality. mainland Europe reduction in road negligible negative location transport of unknown negative impacts term, local, negative impacts negative impacts local, negligible However siting of will contribute vehicle related impacts during quantity, due to during negligible negative during are possible negative impacts new rail positively to the emissions which construction e.g. Possible short risks of construction, e.g. impacts during construction, from during during construction, infrastructure could reduction in CO2 can adversely delays to journeys term, local, discovering due to potential construction, e.g. temporary land construction, due to disturbance to adversely impact emissions affect human caused by road negligible unknown buried release of emissions from take or from site works geology, soils and on sensitive health. works negative impacts archaeological polluted runoff or construction traffic disturbance to and storage of land use environmental during remains during spillages or plant species materials. Long features. construction, due construction term impacts to noise from could result from construction plant a permanent and traffic change in landscape character
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SEA Objectives
Material Cultural Soils / Geology Inter- LTS Proposals Air Climatic Health Biodiversity Population Landscape Noise Water Assets Heritage / Land use relationship
SEA Alternative: The Council will work with Central Government and Network Rail to provide new and enhanced existing important rail links for freight and passengers between South West Scotland and mainland Europe , via the + + + + + + 0 + + 0 0 + + 0 0 0 + + + Channel Tunnel, where these do not give rise to significant residual environmental impacts , and to expand the current programme of electrification to include the whole of South Ayrshire.
Long term, regional, moderate Long term, Long term, Major positive; Neutral; proposal positive: Long term, regional, regional, moderate encourages modal will have no encourages modal national, moderate moderate positive; positive; improves shift away from car significant impact shift to rail away positive; modal modal shift to rail community to rail, and on biodiversity from road shift to rail away away from car linkages within electrification of rail,
dependency for from car dependency South Ayrshire and Long term, thereby contributing Possible short Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal will Neutral; proposal both freight and dependency coupled with the beyond Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal regional, positively to a term, local, will have no have no significant will have no passenger coupled with the electrification of will have no will have no moderate positive reduction in Justification negligible significant impact impact on significant impact movements. electrification of rail will contribute Possible short significant impact significant impact -promotes greenhouse gas negative impacts on cultural soils/geology/land on water quality Possible short rail with links to positively to a term, local, on landscape on noise sustainable emissions and during heritage use and flooding term, local, mainland Europe reduction in road negligible negative transport improvements to construction, from negligible negative will contribute vehicle related impacts during local air quality. temporary land impacts during positively to the emissions which construction e.g. Also improve take or construction, e.g. reduction in CO2 can adversely delays to journeys community linkages disturbance to emissions from emissions affect human caused by road within and outwith species construction traffic health. works South Ayrshire. or plant
Potential Parking Policies
(Park 1) The council will promote the provision of parking facilities for cars, pedal and motorcycles, lorries and coaches, including the provision of 0 0 0 0 + - 0 - ? ? ? 0 adequate parking facilities and access arrangements for people with mobility difficulties where appropriate
Long term, regional, benefits to the population as a result of this policy Long term, but possible long regional, minor Long term, term, local adverse positive; improved regional, minor Unknown; Unknown; impacts on Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal parking facilities Increased Neutral; proposal negative; new Unknown; impacts impacts depend impacts depend landscape, cultural will have no will have no will have no will have no with access parking facilities will have no parking facilities depend on the Justification on the location of on the location of heritage, soils and significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact arrangements for could impact on significant impact does not make location of the the parking the parking water depending on on air quality on climate on health on biodiversity people with townscape on noise efficient use of parking facilities facilities facilities location mobility difficulties existing
will aid access to infrastructure Possible short term services negative impacts on all aspects of the environment during construction
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SEA Objectives
Material Cultural Soils / Geology Inter- LTS Proposals Air Climatic Health Biodiversity Population Landscape Noise Water Assets Heritage / Land use relationship
SEA Alternative: (Park 1) The council will promote the improvement of existing parking facilities, in areas that do not give rise to significant adverse environmental impacts, for cars, pedal and motorcycles, lorries and coaches. 0 0 0 0 + 0 0 + 0 0 0 + Provision of adequate parking facilities and access arrangements for people with mobility difficulties where appropriate
Long term, regional, minor Long term, positive; improved Long term, regional, minor Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal will Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal parking facilities Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal regional, minor positive; improves will have no have no significant will have no will have no will have no will have no will have no with access will have no will have no positive; utilises existing resources Justification significant impact impact on significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact arrangements for significant impact significant impact the existing whilst improving on cultural soils/geology/land on water quality on air quality on climate on health on biodiversity people with on landscape on noise infrastructure to facilities for people heritage use or flooding mobility difficulties its full potential with mobility will aid access to difficulties services
(Park 2) The council will implement a strategy in the urban centres, including the imposition and review of restrictions and charges, where appropriate and 0 0 0 0 + 0 0 + 0 0 0 + manage the demand to encourage the efficient use of available parking spaces for parking within town centres
Long term, regional, minor Long term, Long term, positive; the policy regional, minor regional, minor Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal will Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal ensures efficient positive; efficient positive; policy will have no have no significant will have no will have no will have no will have no will have no will have no will have no use of existing Justification use of parking will promotes the significant impact impact on significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact resources whilst give greater access efficient use of on cultural soils/geology/land on water quality on air quality on climate on health on biodiversity on landscape on noise allowing greater to community existing heritage use or flooding accessibility to facilities infrastructure community facilities and amenities
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SEA Objectives
Material Cultural Soils / Geology Inter- LTS Proposals Air Climatic Health Biodiversity Population Landscape Noise Water Assets Heritage / Land use relationship
(Park 3) The council will ensure good management of publicly available 0 0 0 0 + 0 0 + 0 0 0 + parking facilities
Long term, Long term, Long term, regional, minor regional, minor regional, minor positive; the policy positive; better positive; policy Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal will Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal ensures efficient management of promotes the will have no have no significant will have no will have no will have no will have no will have no will have no will have no use of existing Justification parking facilities efficient use of significant impact impact on significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact resources whilst will have the existing on cultural soils/geology/land on water quality on air quality on climate on health on biodiversity on landscape on noise allowing greater potential to infrastructure heritage use or flooding accessibility to improve community through improved community facilities access to facilities management and amenities
(Park 4) The council will ensure that proposed new developments provide levels of parking in compliance with current Scottish Executive guidance and + + 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 + do not encourage unacceptable levels of car use where alternatives are, or could be made, available
Long term, Long term, regional, minor national, minor Long term, positive; allows for positive; allows for regional, minor alternatives to be alternatives to be Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal will Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal positive; benefits to explored to deter explored to deter will have no will have no have no significant will have no will have no will have no will have no will have no will have no air quality through Justification car use and so car use and so significant impact significant impact impact on significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact deterring car use could reduce the could reduce the on material on cultural soils/geology/land on water quality on health on biodiversity on population on noise on noise where possible number of cars on number of cars on assets heritage use or flooding when considering the road and the road and new developments therefore improve therefore improve air quality air quality
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SEA Objectives
Material Cultural Soils / Geology Inter- LTS Proposals Air Climatic Health Biodiversity Population Landscape Noise Water Assets Heritage / Land use relationship
Potential Maintenance Policies
(Maint 1) The Council will maintain the road network and car parks in the most efficient and cost effective manner and will work towards removing the backlog 0 0 0 0 0 0 + + + 0 0 0 + of maintenance work, within available budgets
Long term, Long term, regional, regional, minor Long term, moderate Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal will Neutral; proposal positive; the Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal regional, minor positive; will have no have no significant will have no intervention will have no will have no will have no will have no will have no will have no positive; well maintenance of Justification significant impact impact on significant impact maintains the significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact maintained roads existing road on cultural soils/geology/land on water quality existing on air quality on climate on health on biodiversity on population on landscape can reduce noise network ensures heritage use or flooding infrastructure and levels efficient use of so makes efficient the existing use of resources resources
(Maint 2) The Council will develop a forward programme of major structural maintenance schemes to prevent deterioration of the existing road stock and avoid the need for more expensive 0 0 0 ? 0 0 + + + 0 0 ? + work later including the provision of new and improved existing road drainage in order to preserve the fabric of the road network
Long term, regional, minor If SUDS are used Long term, positive; major for new drainage regional, If improvements maintenance then this can Long term, moderate to road drainage Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal will schemes including Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal reduce pollution Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal regional, minor positive; incorporate will have no have no significant improved road will have no will have no will have no to waterbodies will have no will have no positive; well maintenance of SUDS then this Justification significant impact impact on drainage will benefit significant impact significant impact significant impact and so may result significant impact significant impact maintained roads existing road can reduce on cultural soils/geology/land water quality and on air quality on climate on health in a long term, on population on landscape can reduce noise network ensures pollution of heritage use aquatic flora and regional benefit levels efficient use of waterbodies and fauna. If SUDS are to aquatic the existing minimise flooding used then this will ecology resources change to moderate
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SEA Objectives
Material Cultural Soils / Geology Inter- LTS Proposals Air Climatic Health Biodiversity Population Landscape Noise Water Assets Heritage / Land use relationship
SEA Alternative; The Council will develop a forward programme of major structural maintenance schemes to prevent deterioration of the existing road stock and avoid the need for more 0 0 0 + 0 0 + + + 0 0 + + + + expensive work later including the provision of new and improved existing road drainage incorporating SUDS to preserve the fabric of the road network.
Long term, Long term, Long term, Long term, regional, regional, moderate regional, minor regional, moderate positive; major positive; Long term, moderate positive; maintenance improved Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal will Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal regional, minor positive; improvements to schemes including drainage systems will have no have no significant will have no will have no will have no will have no will have no positive; well maintenance of road drainage new and improved Justification can reduce significant impact impact on significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact maintained roads existing road incorporating drainage pollution to on cultural soils/geology/land on air quality on climate on health on population on landscape can reduce noise network ensures SUDS can (incorporating waterbodies and heritage use levels efficient use of reduce pollution SUDS) will benefit so may benefit the existing of waterbodies water quality and the aquatic resources and minimise aquatic flora and ecology flooding fauna
(Maint 3) The Council will adopt principles of the Code of Practise, produced jointly by the former Scottish Local Authorities and the Scottish Office 0 0 0 0 + 0 + 0 0 0 0 + to reduce delays arising from road works
Long term, Long term, Long term, regional, minor regional, minor regional, minor positive; adopting positive; positive; reduces principles of the intervention will the impact of road road works code of Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal will Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal make sure that works on the practise minimises will have no will have no have no significant will have no will have no will have no will have no will have no will have no road works are population through Justification inconvenience to significant impact significant impact impact on significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact completely in a adherence of the people using the on material on cultural soils/geology/land on water quality on air quality on climate on health on biodiversity on landscape timely manner principles of the road and so assets heritage use or flooding therefore road works code of improves access to minimising noise practise issued by community facilities arising from the Scottish at times of road works Executive improvement
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SEA Objectives
Material Cultural Soils / Geology Inter- LTS Proposals Air Climatic Health Biodiversity Population Landscape Noise Water Assets Heritage / Land use relationship
(Maint 4) The Council will ensure that all existing roads structures are regularly inspected and maintained in a safe condition to establish their suitability to safely carry traffic complying with 0 0 + 0 0 0 + + + 0 0 0 + current Construction and Use Regulations, and promote a bridge- strengthening programme based on strategic transport requirements Long term, Long term, regional, Long term, regional, minor moderate regional, minor positive; improves positive; positive; Long term, the existing road maintenance of Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal will Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal maintaining the Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal regional, minor network and existing road will have no have no significant will have no will have no will have no roads to a safe will have no will have no will have no positive; well bridges to a safe Justification network and significant impact impact on significant impact significant impact significant impact condition can significant impact significant impact significant impact maintained roads standard which can bridge on cultural soils/geology/land on water quality on air quality on climate reduce accidents on biodiversity on population on landscape can reduce noise improve safety strengthening heritage use or flooding and therefore levels levels, reduce noise ensures efficient benefit human and ensure efficient use of the health use of existing existing resources resources
(Maint 5) The Council will minimise the detrimental effects of external influences on the fabric of roads (e.g. installation and repair of underground services, housing modernisation schemes, etc.) 0 0 0 0 + 0 + 0 0 0 0 + and will comply with the statutory requirements of the New Roads and Street Works Act of 1991
Long term, regional, minor positive; reducing Long term, Long term, effects of external regional, minor regional, minor influences on the positive; Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal will Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal positive; minimises Neutral; proposal fabric of the intervention will have no will have no have no significant will have no will have no will have no will have no will have no inconvenience to will have no roads and minimises Justification significant impact significant impact impact on significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact people using the significant impact compliance with inconvenience to on material on cultural soils/geology/land on water quality on air quality on climate on health on biodiversity road and so on landscape the New Roads road users and assets heritage use or flooding improves access to and Street Works reduces community facilities Act of 1991 will unnecessary noise reduce emissions unnecessary noise emissions
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SEA Objectives
Material Cultural Soils / Geology Inter- LTS Proposals Air Climatic Health Biodiversity Population Landscape Noise Water Assets Heritage / Land use relationship
Maint 6) The Council will continue to investigate and develop winter maintenance services, particularly the ice prediction and forecasting services, to improve their effectiveness and + + review its priority gritting routes to meet 0 0 0 + 0 0 0 0 0 0 + the needs of increasing traffic flows and public expectations. This will also include further development of thermal mapping systems
Long term, regional, minor Long term, Long term, positive; regional, regional, minor intervention moderate positive; positive; enhanced Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal will Neutral; proposal benefits the Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal intervention will Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal winter maintenance will have no will have no have no significant will have no population and will have no will have no improve the safety will have no will have no will have no Justification services will allow significant impact significant impact impact on significant impact human health significant impact significant impact of the roads in significant impact significant impact significant impact for a freer flow of on material on cultural soils/geology/land on water quality through safer roads on air quality on climate South Ayrshire in on biodiversity on landscape on noise traffic and so assets heritage use or flooding in winter and winter, therefore improve access to minimising reducing facilities disruption in times accidents of adverse weather conditions
(Maint 7) The Council will maintain flexibility within the overall revenue budget to maximise efficiency and effectiveness, and to pursue the 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 development of a strategy of needs based budgeting
Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal will Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal will have no will have no have no significant will have no will have no will have no will have no will have no will have no will have no will have no Justification significant impact significant impact impact on significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact on material on cultural soils/geology/land on water quality on air quality on climate on health on biodiversity on population on landscape on noise assets heritage use or flooding
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SEA Objectives
Material Cultural Soils / Geology Inter- LTS Proposals Air Climatic Health Biodiversity Population Landscape Noise Water Assets Heritage / Land use relationship
(Maint 8) The Council will provide new or improved street lighting in compliance with an assessment programme or to 0 0 + 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 + meet other council objectives including road improvement schemes
Long term, regional, minor positive; improved Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal will Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal street lighting can will have no will have no have no significant will have no will have no will have no will have no will have no will have no will have no Single issue Justification improve safety on significant impact significant impact impact on significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact intervention the streets on material on cultural soils/geology/land on water quality on air quality on climate on biodiversity on population on landscape on noise therefore assets heritage use or flooding encouraging more people to walk
Potential Travel Awareness Policies
(Aware 1) The Council will develop a Travel Plan, initially amongst Council employees, as a positive measure to limit the growth in car commuting, and + + + 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 + provide assistance to other organisations to do the same.
Long term, Long term, regional, minor Long term, Long term, regional, minor positive; regional, minor national, minor positive; a development of a positive; a positive; a reduction in air travel plan within Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal will Neutral; proposal reduction in the reduction in the pollution will Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal the council to will have no will have no have no significant will have no growth of car growth of car reduce the will have no will have no will have no will have no reduce growth in Justification significant impact significant impact impact on significant impact commuting will commuting will population's significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact car commuting will on material on cultural soils/geology/land on water quality limit the traffic on limit the traffic on exposure to on biodiversity on population on landscape on noise reduce emissions assets heritage use or flooding the roads, thereby the roads, thereby transport and therefore improving air improving air generated reduce the quality quality emissions and so population's benefit health exposure so improving health
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SEA Objectives
Material Cultural Soils / Geology Inter- LTS Proposals Air Climatic Health Biodiversity Population Landscape Noise Water Assets Heritage / Land use relationship
(Aware 2) The Council will work with Strathclyde Passenger Transport, West of Scotland Transport Partnership + + + 0 + 0 0 + 0 0 0 + Strathclyde Police and other partners on public transport campaigns.
Long term, Long term, Long term, Long term, Long term, regional, minor regional, minor national, minor Long term, regional, minor regional, minor positive; supporting positive; public positive; public Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal will Neutral; proposal regional, minor Neutral; proposal positive; public Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal positive; public transport transport transport will have no have no significant will have no positive; reducing will have no transport will have no will have no intervention campaigns can Justification campaigns campaigns significant impact impact on significant impact air emissions significant impact campaigns could significant impact significant impact promotes promote modal shift promotes modal promotes modal on cultural soils/geology/land on water quality benefits human on biodiversity improve public on landscape on noise sustainable away from the car shift away from the shift away from the heritage use or flooding health transport provision modes of so improving air car so improving car so improving for the population transport quality, health and air quality air quality pt provision.
Potential Working in Partnership Policies
(Partner 1) The Council will maintain its existing partnership arrangements and pursue further opportunities to work 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 with other organisations, where practical
Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal will Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal will have no will have no have no significant will have no will have no will have no will have no will have no will have no will have no will have no Justification significant impact significant impact impact on significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact on material on cultural soils/geology/land on water quality on air quality on climate on health on biodiversity on population on landscape on noise assets heritage use or flooding
(Partner 2) The Council will incorporate the needs of local stakeholders and partners in the implementation of the 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 strategy
Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal will Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal Neutral; proposal will have no will have no have no significant will have no will have no will have no will have no will have no will have no will have no will have no Justification significant impact significant impact impact on significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact significant impact on material on cultural soils/geology/land on water quality on air quality on climate on health on biodiversity on population on landscape on noise assets heritage use or flooding
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Scale
Minor Moderate Major Minor Moderate Major + + + + + + Neutral 0 Positive Positive Positive Negative - Negative - - Negative - - -
Unknown ?
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Appendix G: Cumulative Effects Assessment
Cumulative Effects Assessment
Table 0.1: Cumulative Assessment of Beneficial and Adverse Residual Effects after Secondary Mitigation SEA Objectives
LTS Proposals Air Water Climatic Health Biodiversity, Population Landscape Noise Material Cultural Soils, Factors Flora and Assets Heritage Geology and Fauna Land Use
Road Scheme Proposals
Port of Ayr Access + + + +
A70 Coylton Bypass: Provision of a single carriageway + + + + - - bypass of the town.
A70 Road Widening + + - +
Prestwick Eastern Bypass: Provision of a traffic distributor road linking Heathfield with the A77 (T) at + + + - - - Sandyford.
Prestwick Northern Distributor and GPIA Access: Upgrading of Shawfarm Road and provision of tunnel + + + + - - - under second runway to link into the A77 (T) at Sandyford roundabout.
Ayr Inner Ring Road (west): Provision of a dual carriageway link including a new bridge across the River + + + Ayr to link the Fort Street / Harbour Street with A719 King Street.
A77 (T) Maybole Bypass: To support Transport Scotland + + - - - in the delivery of Maybole Bypass.
Traffic Management Schemes
Ayr Town Centre West Enhancements + + + +
Renaissance of Ayr Town Centre to support the Council + + + + + + + with the delivery of the Renaissance of Ayr Town Centre
Public Transport Proposals/Policies
Ayr to Glasgow via Paisley Service Enhancement + + + + + + +
Electric Service Extension to new station near Ayr + + + + +
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SEA Objectives
LTS Proposals Air Water Climatic Health Biodiversity, Population Landscape Noise Material Cultural Soils, Factors Flora and Assets Heritage Geology and Fauna Land Use hospital
Council Wide The Council will work with Strathclyde Partnership for Transport and other stakeholders to promote public transport as the most attractive and convenient option for most journeys and improves public awareness of public transport services by developing/providing relevant + + + + + publicity material. The Council will also co-operate with operators in providing comprehensive information about their services and support the provision of traveline Scotland as the telephone and internet service portal for public transport information
The Council will strive to maintain, where appropriate, levels of service of public transport systems which would otherwise be withdrawn without financial support from the + Council and SPT and work with SPT to apply fares on tendered services, with a philosophy of maximising best value.
Council Wide The Council will, where appropriate develop Quality Partnerships with bus operators, SPT and other organisations and will pursue, where relevant, measures + + + + + + specifically related to promoting the use of public transport, such as bus priority schemes to improve bus service provision in the area
Council Wide The Council will pursue the integration of local services, school transport and social services transport, where practical, including making full and efficient use of Council owned passenger carrying vehicles and + + + + + + + encouraging the use of innovative transport modes providing adequate access, by as many modes of transport as possible, to employment and other facilities for rural communities
Council Wide The Council will work with others to assist in the + + + + + + + integration of the public transport network, through
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SEA Objectives
LTS Proposals Air Water Climatic Health Biodiversity, Population Landscape Noise Material Cultural Soils, Factors Flora and Assets Heritage Geology and Fauna Land Use improved interchange facilities, Park-and-Ride, through ticketing, improved timetables and other initiatives
Council Wide The Council will seek to promote a Park-and-Ride scheme, complimented with passenger information + + + + + + + + systems and cycle and pedestrian facilities, to serve the town of Ayr
Council Wide The Council will promote and provide public transport, including taxi concessionary fares schemes for socially + + + excluded groups and communities, including women, the elderly, the young, the mobility challenged and ethnic minorities to access to employment and other facilities
The Council will work with Strathclyde Passenger Transport, train operating companies and GPIA to upgrade and maintain bus and rail facilities to a high + + + + + standard and to provide infrastructure where appropriate which assumes environmental best practice is adopted
Ayr to Glasgow The Council will assist where appropriate in the + + + + + development of an increased frequency rail service and/or increased train lengths between Ayr and Glasgow
Walking Policies
The Council will investigate areas of high pedestrian demand with a view to the reallocation of road space to + + ease pedestrian congestion and improve the pedestrian environment
The Council will prioritise the linkage of major transport hubs with other facilities through effective pedestrian + + + + + routes
The Council will require that all new developments + + + + adequately cater for walking trips”
The Council shall continue to upgrade all pedestrian + crossing points to have dropped kerbs and tactile paving
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SEA Objectives
LTS Proposals Air Water Climatic Health Biodiversity, Population Landscape Noise Material Cultural Soils, Factors Flora and Assets Heritage Geology and Fauna Land Use
The Council will provide or require pedestrian stages at all new traffic signal installations where there is a proven + or expected demand
Cycling
The Council will prioritise the implementation of schemes identified in the Local Cycle Network Study and continue to work in partnership with Sustrans and other cycle + + + + + development bodies in the improvement and promotion of the National Cycle Network and other cycling infrastructure where appropriate
The Council will encourage increased cycling trips by + + + + + requiring cycle networks to be effectively linked.
The Council will require that new developments have cycle parking facilities and adequate access for cycle use and continue to install or seek installation of secure short + + + + to long term cycle parking at appropriate locations where there is a significant actual or potential demand for parking
The Council will work with partners to provide cycle + + + + + access routes to major areas of activity
Safety and Security
The Council will require that road safety audits are carried out at the planning, design and construction stages of all developments as appropriate. Audits + appropriately address the various modes of transport being considered
All new housing developments will be required to be planned as mandatory 20mph zones and 20mph areas + will be promoted and installed, including part time mandatory 20mph speed limits outside schools
The Council will improve pedestrian safety and security through routes or areas that require such measures, with a particular focus on routes to school, including the + + + + + + implementation of pedestrian crossing facilities, that have been assessed using the approved criteria, when funding
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SEA Objectives
LTS Proposals Air Water Climatic Health Biodiversity, Population Landscape Noise Material Cultural Soils, Factors Flora and Assets Heritage Geology and Fauna Land Use is available
The Council will provide a consistent and structured programme of education, training and publicity, within education establishments, from pre-five's to colleges, aimed at developing awareness, skills and attitudes that + + + + + + will enable travellers to minimise their exposure to risks and will support individual schools to develop school travel plans aimed at safe and sustainable travel
The Council will work with SPT and Strathclyde Police to improve safety and personal security on public transport services and infrastructure and will develop and enhance + + CCTV coverage to improve the safety and security of public transport users
The Council will support and assist the Scottish Government, Police and other emergency services with their enforcement initiatives, which are focused on + casualty reductions or collision avoidance and will identify areas where casualty savings can be made within the development of transport activities
Demand Management
The Council will improve access to the main town centres by enhancing public transport, walking and cycling + + + + + facilities, to offer attractive sustainable transport alternatives
The Council will promote Park-and-Ride and Multi-Modal Travel Stations to offer an alternative to urban long stay + + + + + parking, where appropriate
The Council will control the impacts of vehicles, to safeguard sensitive areas. If there is an opportunity for + + + + + improvement, this will be achieved in association with other agencies
Land Use Planning
The Council will require large new developments are located where travel distances are minimised and where + + + + + + + they provide good access to integrated public transport systems.
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SEA Objectives
LTS Proposals Air Water Climatic Health Biodiversity, Population Landscape Noise Material Cultural Soils, Factors Flora and Assets Heritage Geology and Fauna Land Use
The Council will develop a pattern of land use, which is integrated with all modes of transport including walking, cycling and public transport and will ensure that transport + + + + + + + + provision contributes to the release of and access to employment sites, and generally to the growth of the economy, to ensure job opportunities are available to all.
The Council regard the responsibility for funding new infrastructure and improvement schemes, required primarily for development purposes, as resting with the developer and will seek to obtain contributions to specified public transport infrastructure, where + + + + + + + + developments can support a high level of public transport in the future. Contributions in lieu of car parking may also be sought for town centre developments, where full car parking standards cannot be met on-site
The Council will require that new developments provide facilities for pedestrians, cyclists, public transport, people with disabilities and speed reduction measures, where + + + + + + + + practical and ensure that public rights of way are protected in the promotion of new transport proposals
Freight
The Council will work with the Scottish Government, network rail and relevant train operating companies (TOCs) to facilitate the efficient movement of freight with + + + + appropriate routes and service accesses and to encourage transfer from road to sea and rail, where possible.
The Council will support the provision of new rail freight depots and the expansion of existing facilities in areas where all associated potential significant environmental impacts are avoided through appropriate siting or mitigation. This will include giving advice on appropriate + + + + + + + applications by firms for grants to construct freight facilities. The Council will also encourage new activities with high freight movements to locate close to existing or proposed rail facilities
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SEA Objectives
LTS Proposals Air Water Climatic Health Biodiversity, Population Landscape Noise Material Cultural Soils, Factors Flora and Assets Heritage Geology and Fauna Land Use
The Council will provide access for delivery vehicles to town centres and assist the distribution of goods, subject to such time restrictions as required to achieve a safe + + pedestrian environment and secure the operational performance of the network
The Council will seek to safeguard sensitive areas from + + + + + + + + + + the negative impacts of road freight
The Council will designate appropriate advisory routes for heavy goods vehicles to provide traffic relief to communities. This will also include provision of lorry + + + + + + parks, where necessary sited in areas that do not give rise to significant residual impacts
The Council will work with Central Government and Network Rail to provide new and enhanced existing important rail links for freight and passengers between South West Scotland and mainland Europe , via the + + + + + + + + + + Channel Tunnel, where these do not give rise to significant residual environmental impacts, and to expand the current programme of electrification to include the whole of South Ayrshire
Parking
The council will promote the improvement of existing parking facilities, in areas that do not give rise to significant adverse environmental impacts, for cars, pedal + + and motorcycles, lorries and coaches. Provision of adequate parking facilities and access arrangements for people with mobility difficulties where appropriate
The Council will implement a strategy in the urban centres, including the imposition and review of restrictions and charges, where appropriate and manage + + the demand to encourage the efficient use of available parking spaces for parking within town centres
The Council will ensure good management of publicly + + available parking facilities
The Council will ensure that proposed new developments + + provide levels of parking in compliance with current
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SEA Objectives
LTS Proposals Air Water Climatic Health Biodiversity, Population Landscape Noise Material Cultural Soils, Factors Flora and Assets Heritage Geology and Fauna Land Use Scottish Executive guidance and do not encourage unacceptable levels of car use where alternatives are, or could be made, available
Maintenance
The Council will maintain the road network and car parks in the most efficient and cost effective manner and will + + work towards removing the backlog of maintenance work, within available budgets
The Council will develop a forward programme of major structural maintenance schemes to prevent deterioration of the existing road stock and avoid the need for more + + + + + + expensive work later including the provision of new and improved existing road drainage incorporating SUDS to preserve the fabric of the road network
The Council will adopt principles of the Code of Practise, produced jointly by the former Scottish Local Authorities + + and the Scottish Office to reduce delays arising from road works”
The Council will ensure that all existing roads structures are regularly inspected and maintained in a safe condition to establish their suitability to safely carry traffic + + + + complying with current Construction and Use Regulations, and promote a bridge-strengthening programme based on strategic transport requirements
The Council will minimise the detrimental effects of external influences on the fabric of roads (e.g. installation and repair of underground services, housing modernisation schemes, etc.) and will comply with the + + statutory requirements of the New Roads and Street Works Act of 1991
The Council will continue to investigate and develop winter maintenance services, particularly the ice prediction and forecasting services, to improve their + + + effectiveness and review its priority gritting routes to meet the needs of increasing traffic flows and public
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SEA Objectives
LTS Proposals Air Water Climatic Health Biodiversity, Population Landscape Noise Material Cultural Soils, Factors Flora and Assets Heritage Geology and Fauna Land Use expectations. This will also include further development of thermal mapping systems
The Council will provide new or improved street lighting in compliance with an assessment programme or to meet + other council objectives including road improvement schemes
Travel Awareness
The Council will develop a Travel Plan, initially amongst Council employees, as a positive measure to limit the + + + growth in car commuting, and provide assistance to other organisations to do the same
The Council will work with Strathclyde Passenger Transport, West of Scotland Transport Partnership + + + + + Strathclyde Police and other partners on public transport campaigns
SUMMARY AND INTERACTION
Cumulatively, the Local Transport Strategy policies and proposals could have minor to moderate long term, regional benefits on the environment There is the potential for minor adverse effects on biodiversity, material assets and noise however these could be offset by overarching policies safeguarding environmental resources from any adverse effects of transport and therefore could have minor beneficial cumulative effects. There is, however, the potential for minor adverse cumulative effects on the landscape and soils, geology and land use due to Road Scheme Proposals such as the A70 Coylton Bypass and Prestwick Eastern Bypass which involve the uptake of land but these are offset by the minor to moderate benefits on other environmental parameters leading to overall minor to moderate benefits cumulatively.
Scale
Minor Moderate Major Minor Moderate Major + + + + + + Neutral 0 Positive Positive Positive Negative - Negative - - Negative - - -
Unknown ?
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