Appendix 3
FIFEplan
Fife’s Local Development Plan
Strategic Environmental Assessment
Environmental Report Version 1
November 2012
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Contents
Contents
Non-Technical Summary
Table 1: SEA activities to date Table 2: SEA Assessment Framework
1 Summary of the plan and its policy context
Table 3: Development planning hierarchy in Fife Table 4: Relationship between other Plans, Programmes and Strategies
2 The SEA themes and the relationship with the criteria set out in the
Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act Table 5: SEA themes and the environmental criteria set out in the Act Table 6: SEA Themes and Implications for FIFEplan
3 Environmental baseline, evolution of the environment without the
plan and current environmental problems
Table 7: Evolution of the environment in the absence of FifePlan
4 Characteristics of the environment likely to be significantly affected by the plan and related assessment criteria
Table 8: Key features of Fife Table 9: Assessment framework for FIFEplan (for Main Issues Report and Proposed Plan)
5 Assessment of Preferred Strategy and Alternatives , including cumulative impact, and
mitigation proposals under the following themes
Table 10a: Assessment of Options Identified for Spatial Pattern Table 10b: Summary of Options Identified for Spatial Pattern Table 11a: Assessment of Options Identified for Spatial pattern 2 Table 11b: Summary of Options Identified for Spatial pattern 2 Table 12a: Assessment of Options Identified for Ore and Leven Valleys Table 12b: Summary of Options Identified for Ore and Leven Valleys Table 13a: Assessment of options Identified for Dunfermline Table 13b: Summary of Options Identified for Dunfermline
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Contents
Table 14: Assessment of Strategy for Small Scale Development Table 15a: Assessment of Options Identified for the Housing land Requirement in the SESplan Area Table 15b: Summary of options identified for the Housing land Requirement in the SESplan Area Table 16: Assessment of Strategies for Housing Land Requirement, Affordable Homes, Gypsies/Travellers and Travelling Showpeople, and Houses in Multiple Occupation Table 17: Assessment of options identified for the Economy, Employment and Retail Table 18: Assessment of Strategy for Energy Table 19: Assessment of Strategy for Minerals Table 20: Assessment of Strategy for Tourism Table 21: Assessment of Strategy for Green Networks
6 Review of alternative proposals
7 Review of short term and temporary impacts
8 Impact on EU designated sites
9 Monitoring framework
Table 22: Monitoring framework
10 Conclusions
Annex 1 : The Plan Context
Annex 2 : Inventory of Relevant National Policies and Strategies
Annex 3: Compendium of Baseline Data
Annex 4: Site Assessments Atlas – potential development options
Annex 5: SEA Scoping Consultation Comments
Annex 6: Initial Habitats Regulations Appraisal Screening of Candidate Sites
Key Facts
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Non-Technical Summary
Fife Council Responsible authority
FifePlan, Fife Local Development Plan Title of plan
Statutory requirement under the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act Mandate for the plan 1997
Land use planning Subject
Period covered 2013 – 2025 5 yearly reviews Frequency
As shown on map below Plan area
To guide development within the plan area and to form the basis for an action plan to secure investment in infrastructure for the area. Identify sites Purpose of plan for new developments and set out policies that guide decision making on planning applications.
Jenni Whittle Kingdom House Kingdom Avenue Contact point Glenrothes Tel: 08451 555 555 / (ext.) 471680 [email protected]
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Non-Technical Summary
NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY
Background The Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) for the FIFEplan Local Development Plan has been drawn up in accordance with the Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005.
The SEA must be taken into account by the Council in developing the Local Development Plan which is eventually adopted. It must be available for public comment alongside the Local Development Plan itself. As the Local Development Plan passes through further stages of scrutiny, including an Examination, the SEA must be updated to reflect any changes in the Plan.
This Non-Technical Summary reviews the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) of Fife Council’s Main Issues Report prepared as part of the Local Development Plan process. It has been included to assist consultees and members of the public in understanding the purpose of the environmental assessment process.
The Main Issues Report is the first formal stage in the preparation of the new Local Development Plan for Fife, named the FIFEplan. The SEA allows for the integration of environmental considerations into the Local Development Plan in the following ways:
• The SEA assesses the potential environmental effects of the Local Development Plan and, where appropriate, this information is used to inform the development of policies in the Local Development Plan, and • Sets out predicted environmental effects within the Environmental Report so that the public and other stakeholders can give their view on the preferred options identified in the Main Issues Report and their potential effects.
This Environmental Report is the primary consultation document in the SEA and provides detailed information on Fife’s environment and current challenges, a high-level assessment of potential environmental effects accruing from the issues raised in the Main Issues Report along with a number of recommendations and measures to mitigate against the potentially significant residual effects during the life of the Local Development Plan.
Preparation of the Local Development Plan Main Issues Report
The FIFEplan Local Development Plan will replace the three existing Local Plans and will, together with the Strategic Development Plans (SESplan and TAYplan) form the development plan for Fife. FIFEplan will set out how the Council intends to shape its towns, villages and the countryside over the next five to ten years. Once approved, the Local Development Plan will be the primary tool in the determination of planning applications.
The Main Issues Report is a significant stage in the Local Development Plan preparation and sets out general proposals for development in the area in relation to economic, environmental and social issues – these are arranged under the topics of People, Economy and Place. It sets out a series of options for the future direction of significant policy issues alongside reasonable alternatives and sets out a spatial strategy to Identify areas where development should happen and where it should be avoided.
Strategic Environmental Assessment Process
The Environmental Report has played a key part in informing the Main Issues Report.
The key steps of the SEA that have been completed to date include:
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Non-Technical Summary
• Environmental Assessment:
Following the consultation period, there will be a review of the responses received and appropriate action will be taken where necessary to incorporate the results into the Local Development Plan and subsequent iterations of the Environmental Report.
Table 1: SEA activities to date
SEA Action/Activity When carried out Screening : to determine whether the PPS is likely to have Not required, FIFEplan is a significant environmental effects qualifying programme under Section 5(3) Scoping: Scoping sets out sufficient information on the Fife 28 Sept to 2 Nov 2012 Council Main Issues Report to enable the Consultation Authorities (i.e. Historic Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage and Scottish Environment Protection Agency) and others to form a view on the scope, level of detail and consultation period that would be appropriate;
Preparation of Environmental Report Version: An environmental Sept to Dec 2012 assessment has been carried out on the preferred options and alternatives set out in the Main Issues Report. Publication and submission of Environmental Report Version 1 14 January 2013 and FIFEplan Main Issue Report to SEA Gateway Published for consultation from the 14 January 2013, and will be 14 January 2013 to the 10 available to view from www.fifedirect.org.uk/fifeplan. March 2013. Hard copies will be available to view in all libraries and at Comm Enterprise, Planning & Protective Services, Kingdom House, Kingdom Avenue, Glenrothes, KY5 5LY during normal opening times. Comments can be made on-line from the 14 January 2013 at www.fifedirect.org.uk/fifeplan , to be received by the 10 March 2013.
Drop-in information events will take place from 3.00pm-7.30pm at the venues listed below: Monday 28 th January 2013 The Foyer, Inverkeithing Civic Centre Tuesday 29 th January 2013 Council Chambers, Dunfermline Wednesday 30 th January 2013 Training Room, County Buildings, Cupar Tuesday 5 th February 2013 Lecture Room, St Bryce Kirk, Kirkcaldy Wednesday 6 th February 2013 Town Hall, St Andrews Monday 11 th February 2013 The Foyer, Rothes Halls, Glenrothes Wednesday 13 th February 2013 Beath High School, Cowdenbeath Thursday 14 th February 2013 Kirkland High School, Leven
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Non-Technical Summary
Assessment framework
The extent of the environmental impact of the Local Development Plan has been assessed against the backdrop of the existing environmental condition of the area – its environmental ‘baseline.’ As far as possible the plan should result in protection of good features of the current environment, improvement where the environment is poor, and reduction or reversal in processes which are reducing the quality of the environment. The assessment must therefore be carried out against a view of what might happen to the environment in the absence of the plan.
Notable features include: the biodiversity habitats and nature conservation value of the Fife countryside the high level of dependence on private transport, the existence of comprehensive facilities for waste recycling and disposal, the presence of extensive areas of prime agricultural land sensitive landscapes in many parts of the area, the vitality of the towns in the area the extensive areas of archaeological interest and the very large number of conservation areas and listed buildings
Without the plan it is likely that: many of the areas of value for nature conservation and biodiversity, including the coast, would be under pressure from development development might be more extensive, and would be much more dispersed, resulting in greater travel demands, and demand dependent on private transport, development would be more likely on unsuitable sites, such as those at risk of flooding or creating flooding risks elsewhere, either on their own or cumulatively, development would take place in a way which was much more intrusive in the landscape, and the historic environment would be under significant threat from unsympathetic development
Assessment criteria have been derived from the review of the baseline. These set out the characteristics of the environment likely to be affected by the plan, and specific criteria against which the policies and proposals in the Proposed Local Development Plan will, in due course, be assessed.
The 2005 Act lists a number of features of the environment which must be considered in an SEA. These have been drawn together into eleven assessment topics.
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Non-Technical Summary
Table 2: SEA Assessment Framework
Environmental Issues for the environment Assessment criteria topic Biodiversity, The extent to which the Plan will The strategy and alternatives have been nature compromise or enhance assessed on the extent to which they conservation biodiversity and areas and species offer protection in considering to which special protection applies development proposals and support at national or EU level positive programmes of enhancement, and to what extent they could compromise notable habitats or protected areas or species Energy use The level of energy use is widely The principal issue assessed has been considered to be a significant factor the extent to which the strategy and in increasing global warming. alternatives will increase or reduce energy consumption, either through design or energy production, and also how the strategy will reduce or increase the demand for private road travel. Energy The way in which energy is The strategy and alternatives of the production. produced is also widely believed to Main Issues Report have been be a factor in global warming. assessed for the extent to which they Energy from ‘renewable’ resources limit or support the production of energy such and wind and water power production from renewable sources. and solar energy has less impact on the global climate than energy produced from fossil fuels Air pollution, Air pollution is potentially damaging The strategy and alternatives have been noise, dust, to biodiversity and to human assessed for the extent to which they hazardous health. Some forms of may increase or reduce air pollution and installations development may also form a direct hazards. direct threat to human safety. Water quality As with air pollution, water pollution The strategy and alternatives of the and flooding can pose a threat to biodiversity Main Issues Report have been and to human health. assessed for the level of control they Development may also have an offer over development which could impact on the potential for flooding result in water contamination or with potentially damaging flooding. The options of the Main consequences for water quality and Issues Report have been assessed for human safety. the extent to which they may increase or reduce water pollution and flooding. Waste The production of unnecessary The Main Issues Report has been waste and its method of disposal assessed primarily for the extent to are also factors thought to which it will support the implementation contribute to global warming. of the Area Waste Plan, in reducing the Inappropriate or inadequate waste level of waste production, increasing disposal facilities can also result in recycling and reducing inappropriate direct damage to the amenity of the methods of disposal, particularly landfill. area. Soil, mineral Good quality agricultural land and The Main Issues Report has been resources mineral resources have finite limits assessed on the basis of the overall which need to be preserved as far impact on the amount of good quality as possible in the context of agricultural land and the potential to development pressures. sterilise exploitation of valuable mineral resources.
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Non-Technical Summary
Environmental Issues for the environment Assessment criteria topic Brownfield land, Brownfield land is often in a derelict The extent to which the strategy and contaminated condition which reduces the alternatives of the Main Issues Report land general amenity of an area. Where give priority to the development of it is contaminated there may be a brownfield land in preference to direct impact on biodiversity and greenfield sites has been assessed. human health. Planning policies The overall balance between brownfield generally aim to promote re-use of and greenfield development options has brownfield land in preference to also been assessed. development on ‘greenfield’ sites. Landscape Development has an obvious The strategy and alternatives of the impact on the landscape of the Main Issues Report have been area. But the landscape is assessed for the extent to which they constantly evolving as a result of protect valued landscape areas and land management and natural more local features of value. The processes as well as development. options have been assessed for the An assessment of the impact of extent to which they may change areas development has to be set in this of relatively high landscape value. wider context of continuous change.
Settlements – Human wellbeing depends on The strategy and alternatives of the infrastructure, access to a range of community Main Issues Report are assessed on community services, and the general amenity the extent to which they will focus resources, of the settlements in which the development in sustainable vitality majority of the population live. communities which offer a range of . Forms of development that make services including employment, open space and recreation facilities community services, and retail and more accessible and attractive leisure opportunities. Consideration is encourage walking and cycling, also given to the opportunities for which contributes to increased access to open space public health.
Historic The historic environment embraces The strategy and alternatives of the environment listed buildings and ancient Main Issues Report are assessed for monuments, conservation areas, the extent to which they protect the designed gardens and historic historic environment from inappropriate landscapes and sites of development and enhance the value of archaeological interest which historic features. Options have been reflect the development of assessed for the extent to which they settlements in their landscape will have a positive or negative impact setting and provide the setting for on these environments. specific buildings of historic significance.
Environmental Assessment Findings
Overall minor to moderate long-term benefits were found to be achievable to Fife’s natural heritage and built environment through the measures proposed by the preferred options set out in the Main Issues Report. These benefits will be achieved, in part, through the continuous incorporation of SEA recommendations into the development of the Local Development Plan.
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Non-Technical Summary
Recommendations are made to amend components of the Main Issues Report where potential adverse effects had been identified or where it was thought that there would be the potential for additional benefits to the environment. These changes include mitigation measures to protect and, where possible, enhance environmental features along with an assurance that areas of flood risk would be avoided when proposing new development.
Presentation and interpretation of the assessment results
A visual indication of the strategic impact on the assessment themes is provided by ‘flags.’ These take the form of:
++ Positive impact or outcome + 0 ↓ - -- Negative impact or outcome ? Where impacts are unknown
In many instances the flags indicate combined impacts. For example the proposals may be considered to have a generally neutral impact on the landscape, but certain key proposals may be expected to have a more negative impact. This has been flagged as o/-.
Summary of Conclusions
The Main Issues Report is a high level overview of the potential and preferred strategies for the FIFEplan, the Local Development Plan. The preferred options and reasonable alternatives set out in the Main Issues Report have been assessed within this Environmental Report and appropriate mitigation suggested where required. Some adverse effects are likely to remain after proposed mitigation measures have been employed, particularly associated with the alternatives to the preferred options if these are to be implemented. In addition, while some of the preferred options were assessed to have potentially adverse effects the extent of these was uncertain. The cumulative assessment of all potential residual effects, however, found that benefits were achievable to all of the SEA environmental topics, with some uncertainty as to the extent of some effects.
Most significant was the anticipated benefits for Fife’s population. Moderate to major long term benefits were thought possible through the potential for economic growth by encouraging new industry and businesses along with improved accessibility and a higher quality environment. Through this, the quality of life for Fife’s residents could be enhanced, making the area a more attractive place to live and work.
In general the findings of this assessment are as follows: The assessment of the Main Issues Report has generally scored positively. The options set out in the Main Issues Report will avoid significant adverse effects on biodiversity (including European Designated Sites), subject to identified mitigation, and full evaluation of the impacts of future proposals on designated nature conservation sites. It is anticipated there will be a positive impact population and human health. While all development has the potential for negative impact on soil and species, mitigation has been proposed to reduce that impact, and to generate positive impacts where possible. Impacts on water and air are difficult to assess at this stage without site specific proposals, however, it is expected that the Proposed Plan will include measures to address any negative impacts. 10
Non-Technical Summary
Assessment of climatic factors identified positive opportunities for shared heat and other forms of renewable energy. Although development has the potential to impact on cultural heritage and landscape, it is expected that the Proposed Plan will include measures to address any negative impacts. The environmental impacts are essentially permanent and long term. At the proposed plan stage, when policies and proposals are identified short term and transient impacts may be identified.
Monitoring the Predicted Effects
The purpose of SEA monitoring is to ensure that mitigation is effective and that any early or unexpected effects are recognised and addressed so that appropriate action can be taken to resolve any issues. Over time, environmental benefits in Fife 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 development.
A monitoring strategy has been developed, along with targets relating to the SEA objectives. Monitoring should be undertaken for the potentially significant environmental effects of the Main Issues Report and emerging Local Development Plan.
Programme
The Environmental Report will be presented for public and statutory consultation at the same time as for the Main Issues Report. The consultation period will commence on 14 January 2013 and will run for a period of eight weeks to allow for comments to be made.
The results of the consultation on the Main Issues Report and the Environmental Report will be used to inform the preparation of the Proposed Local Development Plan, scheduled for publication and consultation towards the end of 2013. An updated version of the Environmental Report will accompany that Plan and will be available for consultation alongside it.
The Post-Adoption Statement is the final stage in the SEA process and will be published following the Examination and adoption of the Local Development Plan. The Post-Adoption Statement will describe how consultation comments on the Environmental Report have been taken into account within the Local Development Plan.
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Section 1: Summary of the plan
1 Summary of the plan and its policy context
Introduction
FIFEplan (referred to as ‘the plan’) is being prepared according to the provisions of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 (as amended); Development Planning (Scotland) Regulations 2008, the National Planning Framework 2, Fife Structure Plan 2006-2026, TAYplan and SESplan. The FIFEplan is intended to combine and replace the existing local plans: the Dunfermline & West Fife Local Plan; the St Andrews & East Fife Local Plan; the Mid Fife Local Plan; and the Minerals Local Plan. The FIFEplan will set out the policies, strategies, site specific allocations and proposals for the future development in the Kingdom of Fife.
The Environmental Report of the FIFEplan has been prepared in accordance with Section 5 (3) (a) of the Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005. The Act requires an SEA to be carried out on certain plans and programmes prepared by public authorities that are envisaged to have a likely significant environmental effect. FIFEplan is a plan that is envisaged to have a significant environmental effect on the area to which it relates.
Table 3: Development planning hierarchy in Fife
LEVEL OF SCOPE OF PLAN PREPARED BY SCRUTINY BY APPROVED PLAN BY
National National Scottish Scottish Scottish Planning developments & Government Parliament Ministers Framework large public works (e.g. Forth crossing) Strategic Region-wide SESplan – the Plan examination Development issues (e.g. Strategic by the Scottish Scottish Plan Transport, housing Development Government Ministers land, employment Planning Authority Directorate for land) for Edinburgh and Planning & South-East; Environmental TAYplan – the Appeals Strategic Development Planning Authority for Dundee, Angus, Perth & Kinross, and North Fife. Local Site specific Fife Council Plan examination Fife Council Development policies and by the Scottish Plan proposals Government Directorate for Planning & Environmental Appeals Supplementary E.g. Development Fife Council, Fife Council Fife Council, planning briefs & SESplan, committees SESplan, guidelines masterplans with TAYplan TAYplan more detail than it is appropriate to include in a local development plan
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Section 1: Summary of the plan
Relationship between FIFEplan and other Plans, Programmes and Strategies
The Main Issues Report and proposed Local Development Plan are influenced by International, European, National and Local Plans, Policies and Strategies. These must be taken into account in the Local Development Plan. Annex 1of this Environmental Report lists the Plans, Policies and Strategies (PPS) that the Council believes will influence the content of the MIR and LDP.
See also Annex 2 for international and national policies and strategies relevant to FIFEplan.
Table 4: Relationship between other Plans, Programmes and Strategies
Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997, Chapter 8 as amended by
Planning etc. (Scotland) Act National Planning Framework 2006 2 (NPF2)
Other UK or Scottish legislation or strategies. Scottish Planning Policy (SPP) Adopted Mid Fife Local Plan 2011 Adopted St. Andrews & East Fife Local Plan 2012 Approved TAYplan Strategic Adopted Dunfermline & West Development Plan 2012– 032 FIFEplan Fife Local Plan 2012 Approved Fife Structure Plan LOCAL DEVELOPMENT Adopted Fife Minerals Local 2006 – 2026 PLAN Plan 2004; Fife Minerals Local Proposed SESplan Strategic Plan Alteration 2011. Development Plan 2011
Fife Council’s Plans, Fife’s Community Plan 2011 – Programmes and Strategies, 2020 Other non Council Plans, e.g. Council Plan 2012 - 2017 Policies and Strategies, e.g. • Zero Waste Plan for Fife • Scottish Water Strategic 2010–2020 asset capacity and • Local Transport Strategy development plan for Fife 2006–2026 • SEPA guidance on the • Fife Economic Strategy EC Water Framework 2009-2020 Directive
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Section 1: Summary of the plan
The Main Issues Report is the first formal stage of the Local Development Plan, and the start of the conversation on future development in Fife, in the light of TAYplan which is approved and SESplan, currently in the Examination process. It sets out the Council’s general proposals for the development of Fife. It contains one or more reasonable alternative sets of proposals (where they exist), and it identifies the ways in which the favoured and alternative proposals differ from the spatial strategy of the existing adopted Local Plans.
The Main Issues Report is not a draft version of the Local Development Plan. Rather, it concentrates on the key changes that have occurred since the previous plans and on Fife Council’s general ideas for future development. It identifies content the Council proposes to retain from existing plans or which does not have a significant environmental or other effect. The emphasis is on what is new.
The SEA on the Fife Local Development Plan will assess the Plan at its different stages and will show how our preferred options were assessed, why they were eventually chosen, and what, at a strategic level, their environmental impact could be. This stage is the Main Issues Report.
Key public agencies have been involved in the preparation of the Main Issues Report including Transport Scotland, the Tactran and SEStran regional transport partnerships, Scottish Water, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, Scottish Natural Heritage, and Historic Scotland. Fife Council’s own different Service interests were also involved in developing the issues. Community Groups and individuals were invited to submit their thoughts on the land-use issues for their local areas, and a call for sites resulted in over 200 site being submitted. The responses to these two exercises are available to view on Fife Direct at: www.fifedirect.org.uk/fifeplan.
The Main Issues Report also addresses those matters identified by the three recent Local Plan examinations as issues to be addressed by this Plan, FIFEplan, and which are regarded as significant issues: • protecting town centres to strengthen their role as the heart of communities and restrict development in out of town retail areas, which would undermine their role; • promoting development on brownfield land to make best use of land and encourage regeneration; and • a better approach to green infrastructure through the development of a Fife-wide Green Network and new Supplementary Planning Guidance on green infrastructure.
The purpose of the spatial strategy is to amalgamate current strategies into a single Fife-wide development plan strategy. The main land allocations will continue as planned through the existing development plan. This includes all the Strategic Land Allocations (which will be renamed as Strategic Development Areas), employment land designations, green belts, and environmental/landscape designations. These proposals have all been assessed by the SEAs produced for each of the Local Plans, and therefore it is not proposed to reassess them here, other than to assess the cumulative impact with new allocations coming forward.
FIFEplan Local Development Plan will continue the established development plan strategy in the approved TAYplan, SESplan Proposed Plan, and recently adopted local plans including the Minerals Subject Local Plan which was updated in 2011. FIFE plan’s strategy will therefore be to continue the growth strategy set out in the Fife Structure Plan (2010), focused on the delivery of 7 key Strategic land allocations across Fife. It will maintain a strong emphasis on economic growth and continue to strive for the creation of high quality places and sustainable communities through sustainable development. There will be a clear and fair mechanism for identifying developer contributions to pay for the infrastructure necessary to support development. The built heritage and natural environment will be recognised as important assets and the protection of designated sites will continue.
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Section 1: Summary of the plan
The focus of the Main Issues Report is on new proposals and changes from the existing Development Plan. Where issues are not addressed, we believe we already have a robust and up-to-date approach to deal with them and they will be incorporated in the Proposed Local Development Plan.
Other policy areas covered in the current Local Development Plans which we want to review to meet the aspirations of the plan: • promotion of sustainable travel patterns to make the best use of existing services and infrastructure; • the continued support for existing development allocations, particularly the 7 largest Strategic Land Allocations (which will be renamed Strategic Development Areas) and the development of a strategy which incorporates the strategic requirements set by SESplan and TAYplan; • maintaining support for the re-use of brownfield land in all settlements across Fife, including looking at ways to accelerate its redevelopment; • investigating the opportunities to develop sites in Glenrothes to help regenerate Glenrothes, including a review of edge of centre sites and regenerating outdated industrial sites; • the development of a sub-regional strategies for the North Dunfermline and Ore/Upper Leven Valleys to discharge SESplan’s strategic requirement, including creation of opportunities to link new development, infrastructure, and environmental improvements through green infrastructure; • investigating options to allocate development proposals in smaller settlements which support communities’ desires for gradual or ‘organic’ growth; • making a radical shift in policies aimed at re-establishing the roles and functions of Fife’s major town centres; • the identification of existing Green Networks in Fife and areas where new development presents key opportunities to extend and enhance green networks; and • revised supplementary planning guidance regarding Onshore Wind Energy.
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Section 2: SEA Themes
2 The SEA themes and the relationship with the criteria set out in the Act
Schedule 2 of the Act includes a list of environmental factors which must be taken into account in the SEA. This SEA groups these factors into ‘themes’ which assists in relating them to the potential strategic impacts of the Plan. The relationship between the environmental themes and the criteria of the Act is set out in Table 5, overleaf.
The Act also requires the interrelationships in the environmental impact on the listed criteria to be considered. This is one reason for grouping the criteria under themes. The table below also identifies further interrelationships between the themes which will be used in the SEA.
The use of themes is designed to ensure that the significant impacts of the particular Plan under consideration are effectively assessed. The framework relates the criteria listed in the Act to the analytic framework generally used in drawing up Local Development plans under the Town and Country Planning Act (Scotland) 1997.
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Section 2: SEA Themes
Table 5: SEA themes and the environmental criteria set out in the Act
SEA theme Schedule 3 Potential impact of the Plan reference Biodiversity, Biodiversity, Inappropriate development may result in the loss of sites protected for their nature interest, and reduction in the general fauna, flora value of unprotected habitats which support the variety of species currently found in the area. nature The Plan has potential for direct impact on biodiversity by conservation protecting sites of special value from development promoting habitat improvement through positive measures and reducing fragmentation through the protection and enhancement of existing green networks and the creation of new ones. Interrelationships: water and clean air are critical to maintaining biodiversity. Maintaining a healthy biodiversity requires a healthy ecosystem, supported by open spaces and local landscape enhancements which may also be valuable to the local amenity of settlements. The conservation, and land management in the rural landscape, as part of a healthy ecosystem, will generally support and enhance biodiversity. Energy use Climatic The Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 acknowledges that consumption of energy and release of carbon dioxide factors into the atmosphere has an impact on observed climate change. The plan has the potential to: affect levels and form of transport use, and energy sources for transport systems improve connectivity and promote walking and cycling affect levels of energy consumption and generation for buildings, over their lifespan and during construction affect the extent and scale to which more environmentally friendly forms of energy are used (such as wind and biomass; and support micro and large-scale energy generation for private and public use) move Fife closer to achieve Scottish Government’s Low Carbon Economic Strategy to decarbonise transport by 2050 The SPACE tool and Heat mapping will assist the plan to test different spatial options in respect of their carbon footprint. Interrelationships: reduction in energy use or use of more environmentally friendly forms of energy will have a significant impact on air pollution, particularly in regards to transport.
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Section 2: SEA Themes
SEA theme Schedule 3 Potential impact of the Plan reference Energy Climatic Some forms of energy production have a greater potential impact on the climate and landscape than others, and production factors, some sources of raw materials for energy production are ‘non-renewable’ (these are not necessarily the same). material The plan can encourage and control different forms and locations of energy production which take place in the assets area and encourage the use of renewable sources (such as on/offshore wind, or tidal power). Interrelationships: Renewable sources of energy generally produce little or no air pollution, reduce development capital and running costs, and contribute to people’s well being and quality of life. However, some community members view renewable sources of energy as having a negative impact on townscape and landscape, which can lead to disputes. Wind turbines may cause problems for wildlife if located inappropriately. Biomass and anaerobic digestion can reduce the amount of waste in landfills. Air pollution, Air, human Uncontrolled development could lead to an increase in sources of pollution affecting communities, including noise, dust, health inappropriately located industrial activities and traffic increases. The plan has the potential to reduce risks to hazardous human health by controlling and separating housing and other social facilities from: installations sources of air pollution, including pollution ‘hotspots’ associated with traffic sources of noise sources of dust hazardous installations Interrelationships: see energy use (traffic volumes and safety), and biodiversity. Water quality, Water, Water courses and other water bodies, bathing waters and underground aquifers do not meet EU standards flooding human consistently. Some areas are vulnerable to flooding from water courses as indicated in SFRA. Managing the health, development of, and improvements to water treatment and drainage infrastructure, are essential to prevent further biodiversity, pollution and accommodate greater potential flooding risks as a result of climate change. Lack of drainage, water fauna, flora treatment and flood defence infrastructure is a constraint on development. The plan can: reduce existing pollution, flood risks and development constraints by relating development proposals to existing infrastructures, habitat networks, green networks, programmed investments in water treatment, drainage and flood defence infrastructure; and by requiring new development to be designed to have minimal impact or to make a positive contribution on water quality and flooding reduce the cumulative impact flooding has on local services, businesses and economy during extreme weather Interrelationships: Water quality has a direct impact on biodiversity. Historically, pollution of water courses is associated with diffuse pollution from agriculture and previous development (mining, quarrying, other contaminated sites). Improved land management and flood attenuation schemes may also support greater biodiversity and landscape preservation. Treatment of contaminated land may contribute to improvement of water quality.
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Section 2: SEA Themes
SEA theme Schedule 3 Potential impact of the Plan reference Waste Climatic The plan will contribute to the implementation of waste strategies aimed at increasing recycling, reducing waste, factors, and reducing landfill and contribute to Scottish Government targets on zero waste. Excessive landfill and material unnecessary use of new materials contribute to climate change and the reduction in non-renewable resources. assets, soil, Interrelationships: Waste policies can also contribute to the conservation of soil and mineral resources, water, air improvements in amenity, reduction of pollution (both air and water) and the production of energy using renewable sources. Re-cycling of aggregates reduces the pressure for quarrying and for landfill on inert wastes which can be widely dispersed. Extensive recycling means developments must be able to facilitate multiple bins. Soil, mineral Soil, Fife has substantial areas of high quality agricultural land and a number of other mineral resources. The plan has resources material the potential to protect these resources. assets Interrelationships: see waste and landscape. Brownfield Material The plan can: land, assets, encourage the re-use of brownfield land which generally involves less investment in new infrastructure than contaminated water, soil, ‘greenfield’ sites land human health, play a role in securing the remediation of contamination of land through new development and investment for biodiversity, alternative uses such as recreation or nature conservation flora, fauna set standards for restoration of sites following development to avoid future legacies of contamination Interrelationships: See above on water pollution. Brownfield sites often present scars within settlements and within the countryside - redevelopment or restoration of such sites can make a significant contribution to enhancing the local amenity of the areas affected. Biodiversity may be improved, depending on the use of sites - although in some cases brownfield sites may have naturally became locally significant habitats, particularly within built up areas. Landscape Landscape The areas in which land is released for development will have a direct impact on the quality and character of the landscape, including historic landscapes. Interrelationships: see references under biodiversity, energy production, water quality, waste, soil and mineral resources, and brownfield land. The relationship between landscape and settlement forms has a significant impact on the amenity of settlements and the setting of the built heritage.
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Section 2: SEA Themes
SEA theme Schedule 3 Potential impact of the Plan reference Settlements Population, The plan will promotes the creation of high quality places as part of new development proposals. The form and – human location of new development may contribute to social integration and improved housing opportunities for all socio- infrastructure, health, demographics of the community including those on low incomes and with a disability. Forms of development that community material make open space and recreation facilities more accessible and attractive encourage walking and cycling, which resources, assets contributes to increased public health. The plan can: vitality and ensure that maximum use is made of existing infrastructure - roads, power, telecommunications, water amenity treatment, drainage (see also above), and economic and social facilities - by governing the location of new development (access to social and community facilities and the amenity of residential areas and wider communities have an impact on general well-being) influence broad amenity, the general vitality of communities, community safety and relationships between facilities influence the location of community facilities and resources, and determine their integration within exiting infrastructure affect business and economic development through the development of high-speed broadband and telecommunications infrastructure increase efficient use of power infrastructures and identify areas that would potentially benefit from district heating by utilizing heat maps Interrelationships: the form of settlements will have an impact on all the other themes. The management of transport is a major issue in relation to the character of settlements, energy use and supply, and impacts directly on human health through improvements in road safety. Historic Cultural The plan can contribute to: environment heritage, the conservation of the built heritage through the protection of listed buildings, sites of historic or material archaeological interest (including Scheduled Monuments), conservation areas and sites on the Inventory of assets Gardens and Designed Landscapes positive conservation by encouraging complementary investment and offer the potential to appropriately reuse existing buildings Interrelationships: built heritage may be a significant feature of the wider landscape. Policies and proposals aimed at encouraging brownfield redevelopment may make a significant contribution to the conservation of the built heritage, though at times a heritage listing may also create a barrier to redevelopment.
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Section 3: Environmental Baseline
3 Environmental baseline, evolution of the environment without the Plan and current environmental problems A compilation of key information available on the environment of the area is available at Annex 3 - this includes references to original data sources and further detailed information.
Environmental Issues and Challenges for the Fife Local Development Plan
The environmental report will identify the current environmental issues and challenges in Fife. This will be through the analysis of the outcomes of the SEAs for the three Area Local Plans (Dunfermline & West Fife Local Plan, Mid Fife Local Plan and St Andrews & East Fife Local Plan), the Monitoring Report and through the analysis of the baseline data. The main environmental issues for Fife are:
Table 6: SEA Themes and Implications for FIFEplan
Issue Implications For FIFEplan Biodiversity To recognise the importance of nature conservation Scottish Planning Policy supports the need to as an overall aim of the plan, including the protection strengthen the rural economy by encouraging and enhancement of the wider environment, priority diversification. Regard should be had to the habitats and habitat connectivity, linking sites into the negative, as well as positive impacts that may Green Network. Green Networks are not covered in occur, with development having regard to Structure Plan so need to be addressed in Local nature conservation interests, avoiding Development Plan site assessment, also extended designated sites and protected species and into TAYplan who do not identify Green Networks. fitting into the rural landscape.
Energy Consumption With a large rural population and distance To promote and deliver sustainable locations for between settlements and employment areas development and forms of transport, including there is a dependency on the private car for walking, cycling and public transport. travel and access. This has an impact both on energy consumption and on emissions. To explore the use of the SPACE tool and Heat Mapping to assess the impact of developments and High energy consumption by industries and to identify mitigations. hospitals etc, but also domestic consumption. Heat mapping will help to identify locations of To promote and deliver sustainable and energy high consumption and also assist in assessing efficient development, through masterplanning and the energy consumption of proposed high levels of development location and design. developments. It will also maximise links between new and existing development.
Energy Generation Wind turbines, are becoming a major part of To address the cumulative impact of wind turbines this renewable energy generation. In total, on landscapes of Fife. A technical report, there are 56 turbines 25 meters or taller in Fife. commissioned by Fife Council, and prepared by 30 onshore wind turbines rated over 101kW Ironside Farrar, accompanies an updated ‘Spatial with planning permission or constructed in Fife Framework for Wind farm Capacity’ and has been - of which 22 turbines are part of three specifically developed to provide potential areas for consented wind farms. development of wind turbines within areas classified as least sensitive landscape areas. The spatial Fife Council has seen an increase in the total framework takes into consideration the potential for number of renewable energy related planning cumulative visual impacts, removal of sensitive and
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Section 3: Environmental Baseline
Issue Implications For FIFEplan applications since 2009 - the majority being designated sites. wind turbines. This creates potential pressure on the landscape and pressure on planning services when dealing with large volumes of applications.
Emissions Carbon emissions have reduced by 14% since To promote and deliver cleaner energy generation 2005. There are a number of industrial and renewable energy technologies. processes in Fife which contribute to emissions in Fife. For example, Longannet power station, To promote and deliver sustainable and energy and the Fife Ethylene Plant. efficient development, through masterplanning and high levels of development location and design.
Air Quality Pollution from traffic is an issue in the centres There are air quality management areas at of the larger communities, including Bonnygate, Cupar and Appin Crescent, Dunfermline. Dunfermline, Kirkcaldy and Cupar . FifePlan should address the issues of traffic management and the implications of development on the town centres, through the requirement for Traffic Impact Assessments. To promote and deliver sustainable and energy efficient development, through masterplanning and high levels of development location and design.
Water Quality Some stretches of inland water are classes as Flood assessment, and the impact on groundwater poor. resources will be a part of site assessment supported There are areas of flooding along the Eden and by policy in line with the advice and requirements of the Leven, and other areas of fluvial flooding SEPA. and coastal flooding.
Brownfield land There are areas of brownfield land both in the To prioritise the development of brownfield urban areas and in the countryside. The opportunities over further greenfield land release. Vacant and Derelict Land Audit identifies some of these. The down turn in the economy has slowed down the remediation and development of these sites.
Greenspace Access to quality greenspace for all To incorporate policies and proposals from the communities, particularly areas of social Greenspace strategy. inequality.
Landscape Fife has a varied and interesting landscape. To address the cumulative impact of wind turbines West Fife predominantly consists of lowland on the landscape;; hills and valleys, with upland areas to the north and coastal flats to the south. Much of the land To prioritise brownfield land for development in the is of a high quality being predominantly prime first instance and then to direct housing and other 22
Section 3: Environmental Baseline
Issue Implications For FIFEplan agricultural. There are some substantial forest development to the most appropriate locations in areas, mainly coniferous plantations. respect of landscape character and key features. East and Mid Fife are predominantly open landscape, with upland areas and extensive To protect the landscape setting of Fife settlements; low lying agricultural land, much of which is high quality. There are substantial forest areas. To maintain the integrity of the designated Local Landscape Areas.
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Section 3: Environmental Baseline
Table 7: Evolution of the environment in the absence of FifePlan
SEA theme Assessment Biodiversity, There is limited information on trends for the biodiversity of Fife. Across Fife there has been no, or limited, change to the general extent of semi-natural habitats. Despite the number and size of settlements in Fife the area is still largely rural in character; nature therefore the extent of biodiversity and the presence of key indicator species and habitats will be influenced by changes in conservation farming and forestry practices as well as by new development. There are many active projects aimed at supporting biodiversity within the area. Improvement can be reasonably expected over the plan period as a result of improved rural management, further forest plans and investment in improved waste water treatment. In the absence of the plan more greenfield sites could be developed and urban sprawl into the countryside could be unchecked. Pollution from industrial activity, sewage treatment works; and runoff from roads, agriculture and new development could pollute water systems - leading to eutrophication. Investment may not be made into green networks and the areas designated as part of green networks could be developed, as could priority habitats and designated sites. Energy use Irrespective of the provisions of the plan it is likely that development of housing, tourism, academic and commercial facilities would take place. These would probably develop in areas around the main towns extending their geographical footprint substantially and as pockets of development spread throughout Fife. The level of energy consumption could increase as a result of the scale and location of built developments, although market forces could encourage more energy efficient construction. Uncontrolled development may be likely to result in a marked increase in energy used for transport, since the principal mode of transport supporting new development would be private road vehicles. Without the plan, the criteria set out in the Sustainability Checklist for new developments to reduce carbon emissions from the construction and running of buildings will most likely not be met. Energy The level of local investment in renewable energy production is directly influenced by the plan. It is likely that without the production plan Fife would be viewed as an attractive location with good access to the national grid; however there would be no direction, guidance or support for energy opportunities to maximise local benefit or supply and demand efficiency. The plan will contribute towards achieving the Scottish Government’s renewable energy targets. Wind farms could become a prominent feature over much of the high ground in the area but development of these turbines would not be monitored, which could cause problems for birds and conflicts between local communities.
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Section 3: Environmental Baseline
SEA theme Assessment Air pollution, Air pollution ’hotspots’ resulting from traffic could get worse in the absence of the plan, and uncontrolled development may noise, dust, result in inappropriately located traffic increases. Any industrial sources of air pollution which might be attracted to the area hazardous in the absence of the plan would be controlled through other legislation. The area could be attractive for such investment installations linked primarily to its mineral resources and agricultural industries. Water quality, Poor water quality within the area is more attributable to diffuse pollution as a result of farming practices than to flooding development. However, an increase in urban development, levels of transport use and transport infrastructure has the potential to result in an increase in diffuse pollution related to these sources. There would probably be a continued improvement in water quality as a result of improved farming practices and investment in waste water treatment. Areas liable to flooding will increase for inland water courses and coastal areas as a result of climate change. Increased flooding could have a more significant impact on the economy during times of extreme weather. The functional and protected flood risk areas would probably not be identified and protected. Waste Investment levels in major waste disposal and re-cycling will not be determined by the plan, although the plan will be able to encourage the introduction of local recycling points. In the absence of the plan there could be a proliferation of small, sometimes prominent landfill and re-cycling sites. Soil, mineral In the absence of any planning framework there could be more quarrying and gravel extraction and open cast coal resources extraction in more prominent locations. There could also be greater loss of good quality agricultural land, and potential future problems for development on areas where mineral extraction took place. The area could be attractive for its mineral resources. Brownfield Given Fife’s industrial past there are large numbers of former industrial sites across the area, not only in many of the land, settlements but also in the countryside. In the absence of the plan and given difficult trends in economic and population contaminated activity in Fife it is unlikely that these difficult and costly sites would be developed. land Regarding more rural areas: the small size of the settlements would create little market pressure to redevelop difficult sites in town centres, and no incentive to redevelop sites elsewhere. Landscape The area is characterised by open vistas and expanses of largely undeveloped countryside. Many settlements have grown up on the coast in valleys and in folds in the landscape. Uncontrolled development could seriously damage these features. The most prominent new development features in much of the countryside are modern agricultural buildings, forestry and rural economy diversification. These will not be subject to control through the plan.
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Section 3: Environmental Baseline
SEA theme Assessment Settlements In the absence of the plan the difficulties faced by younger people and adults not in work or education in obtaining – affordable housing could increase, resulting in an accelerated aging of the population structure. Less affordable housing infrastructure, units being built would imbalance socio-demographic trends in Fife. Uncontrolled development of housing could absorb community existing open spaces within built up areas, whilst generating little or no new open spaces. Without a Greenbelt important resources, views to and from the historic cores of Dunfermline and St Andrews, and the landscape settings of the settlements could be vitality and lost. Coalescence would be likely and individual settlements could lose their distinct identity. amenity Town centres may be likely to lose their vitality as a result of unrestrained competition from out of town developments; competition from town centres in adjacent council areas that have more attractive settings and a greater choice of retail, leisure and commercial facilities; a lack of public transport improvements; and no development guidance on place making. Businesses may not benefit from improved telecommunications, which may prevent new businesses from investing in fife and hinder existing businesses in Fife. Without heat maps the potential for more efficient energy consumption may not be realised. Historic Many of the settlements in the area have conservation areas, and there are numerous listed buildings; some have Environment international recognition. In the absence of the plan the character of many conservation areas and the setting of many listed buildings would be at risk (the listed buildings themselves would retain protection through other features of planning control).
For the Main Issues Report the SEA has assessed the strategic impact of the alternative strategies. In preparing the Proposed Plan, the preferred strategy, proposals and policies will all be assessed.
The method used for the assessment for proposals will be: overview of potential environmental conflicts and positive proposals using map based information; assessment of quantified indicators for some themes; and, reviewing evidence available on significant points of potential conflict between development proposals and environmental considerations.
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Section 4: Characteristics of the Environment
4 Characteristics of the environment likely to be significantly affected by the plan and related assessment criteria
Key features of the area and the Plan The SEA will focus on the potential strategic environmental impacts of the proposals and policies contained in the plan. The key features of the area are set out below:
Table 8: Key features of Fife
SEA theme Assessment Biodiversity, Fife has an extensive coastline - being surrounded on three sides by tidal waters. Much of the significant nature general conservation interest in the area is associated with the coastline and the relevant parts are protected through nature Ramsar, SPA, SAC, SSSI and LNR designations. Both the Firth of Tay/Eden Estuary, that is fed by River Eden, and conservation the Firth of Forth are significant conservation areas. There are many sites of nature conservation interest located within the FIFEplan area:
FIFE AREA (HA) FULL STATUS TYPE FIFE NO. SITES OFFICIAL Country Park National 3 489 Local Nature Reserve National 7 1650 National Nature Reserve National 2 596 Ramsar Site International 3 13302 Regional Park National 1 6645 RIGS Local 7 88 Special Area of Conservation International 3 15856 Special Protection Area International 4 13407 SSSI National 54 18700 SWT Reserve National 10 84 Wildlife Site National 83 2313
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Section 4: Characteristics of the Environment
SEA theme Assessment Energy use Major industrial establishments in Fife include: Babcock Engineering in Rosyth who specialise in upkeep of Royal Navy warships; Babcock Energy in the Kincardine area; Scottish Power at Longannet Power Station; Tullis Russell in Glenrothes; Quaker Oats in Cupar; Diageo in the Levenmouth area; Fife Energy Park in Methil; and the Fife Ethylene Plant south of Cowdenbeath. Land to the west of Rosyth dockyard is identified for an International Container Terminal. Other major employers in Fife include Amazon, Oceaneering, FMC Technologies, CR Smith and Sky - who are all located within Rosyth and Dunfermline. There are numerous industrial estates across Fife in many of the larger settlements. Most recent figures from 2009 show that energy use throughout Fife was 65% industrial/commercial, 20% domestic and 15% road transport.
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Section 4: Characteristics of the Environment
SEA theme Assessment Energy Carbon emissions have been reduced by 14% since 2005. Existing and potential renewable energy projects, if fully production implemented, have the ability to supply enough electricity to power nearly all the domestic properties in Fife. A heat map is being produced for Fife; this will help identify locations where heat distribution is most likely to be beneficial and economical to local communities. The plan supports efficient use of energy and energy generation (including electricity and heat). The plan will maximise opportunities and links between new and existing developments, will support the development of renewable energy technologies in appropriate locations, and will identify areas of research. The continual development of renewable energy technologies is promoted at the Westfield Development Centre, Kinglassie and Energy Park Fife in Methil. Fife Energy Park includes renewable energy production from wind, waste and tidal sources; a hydrogen production facility; research facilities; planning permission for a 200m temporary offshore demonstration wind turbine; Burntisland Fabrications who fabricate jackets for offshore wind turbines; and interest from large businesses to use the site to construct offshore wind turbine components for the planned large scale offshore wind farm in Scottish Territorial Waters. There is an operational biomass fuel (chicken litter) power station at the former open cast site at Westfield. Landfill gas arising from the Lochhead Landfill site is exporting circa 1MW of heat that is being used in Dunfermline for 230 houses and 7 public buildings, potential expansion could cover a supermarket. Tullis Russell biomass power plant is under construction at Glenrothes and should be operational in 2013. Wind turbines, are becoming a major part of this renewable energy generation. In total, there are 56 turbines 25 meters or taller in Fife. 30 onshore wind turbines rated over 101kW with planning permission or constructed in Fife - of which 22 turbines are part of three consented wind farms: Little Raith north of Auchtertool (9 turbines/25mW), Earlseat east of Kirkcaldy (8 turbines/22.5mW), Infinis at Westfield (5 turbines/12.5mW). Fife Council has seen an increase in the total number of renewable energy related planning applications since 2009 - the majority being wind turbines. This creates potential pressure on the landscape and pressure on planning services when dealing with large volumes of applications.
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Section 4: Characteristics of the Environment
SEA theme Assessment Air pollution, There are no general issues relating to air quality, but pollution from traffic is an issue in the centres of the larger noise, dust, communities. Data collected for 2010 showed that Admiralty Road, Rosyth and Bonnygate, Cupar exceeded the hazardous annual mean objective for PM10 with concentrations of 19 µg/m³. Recent monitoring has indicated that 3 locations installations within Fife exceeded the NO 2 annual mean objective of 40 µg/m³ at Appin Crescent, Dunfermline; Admiralty Road, Rosyth; and St Clair Street, Kirkcaldy. As a result of monitoring both the Bonnygate and Appin Crescent have been declared as Air Quality Management Areas. In accordance with statutory guidance, further monitoring and detailed assessments of these areas are being undertaken.
Water quality, Water quality along the shoreline is indicated as good by SEPA. Water treatment facilities are located in flooding Dunfermline, North Queensferry, West Wemyss, Glenrothes, Kirkcaldy, Leven and St Andrews. Inland there are some stretches of water classified as poor. This is mainly associated with diffuse pollution from agriculture and some from development. There are expansive water networks that cover the whole of Fife. Many watercourses are important in terms of ecology and habitat and are often part of designated nature conservation areas. Important watercourses that form the catchment for the Firth of Forth are: River Leven/Ore, Black Devon/Saline Burn, Bluther Burn, Lyne Burn, Inverkeithing Burn, Tiel Burn, East Burn, Den Burn, Dreel Burn and Hatton/Keil’s Burn. Important watercourses that form the catchment for Firth of Tay and Eden Estuary are River Eden, Kinness Burn and Swilken Burn. There are many lochs and reservoirs located across Fife with several designated as areas of nature conservation. Cameron Reservoir is a RAMSAR, SPA and SSSI site. Birnie & Gaddon Lochs and Gillingshill Reservoir are Local Nature Reserves. The following are SSSIs: Ballo & Harperleas reservoirs, Carriston Reservoir, Cullaloe Reservoir, Black Loch (Abide), Black Loch (Cleish), Camilla Loch, Kilconquhar Loch, Lindores Loch, Lochmill Loch, and Otterston Loch. The following are Wildlife Sites: Balyarrow Loch, Black Loch (Dunduff), Loch Fitty, Miller’s Loch, Moor Loch, Loch Glow Reservoir, Carlhurlie Reservoir, Roscobie Reservoir, Carnbee Reservoir, Coul Reservoir, Craigluscar Compensation Reservoir, Gillingshill Reservoir and Stenhouse Reservoir. There are some flood plains associated with inland water courses and some coastal areas are potentially vulnerable to flooding, but much of the inhabited coastline is protected by cliffs.
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Section 4: Characteristics of the Environment
SEA theme Assessment Waste The Council provides 11 household waste recycling centres, located at Dunfermline (Lochhead), Cowdenbeath, Lochgelly, Dalgety Bay, Kirkcaldy, Glenrothes, Methil, Ladybank (Lower Melville Wood), Cupar, St Andrews and Pittenweem. In addition, 360 local recycling points are provided in local settlements. Two major integrated waste management facilities are in operation; one at Lower Melville Wood, near Ladybank and one at Lochhead, near Dunfermline. Both incorporate Materials Recovery Facilities, green-waste composting, wood-waste processing, landfill and energy recovery. Both landfills are permitted to accept non-hazardous waste.
Soil, mineral There are a number of major quarries for aggregate material (hard rock and sand and gravel) such as Clatchard resources Craig, Cruicks and Collessie; and two major silica sandstone quarries - Burrowine and Devilla.
Brownfield There are a number of opencast coal sites such as Muirdean and St Ninians. Restoration of these is an important land, factor and there is a mine waste water treatment works at the former Frances Colliery in Dysart. There is a history of contaminated coal mining in West and Mid Fife which has left extensive areas of derelict and/or contaminated land and areas land where stabilisation would be required prior to development. However, there are several schemes underway to reclaim coal from bings - such as Comrie Colliery - and to remediate them. The deep mining of coal in Fife ended in 2001. There is a history of industrial use in Mid Fife which has left extensive areas of derelict or contaminated land. In East Fife there is a large unused airfield at Crail, part of which is identified as a Scheduled Ancient Monument). In Leuchars there is a major active RAF airfield which is expected to close by 2015 and may become an army base. In Glenrothes, Fife Airport is a small active airport that serves for smaller private flights and piloting tuition.
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Section 4: Characteristics of the Environment
SEA theme Assessment Landscape West Fife predominantly consists of lowland hills and valleys, with upland areas to the north and coastal flats to the south. Much of the land is of a high quality being predominantly prime agricultural. There are some substantial forest areas, mainly coniferous plantations. East and Mid Fife are predominantly open landscape, with upland areas and extensive low lying agricultural land, much of which is high quality. There are substantial forest areas – notably Tentsmuir on the northeast coast, Devilla in West Fife, and Blairadam in Mid Fife. The 3 country parks are Craigtoun, Townhill and Lochore Meadows and one Regional Park, the Lomond Hills.
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Section 4: Characteristics of the Environment
SEA theme Assessment Settlements The East Coast main rail line passes through all of Fife, and the Fife Circle rail lines pass through Mid and West Fife – serving many of the settlements in the area. However, larger settlements such as St Andrews and the Levenmouth infrastructure, area are not directly served by rail. There are proposals to use the Dunfermline-Kincardine-Alloa-Stirling rail line for community passenger services. The M90 runs north to south through Fife to the east of Dunfermline. There are two arterial road resources, routes: the A91 from the M90 to St Andrews, and the A92 from Dunfermline to the Tay Bridge and Dundee. vitality and amenity Estimates for Population as of 2010 are as follows: Total Fife Population Estimate = 365,000 (7% of Scotland’s total population); East Fife Estimate = 78,000; Mid Fife Estimate = 184,000; West Fife Estimate = 103,000. Roughly 16% of the Total Fife Population lives in settlements with populations less than 2000 inhabitants. In West Fife 59% of the population lives in Dunfermline and Rosyth; 17% of the population live in settlements with less than 2000 inhabitants. Retail, commercial and leisure facilities are located mainly in Dunfermline and settlements in the surrounding area. In Mid Fife 61% of the population lives in Kirkcaldy, Glenrothes or the Levenmouth area; only 9% of the population live in settlements with less than 2000 inhabitants. Retail, commercial and leisure facilities are located mainly in Kirkcaldy and Glenrothes, however much of the population travels out of the area to access a greater range of facilities. In East Fife 33% of the population lives in St Andrews or Cupar; 41% of the population lives in settlements with less than 2000 inhabitants - these are mostly small, dispersed villages and hamlets. There is a substantial retired population in St Andrews and a number of the East Neuk communities. A significant amount of the employed population travel out of the area for work - mainly to Dundee and Edinburgh. People also travel out of the area for major retail, commercial and leisure facilities. The distance between settlements and employment areas has resulted in a large amount of commuting. The largest settlements are connected by frequent bus services, but through many of the more rural parts of Fife bus services run infrequently (once per hour or less). Areas outwith main settlements are largely dependent on car transport. Fuel consumption for 2010 was 60% private vehicles, 33% freight vehicles and 7% buses.
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Section 4: Characteristics of the Environment
SEA theme Assessment Generally most areas have good access to greenspace throughout Fife. Glenrothes has high ratings for quantity, quality and access. Areas of Kirkcaldy and Dunfermline would benefit from improvements to the quality and access to greenspace. Cowdenbeath and the Levenmouth area have good quantities of and easy access to greenspace, some of the greenspaces would benefit from quality improvements. In areas such as Methil / Buckhaven / Kennoway, Ballingry, Lochgelly, and Kirkcaldy the majority of spaces are low quality. In North East Fife all the settlements have good quality greenspace but some of the towns and villages would benefit with increased quantities and access to greenspace. In South West Fife, due to the rural and urban nature of the area, many of the settlements have reasonable quantity, quality and access to greenspace and there are other settlements were it would be beneficial to increase quantity, quality and access to greenspace. St Andrews has an internationally respected and ancient university. There are three Further Education colleges: Adam Smith College, spread across Kirkcaldy, Glenrothes and Levenmouth; Elmwood College, in Cupar; and Carnegie College, in Dunfermline. Fife has a thriving tourist economy with various tourist attractions, particularly in the East Neuk villages, St Andrews and Dunfermline town centre. In St Andrews golf has an international significance and Fife is a destination of international renown for golf tourism, with courses across Fife which make a significant contribution to the economy.
Historic Fife has a rich and varied historic built environment with places of historic interest at Crail and Falkland, a number of Environment medieval burghs, 48 conservation areas, more than 6,250 listed buildings, over 10,000 archaeological sites and 31 gardens and designed landscapes. This is an important resource for Fife to but it is also a fragile and finite resource
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Section 4: Characteristics of the Environment
The Assessment framework for preferred options set out in the Main Issues Report is set out in Table 9, overleaf.
During the preparation of the Proposed Local Development Plan, FIFEplan, a review of all policies (within thematic groups) will be carried out based on the overall assessment framework to assess how far they reflect best practice in protecting and enhancing the environment. A summary of the beneficial and adverse impacts of proposals and policies will be provided with visual indicators in the form of “+” and “-“. This will summarise the impacts of the proposals as a whole and each group of policies in relation to each of the SEA themes.
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Section 4: Characteristics of the Environment
Table 9: Assessment framework for FIFEplan (for Main Issues Report and Proposed Plan)
SEA theme Potential impact of the Environmental SEA Objectives Issues to be reviewed in the SEA Plan baseline summary and key indicators to be monitored Biodiversity, Uncontrolled There are substantial To ensure no adverse impacts on The SEA will review and monitor: general development may result areas of nature the maintenance of any population number of developments with nature in the loss of sites conservation interest of European protected species at an immediate impact on conservation protected for their (see Baseline) favourable conservation status in designated sites nature interest, and Most of the coastline has their natural range. reduction in the value of area (ha) of development within protection as a To protect and enhance local designated sites unprotected habitats European designated biodiversity and geodiversity sites, which support the Special Protection Area individually and in combination number and area (ha) of sites variety of species (SPA), Special Area of with other sites. within notable habitats currently found in the Conservation (SAC), To protect and enhance the wider area of existing habitats - as area. The plan has Site of Special Scientific determined by the Fife potential for direct environment, including trees and Interest (SSSI), Natura woodland, grassland, moorland, Integrated Habitat Network impact on biodiversity site and/or RAMSAR by: heathland, wetlands and records of species that indicate site. watercourses, to achieve overall the health of various protecting sites of Throughout Fife there is benefits for biodiversity, ecosystems special value from a variety of significant complementing the site protection development active biodiversity projects biodiversity interests; system. (including woodland projects) promoting habitat and a number of active To protect and enhance landscape associated with developments improvement and planned biodiversity features of value to flora and loss of significant unprotected through positive enhancement projects fauna. measures and (see Baseline at Annex habitats reducing 3). To protect and enhance habitat As per SEA guidance, a quantified fragmentation connectivity and green networks indicator will be used for the through the creation including urban open space. proportion of development with a of green networks potential direct impact on sites of nature conservation interest.
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Section 4: Characteristics of the Environment
SEA theme Potential impact of the Environmental SEA Objectives Issues to be reviewed in the SEA Plan baseline summary and key indicators to be monitored Energy use The Climate Change The majority of energy To minimise need for the use of The SEA will review and monitor: (Scotland) Act 2009 consumption is by private cars, ensure proposed public transport service acknowledges that industry. There is a high development is well located in frequencies consumption of energy level of dependence on relation to the public transport and release of carbon private transport. The network, cycling and walking traffic flows on key routes and dioxide into the dispersed character of routes. sample rural roads atmosphere has an settlements and high bus patronage on key routes impact on observed number of small and times To promote well located climate change. The settlements in rural rail station usage plan has the potential to settings generates a development capable of being affect: high level of demand for served by renewable energy cycling counts in key areas transport. Rural areas generation and District Heating public transport, cycling and levels and form of schemes. transport use, and have poor public pedestrian projects (off-site) energy sources for transport access and are To promote the use of low carbon funded through developments transport systems heavily reliant on private technologies and the generation of energy efficiency of new transport. renewable energy. improve connectivity developments and promoting Heat mapping and the To reduce traffic congestion, As per SEA guidance, a specific walking and cycling Scottish Government’s maintain air quality and keep indicator will be used for the SPACE tool are planned pollution below AQM thresholds. proportion of development sites levels of energy to be used, and may be consumption in and To promote active travel through with good access to town or able to provide the provision of cycleway and settlement centres and/or to public generation for information on the buildings, over their footpath networks. transport routes with a high level of energy consumption services. lifespan and during implications of new To reduce the causes of climate construction developments to assess change. the extent and scale individual development’s to which more impact and the overall environmentally impact of the plan. friendly forms of
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Section 4: Characteristics of the Environment
SEA theme Potential impact of the Environmental SEA Objectives Issues to be reviewed in the SEA Plan baseline summary and key indicators to be monitored energy are used (such as wind and biomass; and supporting micro and large-scale energy generation for private and public use) Energy Some forms of energy The open landscape, To promote acceptable forms of The SEA will review and monitor: production have a production presence of upland renewable energy production in the policy framework for greater potential impact areas, and proximity to appropriate locations. on the climate and permitting and encouraging the national grid make To promote well located renewable energy production landscape than others, the area potentially and some sources of development capable of being will be assessed in relation to attractive for generation served by renewable energy potential energy output from raw materials for energy of electricity using production are ‘non- generation and District Heating renewable energy facilities renewable sources, schemes. renewable’ (these are particularly wind power. proposals for integration of not necessarily the To promote the use of low carbon energy generation into new same). The plan can The extensive coastline technologies and the generation of developments will be included encourage and control offers opportunities for renewable energy. in the assessment different forms and electricity from wave and tidal power. energy output of renewable locations of energy energy facilities and production which take There is increased microgeneration place in the area and interest in renewable encourage the use of energy developments in renewable sources Fife. (such as on/offshore wind, and water power).
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Section 4: Characteristics of the Environment
SEA theme Potential impact of the Environmental SEA Objectives Issues to be reviewed in the SEA Plan baseline summary and key indicators to be monitored Air pollution, Uncontrolled The main measured To ensure that potentially polluting The SEA will review and monitor: noise, dust, development could lead source of air pollution in proposed development is well new developments potential to hazardous to an increase in the area is from located in relation to sensitive cause dust, noise or air installations sources of pollution emissions from vehicular receptors. pollution affecting communities, traffic. High levels of air To ensure that proposed including inappropriately pollution are the proximity of hazardous development is well located in sites, infrastructure and located industrial experienced at Appin relation to existing sources of activities and traffic Crescent, Dunfermline; electricity lines to proposed noise and dust, otherwise polluting development sites increases. Admiralty Road, Rosyth; or hazardous installations. St Clair Street, new proposals or designations The plan has the To reduce traffic congestion, potential to reduce risks Kirkcaldy; and of hazardous installations Bonnygate, Cupar. maintain air quality and keep to human health by pollution below air quality air pollution controlling, and The Baseline report lists management thresholds. sites subject to environmental separating housing and industrial sources of licensing other social facilities potential air pollution To promote active travel through from: and major hazardous the provision of cycleway and noise complaints footpath networks. sources of air installations. the proximity of existing and pollution, including There are a number of To protect human health. proposed hazardous pollution ‘hotspots’ Control Of Major infrastructure and electricity associated with Accident Hazard lines to existing and proposed traffic (COMAH) sites that development sites sources of noise affect Fife these include: The SEA will monitor traffic impacts Diageo Banbeath, through the review of sources of dust Leven; Diageo • Public transport service hazardous Cameronbridge, frequencies. installations Windygates; Diageo • Traffic flows on key routes and Begg Farm, Kirkcaldy; sample rural roads (to be Transco Dunfermline determined).
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Section 4: Characteristics of the Environment
SEA theme Potential impact of the Environmental SEA Objectives Issues to be reviewed in the SEA Plan baseline summary and key indicators to be monitored gas holder station, • Bus patronage on key routes Dunfermline; and times to be determined). Exxon/Shell Petro- • Chemicals/NGL Rail Station Usage" plant/loading terminal, • Pedestrian and cycling counts Mossmorran; in key areas Exxon/Shell Braefoot Bay marine terminal; Grangemouth Docks Facility, Grangemouth; Scotland Gas Networks Ltd, Leven gas holder station; Straiton Sand Pit, Wormit; Kvaerner Oil and Gas Methil Works, Buckhaven; Orica Muirside Depot, explosive site, Culross; Raytheon Systems Ltd, Glenrothes; Forbo-Nairn Ltd Seaton Complex, Kirkcaldy. Mossmorran- Grangemouth Pipelines; Forties Pipeline System; Westfield/Bonnyhill High Pressure Pipeline; High Pressure Pipeline (Kirriemuir to Bathgate
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Section 4: Characteristics of the Environment
SEA theme Potential impact of the Environmental SEA Objectives Issues to be reviewed in the SEA Plan baseline summary and key indicators to be monitored No.12 Feeder); Westfield/M80; and, the Gowkhall/Longannet Power Station Pipeline. Other sites which have Health and Safety Executive (HSE) consultation zones include: Rosyth Naval Dockyard; Crude oil pipeline (from Torrybury running north-west of Saline and beyond Fife); BGC Natural Gas (from east of Crombie running north past Knockhill); and Scottish Gas Transmission Line (running to the south of Saline, Steelend, Oakley and Comrie). The MOD defines a safeguard area around the MOD Royal Naval Armaments Depot at Crombie. There is a protection zone designated around
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Section 4: Characteristics of the Environment
SEA theme Potential impact of the Environmental SEA Objectives Issues to be reviewed in the SEA Plan baseline summary and key indicators to be monitored Leuchars Airfield.
Water quality, Water courses and Coastal water quality is To sustain and enhance water The SEA will review and monitor: flooding other water bodies, generally good. quality to good ecological status. water quality and ecological bathing waters and There are some To protect functional flood plains. status of water bodies as per underground aquifers stretches of inland water Ecological Classification do not meet EU To reduce the risk of flooding and courses classified as damage to property and to human System standards consistently. ‘poor.’ But this is mainly Some areas may be health. water treatment and waste due to diffuse pollution water capacities vulnerable to flooding from agricultural land To reduce the causes of climate from water courses. than to inadequate water change. developments required to get Management of treatment associated To increase ability to adapt to Controlled Activities development and with built developments. climate change. Regulations (water improved water environment) licences from treatment and drainage The capacity of waste SEPA water treatment facilities infrastructure are flooding incidents and causes essential to prevent is, however, a constraint further pollution and in many parts of the flood prevention measures accommodate greater area. taken, and major improvements potential flooding risks Fife is susceptible to or reconstruction of existing as a result of climate heavy rainfall and defences change. Lack of flooding, along the two number and size of drainage, water rivers Eden and Leven. developments in recognised treatment, and flood Other areas that are flood plain areas or defence infrastructure is highly susceptible to incorporating flood control a constraint on fluvial flooding include: measures development. The plan Bath Street Ditch – the proximity of existing and can: Kelty, Torry Burn – proposed hazardous Cairneyhill, Rushy End
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Section 4: Characteristics of the Environment
SEA theme Potential impact of the Environmental SEA Objectives Issues to be reviewed in the SEA Plan baseline summary and key indicators to be monitored help to reduce Stream- Cairneyhill, infrastructure and electricity existing pollution, Lyne Burn- Dunfermline, lines to existing and proposed flood risk and Tower Burn- development sites development Dunfermline, Calais systematic implications of constraints by Burn – Dunfermline, watercourse pollution relating development Lochty Burn- Kinglassie, originating from developments proposals to existing Back/Chemiss/Lappy that could affect protected areas infrastructure, green Burn- East Wemyss, Tiel through the wider ecological networks, Burn- Kirkcaldy, East network programmed Burn- Kirkcaldy, Auchtermuchty Burn – Flood risk will be assessed by investment in water reference to the locations of new treatment, drainage Auchtermuchty, Ladybank Road Ditch - development in relation to SEPA and flood defence flood risk areas, as well as other infrastructure, and Dunshalt, Lady Burn – Cupar, Den Burn- sources of flooding including by requiring new culvert/channel blocking, rising development to be Newburgh, Ceres Burn – Ceres & Pitscottie, water tables, overtopping, sheet designed to have run-off etc, and the extent to which minimal impact or to Kinness Burn – St Andrews, Freuchie Burn- mitigation proposals are specified make a positive for development release sites. contribution Freuchie, Maspie/ Falkland Burn – reduce the impact Falkland, and Pittilock flooding has on local Burn – Freuchie. services, businesses and economy during Areas which are extreme weather susceptible to Coastal Flooding include: Torryburn, Crombie Pier, Charlestown, Kinghorn, Kirkcaldy, Wemyss
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Section 4: Characteristics of the Environment
SEA theme Potential impact of the Environmental SEA Objectives Issues to be reviewed in the SEA Plan baseline summary and key indicators to be monitored Villages, Lower Largo, Pittenweem, Anstruther, Crail, St Andrews, and Tayport.
Waste The plan will contribute The area has a number To reduce the amount of waste by The SEA will review the extent to to the implementation of of re-cycling centres in maximising reuse, recycling and which the plan supports the Fife waste strategies aimed Dunfermline (Lochhead), recovery of resources. Zero Waste Plan 2010, in particular at increasing recycling, Cowdenbeath, To promote the provision of it will review and monitor: reducing waste, and Lochgelly, Dalgety Bay, appropriate recycling facilities. waste arisings and disposal reducing landfill. Kirkcaldy, Glenrothes, routes Excessive landfill and Methil, Ladybank (Lower unnecessary use of new Melville Wood), Cupar, numbers of recycling centres materials contribute to St Andrews and and coverage of recycling climate change and the Pittenweem. 360 small points reduction in non- scale re-cycling points developments incorporating renewable resources. are also distributed communal re-cycling facilities throughout most proposals for further recycling settlements. centres in the larger Integrated waste communities management facilities proposals for re-cycling points are in operation at Lower in communities not at present Melville Wood and one adequately served at Lochhead. policies requiring recycling The Westfield facilities and the use of recycled Development Centre construction materials near Kinglassie currently generates power from provision for strategic waste
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Section 4: Characteristics of the Environment
SEA theme Potential impact of the Environmental SEA Objectives Issues to be reviewed in the SEA Plan baseline summary and key indicators to be monitored chicken-litter waste and treatment facilities is looking at alternative waste sent to landfill from methods of generating construction sites power from waste. An Anaerobic Digestion (AD) facility is under construction at Lochhead. Soil, mineral The area has The area has a To maintain and protect Fife’s The SEA will review and monitor: resources substantial areas of high significant area of resource of prime agricultural land. areas of prime agricultural land , quality agricultural land agricultural land and of carbon rich soils, and a number of other classified as ‘prime’, and To protect carbon rich soils, absorbed by development mineral resources. The substantial mineral including peat. the exploitation and use of plan has the potential to resources (mainly coal, mineral resources in Fife protect these resources. hard rock, sand and To ensure the protection of Fife’s gravel). geodiversity sites. Policies designed to encourage the conservation and re-use of good To identify areas of search for quality soil will be reviewed. minerals and maintain an appropriate landbank of construction minerals.
To prevent the sterilisation of mineral resources, through surface development.
To minimise the loss of greenfield sites to development.
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Section 4: Characteristics of the Environment
SEA theme Potential impact of the Environmental SEA Objectives Issues to be reviewed in the SEA Plan baseline summary and key indicators to be monitored Brownfield The plan can encourage There are over 850 ha of To increase the remediation of The SEA will review and monitor land, the re-use of brownfield brownfield land across contaminated and brownfield land the following indicators: contaminated land which generally Fife: the majority of and buildings, including sites within extent of brownfield land, land involves less investment brownfield sites are in the vacant and derelict land audit. derelict and vacant sites in new infrastructure settlements but extent of reclaimed brownfield than ‘greenfield’ sites. significantly more vacant To prevent soil contamination. The plan can also play a and derelict land is land role in securing the found outwith the amount of development remediation of settlements (607 ha) To increase the area and scheduled to take place on contamination of land than within settlements connectivity of open space and brownfield sites through new (260 ha). green networks. numbers of prominent derelict development and The Vacant and Derelict buildings demolished or brought investment for Land Audit provides a back into use alternative uses such as record of these sites. recreation or nature conservation. The plan may set standards for restoration of sites following development to avoid future legacies of contamination. Landscape The areas in which land The open character of To conserve, restore or enhance The SEA will review and monitor: is released for the landscape in much designated landscapes and their area and % of development on development will have a of the area makes it related character and qualities, greenfield sites direct impact on the sensitive to new integrity and setting. development. The SEA area of incursions on landscape quality and character of character sites the landscape, including will be based on the To ensure that new development historic landscapes. overall assessment of does not exceed any stated limits number and location of landscape categories in relation to landscape capacity. approved wind turbines within
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Section 4: Characteristics of the Environment
SEA theme Potential impact of the Environmental SEA Objectives Issues to be reviewed in the SEA Plan baseline summary and key indicators to be monitored and capacity undertaken Local Landscape Areas for the whole of Fife from To protect all landscapes by number and type of small scale 2007-2009; and ensuring landscape protection and developments outside subsequent landscape improvement, taking into account settlement areas assessments for linkages to existing landscape Dunfermline, Rosyth, features. developments on the coastline Limekilns, Charlestown, Kincardine, Cupar, St To ensure development proposals Andrews, Tay enhance landscape characteristics Bridgehead, Kelty, where they are weakened and Kirkcaldy, Levenmouth, need improvement. Lochgelly and Markinch, Coaltown of Balgonie, and Thornton.
Strategic Land Allocations at Dunfermline, Kirkcaldy East, Kirkcaldy South West, Lochgelly, Levenmouth, Cupar North, St. Andrews West, Glenrothes East/Markinch, Inverkeithing, East Neuk settlements, Newport/Tayport/Wormit, West Villages, Burntisland and
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Section 4: Characteristics of the Environment
SEA theme Potential impact of the Environmental SEA Objectives Issues to be reviewed in the SEA Plan baseline summary and key indicators to be monitored Kelty/Lochore/Ballingry may impact on Specialist Landscape Areas.
Settlements The form and location of Dunfermline, Kirkcaldy, To improve the supply of housing The SEA will review and monitor: – new development may Glenrothes, Leven, land to accommodate housing retail shopping patterns requirements. infrastructure, contribute to social Cowndenbeath, Cupar the number of social, leisure, community integration and and St. Andrews act as To ensure development is well education, commercial and resources, improved housing the larger commercial community facilities that will be vitality and opportunities for all centres. Out of town located in relation to existing infrastructure and contributes to developed and the extent to amenity sections of the retail parks are located which these will be developed community including at Dunfermline, new infrastructure needs. within town centres or on the those on low incomes Kirkcaldy and periphery of settlements and with a disability. Glenrothes. There are a To reduce traffic growth and traffic Forms of development number of local centres congestion. % of affordable housing in new which provide for in other settlements developments access to open space throughout Fife. To enable access to public quality, quantity and transport and enhance walking and and recreation facilities There are three Further accessibility of greenspace in and encourage walking cycling routes as part of the settlements Education colleges that implementation of the Core Path and cycling will also are: Adam Smith the total population in Fife and contribute to health Plan and Green Network agenda. College, spread across in the key settlements promotion. The plan Kirkcaldy, Glenrothes can: To promote access to and the proportion of development and Levenmouth; enhance the provision and within walking distance of town ensure that Elmwood college, in distribution of greenspace, indoor and village centres, and maximum use is Cupar; and Carnegie and outdoor recreational facilities important community facilities made of existing College, in Dunfermline. and social/community facilities and (half kilometre) infrastructure - One University is located protect them from inappropriate the extent that development roads, power, in St Andrews. redevelopment. telecommunications, proposals will utilise existing
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Section 4: Characteristics of the Environment
SEA theme Potential impact of the Environmental SEA Objectives Issues to be reviewed in the SEA Plan baseline summary and key indicators to be monitored water treatment, Housing has been in infrastructure or invest in new drainage (see also high demand: there has To decrease social deprivation and infrastructure above), and been a 51% increase in exclusion. New developments will also be economic and social average house prices in tested against the Fife Greenspace facilities – by Fife over the past 8 To promote community safety. Strategy and Green Networks. governing the years putting prices location of new beyond the reach of To promote high standards of development. many first time and low- design. Access to social and income purchasers. community facilities However, it should be To ensure development proposals and the amenity of noted that housing are future proofed for high speed residential areas and prices have stabilised broadband. wider communities since 2007/08. Housing has an impact on completions are not To promote the use of low carbon general well-being achieving or expected to and renewable energy influence match Fife Structure technologies including relationship between Plan 2006-2026 housing safeguarding opportunities for facilities, broad requirements, which district heating schemes in new amenity, the general could put more pressure development. vitality of on the housing market. communities and The 2007-2009 community safety greenspace audit shows influence the most (56%) of Fife’s location of residents have access to community facilities quality greenspace. and resources, and However, the main determine their problems are associated integration within with accessibility and exiting infrastructure quality of greenspace. It
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Section 4: Characteristics of the Environment
SEA theme Potential impact of the Environmental SEA Objectives Issues to be reviewed in the SEA Plan baseline summary and key indicators to be monitored attract business should also be noted development areas of social inequality through the have the worst quality, implementation of quantity and accessible high speed greenspace. broadband heat maps can increase efficient use of power infrastructures and may show areas that would potentially benefit from district heating.
Historic The plan can contribute There are a number of To protect and enhance the The SEA will review and monitor: Environment to the conservation of settlements in Fife that historic and cultural heritage, the number of developments the built heritage have conservation including appropriate reuse of involving demolition or major through protection of areas. Conservation existing buildings. change within conservation listed buildings, sites of area character areas historic or appraisals are complete archaeological interest for Abbotshall and To protect, enhance and where the number of listed buildings (including Scheduled Central Kirkcaldy, appropriate restore the quality and brought back into use, Monuments), Aberdour, Anstruther, distinctiveness of townscapes. demolished or substantially conservation areas, Burntisland, Cadham, altered Sites on the Inventory of Charlestown, Coaltown the number of listed buildings Gardens and Designed of Wemyss, Culross, directly affected by Landscapes and Cupar, Colinsburgh, Elie development releases and
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Section 4: Characteristics of the Environment
SEA theme Potential impact of the Environmental SEA Objectives Issues to be reviewed in the SEA Plan baseline summary and key indicators to be monitored Historic Battlefields & Earlsferry, Hepburn proposals Gardens, Dysart, the number of developments Falkland, Inverkeithing, within the grounds of - or It may also contribute to Kincardine, Kinghorn, positive conservation by directly affecting - listed ancient Kirkcaldy Harbour and monuments, archaeological encouraging Port Brae, Leslie, complementary sites, historic gardens and Limekilns, Links Road, designed landscapes investment and offer the Leven, Lower Largo, potential to Markinch, North the number of renewable appropriately reuse Queensferry, energy developments that existing buildings. Pattiesmuir, St Andrews, impact on historic environment The Causeway, assets and their settings Kennoway, Upper Largo, and West Wemyss. Character appraisals for the remaining conservation areas in Fife are to be undertaken for Dunfermline, Inverkeithing, Aberdour, North Queensferry, Pattiesmuir, Upper Largo, Lower Largo, Elie & Earlsferry, Colinsburgh, Kilconquhar, Kingsbarns, Cellardyke, Pittenweem, St Monans,
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Section 4: Characteristics of the Environment
SEA theme Potential impact of the Environmental SEA Objectives Issues to be reviewed in the SEA Plan baseline summary and key indicators to be monitored Crail, Kilrenny, Newport on Tay, Balmerino, Leuchars, Newburgh, Brunton, Letham, Collessie, Ceres, Strathmiglo, and Bow of Fife. There are numerous listed buildings and ancient monuments throughout all of Fife. The wealth of built heritage is a major feature of many settlements, particularly in St Andrews.
The Scottish Historic Environment Policy as recently been updated. To include Historic Battlefields. There is one in Fife, at Inverkeithing. Important views to and from the historic core of Dunfermline and St Andrews will be
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Section 4: Characteristics of the Environment
SEA theme Potential impact of the Environmental SEA Objectives Issues to be reviewed in the SEA Plan baseline summary and key indicators to be monitored protected through the management of a Dunfermline and St Andrews Greenbelt.
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Section 5: Assessment of Preferred Strategy and Alternatives
5 Assessment of Preferred Strategy and Alternatives, including cumulative impact and mitigation proposals.
An assessment of the preferred strategy and the reasonable alternatives detailed in the Main Issues Report is set out at Tables 10 to 20.
Cumulative and synergistic impacts
The assessment of cumulative and synergistic impacts is at the heart of the SEA for the Local Development Plan. The SEA of the plan therefore assesses the cumulative and synergistic impact of the preferred options identified through the Main Issues Report.
Consideration has been given to: • The possible longer term implications of continuing urbanisation of the area at the rate proposed within the Plan. • Opportunities for energy sharing between proposed and existing development to reduce demand and increase efficiency in supply. • The systematic impact (knock-on effect) development may have on interrelated natural environments; particularly regarding nature conservation areas. • The synergistic impact of both positive and negative impacts on each of the SEA themes by reference to the interrelationships set out earlier in this report. • The extent to which beneficial impacts will be reinforced or offset by negative impacts, and whether negative impacts on some themes will reinforce negative impacts on others. The themes, if any, where this consideration may be significant cannot be anticipated at this stage.
Mitigation measures
The assessment of preferred options set out in Tables 10 to 20 includes an overview of mitigation measures in the context of the following SEA themes:
• Biodiversity and nature conservation: introducing requirements for masterplans for all Strategic Land Allocation developments to minimise impact on natural heritage assets. Site specific nature conservation mitigation measures where appropriate. Introducing policies and supplementary planning guidance that require the protection and enhancement of nature conservation and biodiversity in developments. Assessing impact of proposed wind farms on nature conservation and habitats. • Energy use: utilising heat mapping to integrate new development with existing heat networks to reduce demand and utilising SPACE tool to inform decisions made regarding greenhouse gas emissions of policies and developments. • Energy use for transport: supporting public transport, walking, cycling and possibilities for alternative fuel sources. • Air pollution, noise, dust, hazardous installations: consulting with HSE to minimise hazardous installations’ potential impacts on developments. Masterplanning SDAs to minimise impacts on affected environments. • Waste water and flood risk: require developers to contribute to waste water treatment and water supply infrastructure and perform risk assessment for development affected by flood plains. • Waste: enforce existing policy requirements for new developments to include waste recycling points.
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Section 5: Assessment of Preferred Strategy and Alternatives
• Soil, mineral resources: on sites where there are coal - or other mineral - reserves extraction may take place before development is undertaken. SUDS requirements for new development will reduce the impact of soil sealing. • Contaminated and brownfield land: detailed development permissions will require the removal or treatment of contamination on development sites. • Infrastructure. • Landscape: providing enhancement and management proposals relating to development site releases within sensitive landscape areas. • Settlements – infrastructure, community resources, vitality and amenity: include full consideration of access to retail, leisure and community facilities in each SDA masterplan. • Built heritage: mitigation requirements for development site releases affecting conservation areas, the setting of listed buildings, scheduled monuments, unscheduled archaeology, gardens and designed landscapes, and historic battlefields.
Impact on EU Designated Sites
The Main Issues Report options assessed are considered to have no likely adverse effect on the integrity of the European Sites. Detailed site assessments will inform the identification of sites to be included in the Proposed Plan in order to assess the potential for impacts on European Sites that could arise from their inclusion.
The SEA contains an initial screening process (Annex 6) undertaken for potential development sites published alongside the Main Issues Report (Annex 4: Site Assessments Atlas – Potential Development Options). These sites represent developer interests and are not a representation of the Council’s preferred locations for development.
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Section 5: Assessment of Preferred Strategy and Alternatives
Table 10a: Assessment of Options Identified for Spatial Pattern
Score after SEA Theme Score Summary Mitigation mitigation
Option 1a: Urban Consolidation - focus new development on sites within the existing settlements
Requirement in the Proposed Plan for the protection and enhancement of the wider environment, including trees and priority Positive impact through prioritising brownfield and urban development, habitats, habitat connectivity and green minimising development on greenfield sites; potential negative impact on networks including urban open space. Biodiversity + urban biodiversity networks where vacant sites are developed. ++ General requirement in the Proposed Plan for Increased densities lead to increased pressure on services including contribution to services, where development Population - community assets. would take up or exceed available capacity. 0 General requirement in the Proposed Plan for Increased pressure on greenspace and networks and access to health related contributions, where development human health - services. Air Quality issues to be considered. would create a negative impact. 0 Requirement in the Proposed Plan for the protection and enhancement of the wider environment, including trees and priority This option could help to minimise the impact on protected species and habitats, habitat connectivity and green fauna + identified nature reserves networks including urban open space. ++ Requirement in the Proposed Plan for the protection and enhancement of the wider environment, including trees and priority This option could help to minimise the impact on protected species and habitats, habitat connectivity and green flora + identified nature reserves networks including urban open space. ++
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Section 5: Assessment of Preferred Strategy and Alternatives
Score after SEA Theme Score Summary Mitigation mitigation Brownfield opportunity sites could be brought back into use thereby avoiding any additional loss of Prime Agricultural Land; allows for soil + remediation of contaminated sites within the settlement. N/A + Within existing settlements a baseline water supply and sewage network Ensure that proposals in the plan will not water 0 is in place, subject to capacity exacerbate flood risk. + New developments will introduce traffic movements that could lead to Proposed Plan and developer requirements to air - increased emissions - regard should be had for any air quality issues. address traffic impacts. 0 Increased energy use leads to increased carbon footprint; greater Proposed Plan to continue existing policies on climatic factors 0 opportunities for shared heat and energy energy use and building design. + Consolidation of population in existing built-up areas can help to support services, and community assets. Design can address how footpath and cycling routes can be developed and integrated in the whole. The green network is another asset and opportunity for development to influence Requirement in the Proposed Plan for the material assets + and develop as part of development. creation of links into green networks. ++ Concentrating development in built-up areas of cultural significance could detract from the area's cultural heritage; however this also provides the Proposed Plan to continue existing policies on opportunity to re-use/regenerate buildings or other cultural assets which new developments impacting on built heritage cultural heritage 0 may otherwise fall into disrepair and archaeological assets. + Concentrating development in built-up areas could reduce pressure to Proposed Plan to continue existing policies on develop within sensitive landscape areas; Avoiding edge of settlement new developments impacting on sensitive landscape + greenfield sites will help to preserve the setting and landscape character. landscapes. +
While overall this option scores positively, with suggested mitigation reducing environmental impact, there is insufficient summary availability of land to accommodate this option on its own and achieve the level of growth set out in strategic plans.
TOTAL SCORE +6 -3 = +3 +13 -0 = +13
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Section 5: Assessment of Preferred Strategy and Alternatives
Score after SEA Theme Score Summary Mitigation mitigation
Option 1b: New settlements ruled out by Fife Structure Plan (2009). Not supported by TAYplan or SESplan. The timescale, likely environmental impact, & scale of new investment required to establish an entirely new settlement rules this out.
Requirement in the Proposed Plan for the protection and enhancement of the wider environment, including trees and priority habitats, habitat connectivity and green Biodiversity -- New settlements would lead to a net loss of greenfield and habitats. networks including urban open space. - Opportunities for sustainable development and high quality design together with good access into countryside recreation. Issues about General requirement in the Proposed Plan to connectivity with established settlements and scale of new investment will provide new services, where development Population + be substantial. would not have access to existing services. + Opportunities for sustainable development and high quality design together with good access into countryside recreation. Focus of Proposed Plan to continue existing policies on development on new settlements could draw investment away from sustainable development and high quality human health 0 existing communities. design. 0 Requirement in the Proposed Plan for the protection and enhancement of the wider environment, including trees and priority habitats, habitat connectivity and green fauna -- New settlements would lead to a net loss of greenfield and habitats. networks including urban open space . - Requirement in the Proposed Plan for the flora -- New settlements would lead to a net loss of greenfield and habitats. protection and enhancement of the wider -
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Section 5: Assessment of Preferred Strategy and Alternatives
Score after SEA Theme Score Summary Mitigation mitigation environment, including trees and priority habitats, habitat connectivity and green networks including urban open space. Proposed Plan to continue policies on protection of prime agricultural land and soil -- Potential loss of agricultural land and sterilisation of mineral deposits. minerals. - Within new settlements a baseline water supply and sewage network is not in place and would require significant investment to supply adequate capacity. Potential for new development to exacerbate flood risk and to Ensure that proposals in the plan will not water -- impact on ground water resources. exacerbate flood risk. - New settlements will introduce traffic movements leading to increased Proposed Plan and developer requirements to air -- emissions - regard should be had for any air quality issues. address traffic impacts. - High quality urban design should address renewable energy generation and energy efficient design from the start. This would in part offset the new energy infrastructure requirement. A new settlement would increase Proposed Plan to continue existing policies on climatic factors + energy demand through new energy infrastructure requirements. energy use and building design. + High quality urban design required of community assets, green space, play parks, cycle and walking routes from the start, and ensures that material assets + these are integral to the settlement as a whole. N/A + Potential loss of historical assets, particularly farm buildings, small Proposed Plan to continue existing policies on holdings and any archaeological assets. Buildings of interest can be new developments impacting on built heritage cultural heritage - retained as part of new development, albeit the setting will be lost. and archaeological assets. 0 Proposed Plan to continue existing policies on Potential for loss of sensitive landscapes. Regard should be had to new developments impacting on sensitive landscape - landscape character and taken account of in quality design. landscapes. 0
While suggested mitigation can help reduce environmental impact associated with this option, new settlements are not summary supported by SESplan and TAYplan, and require significant investment and potential loss of environmental assets.
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Section 5: Assessment of Preferred Strategy and Alternatives
Score after SEA Theme Score Summary Mitigation mitigation
+3 -14 = - TOTAL SCORE 11 +3 - 6 = -3
Option 1c: Disperse development to smaller settlements & identify small scale development away from the main centres.
Requirement in the Proposed Plan for the protection and enhancement of the wider Positive impact through minimising development on greenfield sites; environment, including trees and priority potential impact on local biodiversity networks through increased density habitats, habitat connectivity and green Biodiversity + of development and loss of greenspace. networks including urban open space. ++ General requirement in the Proposed Plan for Increased densities lead to increased pressure on services including contribution to services, where development Population - community assets. would take up or exceed available capacity. 0 Increased pressure on greenspace and networks and access to health General requirement in the Proposed Plan for services. Development can support the maintenance of facilities in related contributions, where development human health - smaller communities. Air Quality issues to be considered. would create a negative impact. 0 Requirement in the Proposed Plan for the protection and enhancement of the wider environment, including trees and priority Depending on location this option could have a potential negative impact habitats, habitat connectivity and green fauna - on protected species and identified nature reserves. networks including urban open space. 0
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Section 5: Assessment of Preferred Strategy and Alternatives
Score after SEA Theme Score Summary Mitigation mitigation Requirement in the Proposed Plan for the protection and enhancement of the wider environment, including trees and priority Depending on location this option could have a potential negative impact habitats, habitat connectivity and green flora - on protected species and identified nature reserves. networks including urban open space. 0 Brownfield opportunity sites could be brought back into use thereby avoiding additional loss of Prime Agricultural Land; allows for remediation Proposed Plan to continue policies on soil + of contaminated sites within the settlement. protection of prime agricultural land. + Within existing settlements a baseline water supply and sewage network Ensure that proposals in the plan will not water 0 is in place, subject to capacity. exacerbate flood risk. + Within some settlements, there is potential that increased densities could result in increased traffic emissions. Regard should be had for any air Proposed Plan and developer requirements to air - quality issues. address traffic impacts. 0 Proposed Plan to continue existing policies on Increasing population will increase energy use which leads to increased energy use and building design, and maximise carbon footprint. Could be mitigated through District heating schemes potential for district heating schemes where climatic factors - where opportunities assist. available. + A small increase of population in existing settlements could help to support provision and maintenance of community assets, including green Requirement in the Proposed Plan for the material assets + space, play parks, cycle and walking routes. creation of links into green networks. ++ Dispersing development to settlements with cultural significance could detract from the area's cultural heritage; could be offset where there are Proposed Plan to continue existing policies on opportunities to re-use/regenerate buildings or other cultural assets which new developments impacting on built heritage cultural heritage - may otherwise fall into disrepair and archaeological assets. 0 Dispersing development to settlements could increase pressure to develop within sensitive landscape areas and the visual impact of higher Proposed Plan to continue existing policies on densities within smaller settlements would detract from an area's new developments impacting on sensitive landscape - landscape character. landscapes. 0
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Section 5: Assessment of Preferred Strategy and Alternatives
Score after SEA Theme Score Summary Mitigation mitigation Although this option does not score highly, it offers the potential to support regeneration ambitions and to support community assets in smaller communities. Additionally mitigation measures will help to reduce negative environmental summary impacts.
TOTAL SCORE +3 -8 = -5 +7 -0 = +7
Option 1d: New urban expansion. Focuses development on larger settlements.
Requirement in the Proposed Plan for the protection and enhancement of the wider Negative impact through edge of settlement development on greenfield environment, including trees and priority sites; potential negative impact on urban biodiversity networks through habitats, habitat connectivity and green Biodiversity - increased density of development and loss of greenspace. networks including urban open space. 0 Increased densities lead to increased pressure on services including General requirement in the Proposed Plan for community assets; potential to support existing assets where capacity contribution to services, where development Population - exists. would take up or exceed available capacity. 0 General requirement in the Proposed Plan for Increased pressure on greenspace and networks and access to health related contributions, where development services. Air Quality issues to be considered. Opportunities to link would create a negative impact. Proposed human health 0 greenspace networks into the wider countryside. Plan and developer requirements to address +
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Section 5: Assessment of Preferred Strategy and Alternatives
Score after SEA Theme Score Summary Mitigation mitigation air quality issues arising from traffic impacts.
Requirement in the Proposed Plan for the protection and enhancement of the wider environment, including trees and priority This option could help to minimise the impact on protected species and habitats, habitat connectivity and green fauna + identified nature reserves networks including urban open space. ++ Requirement in the Proposed Plan for the protection and enhancement of the wider environment, including trees and priority This option could help to minimise the impact on protected species and habitats, habitat connectivity and green flora + identified nature reserves networks including urban open space. ++ There is likely to be negative impact through edge of settlement development on greenfield sites. Brownfield opportunity sites could be Proposed Plan to continue policies on brought back into use thereby avoiding additional loss of Prime protection of prime agricultural land. Maximise soil - Agricultural Land. use of brownfield sites. 0 Within existing settlements a baseline water supply and sewage network Ensure that proposals in the plan will not water 0 is in place, subject to capacity exacerbate flood risk. + Within some settlements, there is potential that increased densities could result in increased traffic emissions - regard should be had for existing air Proposed Plan and developer requirements to air - quality issues. address traffic impacts. 0 Proposed Plan to continue existing policies on Increasing population will increase energy use which leads to increased energy use and building design, and maximise carbon footprint. Could be mitigated through District heating schemes potential for district heating schemes where climatic factors - where opportunities assist. available. + Expansion of population in existing built-up areas could help to reduce Continue to support existing community material assets + household waste through proximity to recycling facilities assets. +
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Score after SEA Theme Score Summary Mitigation mitigation Development of settlements that have particular cultural heritage may have a negative impact; however this also provides the opportunity to re- Proposed Plan to continue existing policies on use/regenerate buildings or other cultural assets which may otherwise fall new developments impacting on built heritage cultural heritage + into disrepair and archaeological assets. + Expansion of development around settlements could reduce pressure to develop within sensitive landscape areas; however the visual impact of Proposed Plan to continue existing policies on higher densities on the edge of settlements could detract from an area's new developments impacting on sensitive landscape + landscape character. landscapes. +
Although not a high scoring option on initial assessment, this approach will enable some small expansion of existing settlements which if combined with other spatial pattern options is likely to meet strategic requirements. Negative impacts from increased pressure on edge of settlement greenfield sites could be reduced through the mitigation set out above. The summary implementation of all mitigation measures increases the scoring of this option to a positive.
TOTAL SCORE +5 -5 = 0 +10 -0 = +10
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Table 10b: Summary of Options Identified for Spatial Pattern
Option 1a Option 1b Option 1c Option 1d Initial Score +3 -11 -5 0 Score after mitigation +13 -3 +7 +10 Summary As the assessment showed that this option scored highest against the SEA themes this option has been included in the Main Issues Report as the preferred option. Outcome Preferred Alternative 3 Alternative 2 Alternative 1
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Table 11a: Assessment of Options Identified for Spatial Pattern 2
Score after SEA theme Initial Score Summary Proposed mitigation mitigation
Option 2a: (preferred) Mixed pattern approach: Promote brownfield development and also edge of settlement strategic development towards North Dunfermline and the western and eastern ends of the Ore/Upper Leven Valleys.
The focus on brownfield sites will reduce the need to develop greenfield sites. Negative impact through edge of settlement Requirement in the Proposed Plan for the protection and development on greenfield sites; potential negative impact on enhancement of the wider environment, including trees and urban biodiversity networks through increased density of priority habitats, habitat connectivity and green networks Biodiversity +/ - development and loss of greenspace. including urban open space. + Meeting housing targets will meet the demand for housing Population + (including affordable). N/A 0 Meeting the demand for housing meets a basic requirement for General requirement in the Proposed Plan for related human health. This option supports the regeneration of Mid Fife. contributions, where development would create a negative Other effects may impact in the delivery of development, with impact. Proposed Plan and developer requirements to human health 0 increased emissions, noise etc. address air quality issues arising from traffic impacts. + Requirement in the Proposed Plan for the protection and The focus on brownfield sites will reduce the need to develop enhancement of the wider environment, including trees and greenfield sites. Any loss of greenfield sites has potential to impact priority habitats, habitat connectivity and green networks fauna +/ - on fauna including urban open space. + Requirement in the Proposed Plan for the protection and The focus on brownfield sites will reduce the need to develop enhancement of the wider environment, including trees and greenfield sites. Any loss of greenfield sites has potential to impact priority habitats, habitat connectivity and green networks flora +/ - on flora including urban open space. +
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Score after SEA theme Initial Score Summary Proposed mitigation mitigation The focus on brownfield sites will reduce the need to develop greenfield sites. There is likely to be negative impact through edge of settlement development on greenfield sites. To the north of Dunfermline and around the Ore and Upper Leven valleys, there are mineral and coal resources. The presence of minerals should be investigated in site appraisals. Any development will increase Proposed Plan to continue policies on protection of prime the waste arising, putting more emphasis on recycling facilities and agricultural land and minerals. Maximise brownfield soil +/ - landfill for final disposal. development. + Flooding and water quality may be issues in both locations. Within existing settlements a baseline water supply and sewage network Ensure that proposals in the plan will not exacerbate flood water - is in place, subject to capacity risk through location and design. 0 Within some settlements, there is potential that increased densities could result in increased traffic emissions - regard should be had Proposed Plan and developer requirements to address air - for existing air quality issues. traffic impacts. 0 Increased energy use leads to increased carbon footprint; greater opportunities for shared heat and energy. There may be, in both areas, poten tial for district heating schemes, which would lower the overall energy use in the built development. Lochhead in particular has a scheme, which could form part of a larger network. Proposed Plan to continue existing policies on energy use The Tullis Russell Biomass Plant offers opportunity to provide and building design, and maximise potential for district climatic factors -/+ district heating. Proximity to Westfield may also offer opportunities. heating schemes where available. + Opportunities for new or improved core paths, greenspace networks, country parks and waste. This option supports the Requirement in the Proposed Plan for the creation of links material assets + regeneration of Mid Fife. into green networks. + Development of settlements that have particular cultural heritage Proposed Plan to continue existing policies on new may have a negative impact; however this also provides the developments impacting on built heritage and opportunity to re-use/regenerate buildings or other cultural assets archaeological assets, and consideration for existing cultural heritage -/+ which may otherwise fall into disrepair townscapes. +
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Score after SEA theme Initial Score Summary Proposed mitigation mitigation The focus on brownfield sites will reduce the need to develop greenfield sites. Potential impact on Local Landscape Area at Loch Ore and Benarty. Development should not negatively impact on this area through location and design. Proposed Plan to continue existing policies on new landscape +/ - developments impacting on sensitive landscapes. +
There are a lot of unknowns at this stage in the process, and particular sites are not identified, but general areas are. This option meets SESplan and TAYplan strategic requirements and provides scope for gradual, organic growth of smaller settlements, and supports the regeneration of Mid Fife. Siting, design will be important in bringing forward developments in summary these areas.
TOTAL SCORE +9-9= 0 +9-0 = 9
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Score after SEA theme Initial Score Summary Proposed mitigation mitigation
Option 2b: (alternative): Promote brownfield development and concentrate Development around existing Strategic Development Areas to make use of infrastructure already being provided as part of these developments. The focus on brownfield sites will reduce the need to develop greenfield sites. Negative impact through edge of settlement Requirement in the Proposed Plan for the protection and development on greenfield sites; potential negative impact on enhancement of the wider environment, including trees and urban biodiversity networks through increased density of priority habitats, habitat connectivity and green networks Biodiversity +/ - development and loss of greenspace. including urban open space. 0 There would be a further incremental increase in those settlements with existing SDAs, and where infrastructure and community General requirement in the Proposed Plan for contribution to assets were originally designed for a smaller population than services, where development would take up or exceed Population - would result from this option. available capacity. 0 Meeting the demand for housing meets a basic requirement for human health. By focussing on the existing Strategic General requirement in the Proposed Plan for related Development Areas this option supports the regeneration of Mid contributions, where development would create a negative Fife. Other effects may impact in the delivery of development, with impact. Proposed Plan and developer requirements to human health + increased emissions, noise etc. address air quality issues arising from traffic impacts. + The focus on brownfield sites will reduce the need to develop Requirement in the Proposed Plan for the protection and greenfield sites. Any loss of greenfield sites has potential to impact enhancement of the wider environment, including trees and on fauna. Expansion to some existing SDAs has the potential to priority habitats, habitat connectivity and green networks fauna +/ - have a negative impact on European designated sites. including urban open space. 0 Requirement in the Proposed Plan for the protection and enhancement of the wider environment, including trees and The focus on brownfield sites will reduce the need to develop sites . priority habitats, habitat connectivity and green networks flora +/ - Any loss of greenfield sites has potential to impact on flora including urban open space . 0
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Score after SEA theme Initial Score Summary Proposed mitigation mitigation The focus on brownfield sites will reduce the need to develop sites . There is likely to be negative impact through edge of settlement development on greenfield sites. Brownfield opportunity sites could be brought back into use thereby avoiding additional loss of Prime Proposed Plan to continue policies on protection of prime soil +/ - Agricultural Land. agricultural land. Maximise use of brownfield sites. 0 Flooding and water quality may be issues in both locations. Within existing settlements a baseline water supply and sewage network Ensure that proposals in the plan will not exacerbate flood water - is in place, subject to capacity risk. 0 Within some settlements, there is potential that increased densities could result in increased traffic emissions - regard should be had Proposed Plan and developer requirements to address air - for existing air quality issues. traffic impacts. 0 Increased energy use leads to increased carbon footprint; greater opportunities for shared heat and energy. There may be, in both areas, potential for district heating schemes, which would lower the overall energy use in the built development. Lochhead in particular has a scheme, which could form part of a larger network. Proposed Plan to continue existing policies on energy use The Tullis Russell Biomass Plant offers opportunity to provide and building design, and maximise potential for district climatic factors -/+ district heating. heating schemes where available. + Opportunities for new or improved core paths, greenspace material assets + networks, country parks and waste Continue to support existing community assets. + Development of settlements that have particular cultural heritage Proposed Plan to continue existing policies on new may have a negative impact; however this also provides the developments impacting on built heritage and opportunity to re-use/regenerate buildings or other cultural assets archaeological assets, and consideration for existing cultural heritage -/+ which may otherwise fall into disrepair townscapes. + The focus on brownfield sites will reduce the need to develop greenfield sites. There are Local Landscape areas around existing strategic development areas where development would have a Proposed Plan to continue existing policies on new landscape +/ - negative impact. developments impacting on sensitive landscapes. +
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Score after SEA theme Initial Score Summary Proposed mitigation mitigation Option could increase pressure on edge of settlement greenfield sites with the potential negative impacts this may result in. This will be partly offset by the focus on brownfield sites which will reduce the need to develop greenfield sites. Development will be Summary dependent on infrastructure that may not be wholly delivered to the scale required.
TOTAL SCORE +9-10 = -1 +5-0 = +5
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Table 11b: Summary of Options Identified for Spatial Pattern 2
Option 2a Option 2b Initial Score 0 -1 Score after mitigation +9 +5 Summary As the assessment showed that this option scored highest against the SEA themes this option has been included in the Main Issues Report as the preferred option. Outcome Preferred Alternative 1
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Table 12a: Assessment of Options Identified for Ore & Leven Valleys
Initial Score after SEA theme Score Summary Proposed mitigation mitigation Option 1a: Focus on edge of town strategic development at Kelty/Cowdenbeath and Glenrothes Town Centre
Brownfield opportunities will reduce development of Greenfield. Negative Requirement in the Proposed Plan for the impact through edge of settlement development on greenfield sites; protection and enhancement of the wider potential negative impact on urban biodiversity networks through increased environment, including trees and priority density of development and loss of greenspace. This can be mitigated habitats, habitat connectivity and green networks Biodiversity -/+ through creation of new green networks linking to existing. including urban open space. + There is capacity within schools within these settlements. Meeting housing Population + targets will meet the demand for housing (including affordable). N/A + Meeting the demand for housing meets a basic requirement for human health. This option supports the regeneration of Mid Fife. There are good opportunities to link into the existing Regional and Country Parks for Requirement in the Proposed Plan for the human health + recreational purposes. enhancement of access to the countryside. ++ Requirement in the Proposed Plan for the protection and enhancement of the wider environment, including trees and priority habitats, habitat connectivity and green networks fauna - Any loss of greenfield sites has potential to impact on fauna including urban open space. + Requirement in the Proposed Plan for the protection and enhancement of the wider environment, including trees and priority habitats, habitat connectivity and green networks flora - Any loss of greenfield sites has potential to impact on flora including urban open space. + There is likely to be negative impact through edge of settlement development on greenfield sites, although the fields in this area are not prime agricultural land outside the Country Park. Around the Ore and Upper Leven valleys, there are mineral and coal resources. The presence of minerals should be investigated in site appraisals. Any development will increase the waste arising, putting more emphasis on recycling facilities Proposed Plan to continue policies on protection soil - and landfill for final disposal. of minerals. Maximise brownfield development. 0
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Initial Score after SEA theme Score Summary Proposed mitigation mitigation Flooding and water quality may be issues in some parts of the area. Within Ensure that proposals in the plan will not existing settlements a baseline water supply and sewage network is in exacerbate flood risk through location and water - place, subject to capacity. design. 0 There is potential that increased densities could result in increased traffic emissions - although an AQMA has not been identified for this area regard Proposed Plan and developer requirements to air 0 should be had for any air quality issues. address traffic impacts. 0 Increased energy use leads to increased carbon footprint; greater opportunities for shared heat and energy. There may be potential for Proposed Plan to continue existing policies on district heating schemes, which would lower the overall energy use in the energy use and building design, and maximise climatic built development. The Tullis Russell Biomass Plant offers opportunity to potential for district heating schemes where factors +/ - provide district heating. available. + Opportunities for new or improved core paths, greenspace networks, country parks and waste. This option supports the regeneration of Mid Fife. Requirement in the Proposed Plan for the Around the Ore and Upper Leven valleys, there are mineral and coal creation of links into green networks. Proposed material resources. The presence of minerals should be investigated in site Plan to continue policies on protection of assets + appraisals. minerals. + Proposed Plan to continue existing policies on cultural Regeneration provides the opportunity to re-use buildings or other cultural new developments impacting on built heritage heritage + assets which may otherwise fall into disrepair. and archaeological assets. + Redevelopment of brownfield sites will reduce the need to develop greenfield sites. Potential impact on Local Landscape Area at Loch Ore Proposed Plan to continue existing policies on and Benarty. Development should not negatively impact on this area new developments impacting on sensitive landscape +/ - through location and design. landscapes. +
This option meets SESplan requirements and supports the regeneration of Mid Fife. Siting, design will be important in bringing Summary forward developments in these areas.
TOTAL SCORE +7 -7 = 0 +10 -0 = +10
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Initial Score after SEA theme Score Summary Proposed mitigation mitigation
Option 1b: Reinforce existing SLA in Lochgelly Requirement in the Proposed Plan for the There is little potential for further brownfield opportunities in Lochgelly. protection and enhancement of the wider Negative impact through edge of settlement development on greenfield environment, including trees and priority sites; potential negative impact on urban biodiversity networks through habitats, habitat connectivity and green networks Biodiversity - increased density of development and loss of greenspace. including urban open space. - Meeting the demand for housing meets a basic requirement for human health. Infrastructure and community assets provided through the existing strategic development were originally designed for a smaller population than would result from this option. The option supports the regeneration of Lochgelly. There are good opportunities to link into the existing Regional Population + and Country Parks for recreational purposes. N/A + Meeting the demand for housing meets a basic requirement for human health. By focussing on the existing Strategic Development Areas this option supports the regeneration of Lochgelly. There are good opportunities to link into the existing Regional and Country Parks for Requirement in the Proposed Plan for the human health + recreational purposes. enhancement of access to the countryside. ++ Requirement in the Proposed Plan for the protection and enhancement of the wider environment, including trees and priority There is little potential for further brownfield opportunities in Lochgelly. Any habitats, habitat connectivity and green networks fauna - loss of greenfield sites has potential to impact on fauna. including urban open space. 0 Requirement in the Proposed Plan for the protection and enhancement of the wider environment, including trees and priority There is little potential for further brownfield opportunities in Lochgelly. Any habitats, habitat connectivity and green networks flora - loss of greenfield sites has potential to impact on flora. including urban open space. 0 There is likely to be negative impact through edge of settlement Proposed Plan to continue policies on protection soil - development on greenfield sites, although the fields in this area are not of minerals. 0
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Initial Score after SEA theme Score Summary Proposed mitigation mitigation prime agricultural land.
Within Lochgelly a baseline water supply and sewage network is in place, Ensure that proposals in the plan will not create water 0 subject to capacity for additional development. flood risk through location and design. 0 There is potential that increased densities could result in increased traffic emissions - although an AQMA has not been identified for this area regard Proposed Plan and developer requirements to air 0 should be had for any air quality issues. address traffic impacts. 0 Increased energy use leads to increased carbon footprint; greater Proposed Plan to continue existing policies on opportunities for shared heat and energy. There may be potential for energy use and building design, and maximise climatic district heating schemes, which would lower the overall energy use in the potential for district heating schemes where factors -/+ built development. available. 0 Requirement in the Proposed Plan for the Opportunities for new or improved core paths, greenspace networks, creation of links into green networks. Proposed material country parks and waste. This option supports the regeneration of Mid Fife. Plan to continue policies on protection of assets + The presence of minerals should be investigated in site appraisals. minerals. + Proposed Plan to continue existing policies on cultural Regeneration provides the opportunity to re-use buildings or other cultural new developments impacting on built heritage heritage + assets which may otherwise fall into disrepair. and archaeological assets. + There is a Local Landscape area to the north of Lochgelly where Proposed Plan to continue existing policies on development could have a negative impact without the sensitive location new developments impacting on sensitive landscape - and design of development. landscapes. 0
Option could increase pressure on edge of settlement greenfield sites with the potential negative impacts this may result in. Development will be dependent on infrastructure that may not be wholly delivered to the scale Summary required. +5 -6 = TOTAL SCORE -1 +5 -1 = +4
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Initial Score after SEA theme Score Summary Proposed mitigation mitigation
Option 1c: Dispersed approach on a range of sites across Ore/Upper Leven Valleys If there are insufficient sites within the settlement boundaries to bring forward, there will be a negative impact through development on greenfield Requirement in the Proposed Plan for the sites with a negative impact on local biodiversity networks through protection and enhancement of the wider increased density of development and loss of greenspace. Where edge of environment, including trees and priority settlement proposals are brought forward, these may have a negative habitats, habitat connectivity and green networks Biodiversity - impact on biodiversity. including urban open space. 0 Increased populations and densities could increase pressure on infrastructure and services including community assets. Development General requirement in the Proposed Plan for could also help to support community assets where current population contribution to services, where development Population -/+ levels have led to a decline in the use of facilities. would take up or exceed available capacity. 0 Increased populations and densities could increase pressure on General requirement in the Proposed Plan for greenspace networks and on access to health services. Development can related contributions, where development would human health -/+ support the maintenance of facilities in smaller communities. create a negative impact. 0 Requirement in the Proposed Plan for the protection and enhancement of the wider environment, including trees and priority Depending on location this option could have a negative impact on habitats, habitat connectivity and green networks fauna - protected species and identified nature reserves. including urban open space. 0 Requirement in the Proposed Plan for the protection and enhancement of the wider environment, including trees and priority Depending on location this option could have a negative impact on habitats, habitat connectivity and green networks flora - protected species and identified nature reserves. including urban open space. 0
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Initial Score after SEA theme Score Summary Proposed mitigation mitigation There is potential for the loss of Prime Agricultural Land (Class 2 and 3.1 are present in this area). Redevelopment of brownfield sites would allow for remediation of contaminated sites and the reuse of existing sites and buildings within the settlement, minimising loss of prime agricultural land. Proposed Plan to continue policies on protection soil - Edge of settlement sites could lead to a loss of greenfield sites. of prime agricultural land. 0 Within existing settlements a baseline water supply and sewage network is in place, subject to capacity. There are some known flooding issues for Ensure that proposals in the plan will not water - settlements within this area. exacerbate flood risk. 0 There is potential that increased densities could result in increased traffic emissions - although an AQMA has not been identified for this area regard Proposed Plan and developer requirements to air 0 should be had for any air quality issues. address traffic impacts. 0 Proposed Plan to continue existing policies on energy use and building design, and maximise climatic Increased energy use leads to increased carbon footprint; greater potential for district heating schemes where factors -/+ opportunities for shared heat and energy available. 0 material A small increase of population in existing settlements could help to support assets + provision and maintenance of recycling facilities. N/A + Dispersing development to settlements with cultural heritage assets, could result in a negative impact on these; however there is also the opportunity Proposed Plan to continue existing policies on cultural to re-use/regenerate buildings or other cultural assets which may new developments impacting on built heritage heritage -/+ otherwise fall into disrepair and archaeological assets. 0 Dispersing development to settlements could increase pressure to develop within sensitive landscape areas. Edge of settlement development will have an impact on the setting of the settlement. The visual impact of Proposed Plan to continue existing policies on higher densities within smaller settlements could detract from an area's new developments impacting on sensitive landscape - landscape character. landscapes. 0
Option could increase pressure on edge of settlement greenfield sites with summary the potential negative impacts that may result. TOTAL SCORE +5 -10 = +1 -0 = +1
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Initial Score after SEA theme Score Summary Proposed mitigation mitigation -5
Table 12b: Summary of Options Identified for Ore & Leven Valleys
Option 1a Option 1b Option 1c Initial Score 0 -1 -5 Score after mitigation +10 +4 +1 Summary As the assessment showed that this option scored highest against the SEA themes this option has been included in the Main Issues Report as the preferred option. Outcome Preferred Alternative 1 Alternative 2
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Table 13a: Assessment of Options Identified for Dunfermline
Initial Score after SEA theme Score Summary Proposed mitigation mitigation Option 2a: Dispersed approach on a range of sites across North to North East Dunfermline to offer choice in location and development. Negative impact through edge of settlement development on greenfield sites; potential negative impact on urban biodiversity Requirement in the Proposed Plan for the protection networks through increased density of development and loss of and enhancement of the wider environment, including greenspace. This can be mitigated through creation of new green trees and priority habitats, habitat connectivity and Biodiversity - networks linking to existing. green networks including urban open space. 0 Meeting housing targets will meet the demand for housing General requirement in the Proposed Plan for (including affordable). Potential negative impact on schools if contribution to services, where development would Population +/- insufficient capacity exists. take up or exceed available capacity. + Meeting housing targets will meet the demand for housing human health + (including affordable). N/A + Requirement in the Proposed Plan for the protection and enhancement of the wider environment, including trees and priority habitats, habitat connectivity and fauna - Any loss of greenfield sites has potential to impact on fauna green networks including urban open space. 0 Requirement in the Proposed Plan for the protection and enhancement of the wider environment, including trees and priority habitats, habitat connectivity and flora - Any loss of greenfield sites has potential to impact on flora green networks including urban open space. 0 There is likely to be some impact through edge of settlement development on greenfield sites. No loss of prime agricultural land. The site lies in Coal Authority Referral area and the presence of Proposed Plan to continue policies on protection of soil 0 coal and minerals should be investigated in site appraisals. minerals. 0 No flooding issues. Within existing settlements a baseline water Ensure that proposals in the plan will not exacerbate water + supply and sewage network is in place, subject to capacity. flood risk. +
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Initial Score after SEA theme Score Summary Proposed mitigation mitigation There is potential that increased development could result in increased traffic emissions - although an AQMA has not been identified for this area regard should be had for any air quality Proposed Plan and developer requirements to air 0 issues. address traffic impacts. 0 Increased energy use leads to increased carbon footprint; greater opportunities for shared heat and energy. This is mitigated by the proximity to Lochhead District Heating Scheme and the potential to Proposed Plan to continue existing policies on energy link development would lower the overall energy use in the built use and building design, and maximise potential for climatic factors + development. district heating schemes where available. ++ Opportunities for new or improved core paths, greenspace networks and waste. The area under consideration is in proximity to the Country Park, and there would be opportunities to maximise material assets + links. N/A + cultural heritage 0 No impact on historic environment anticipated N/A 0 Edge of settlement development will have an impact on the setting of the settlement with potential to detract from an area's landscape Proposed Plan to continue existing policies on new landscape - character. developments impacting on sensitive landscapes. 0
Option will increase pressure on edge of settlement greenfield sites summary with the potential negative impacts that may result.
TOTAL SCORE +5 -7 = -2 +6
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Section 5: Assessment of Preferred Strategy and Alternatives
Initial Score after SEA theme Score Summary Proposed mitigation mitigation
Option 2b : Focus on Development to the North West of Dunfermline Negative impact through edge of settlement development on greenfield sites; potential negative impact on urban biodiversity Requirement in the Proposed Plan for the protection networks through increased density of development and loss of and enhancement of the wider environment, including greenspace. This can be mitigated through creation of new green trees and priority habitats, habitat connectivity and Biodiversity - networks linking to existing. green networks including urban open space. 0 Meeting housing targets will meet the demand for housing General requirement in the Proposed Plan for (including affordable). Potential negative impact on schools if contribution to services, where development would Population +/- insufficient capacity exists. take up or exceed available capacity. + Meeting housing targets will meet the demand for housing human health + (including affordable). N/A + Requirement in the Proposed Plan for the protection and enhancement of the wider environment, including trees and priority habitats, habitat connectivity and fauna - Any loss of greenfield sites has potential to impact on fauna green networks including urban open space. 0 Requirement in the Proposed Plan for the protection and enhancement of the wider environment, including trees and priority habitats, habitat connectivity and flora - Any loss of greenfield sites has potential to impact on flora green networks including urban open space. 0 There is likely to be negative impact through edge of settlement development on greenfield sites. Land in the areas identified includes agricultural land largely of class 2, 3.2 and 5.2. The site lies in Coal Authority Referral area and the presence of coal and minerals should be investigated in site appraisals. Any development will increase the waste arising, putting more Proposed Plan to continue policies on protection of soil -- emphasis on recycling facilities and landfill for final disposal. minerals and prime agricultural land. -
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Section 5: Assessment of Preferred Strategy and Alternatives
Initial Score after SEA theme Score Summary Proposed mitigation mitigation No flooding issues. Within existing settlements a baseline water Ensure that proposals in the plan will not exacerbate water + supply and sewage network is in place, subject to capacity. flood risk through location and design. + There is potential that increased densities could result in increased traffic emissions - although an AQMA has not been identified for Proposed Plan and developer requirements to air 0 this area regard should be had for any air quality issues. address traffic impacts. 0 Increased energy use leads to increased carbon footprint; greater opportunities for shared heat and energy. There is potential to develop or link development in these areas into district heating Proposed Plan to continue existing policies on energy schemes, which would lower the overall energy use in the built use and building design, and maximise potential for climatic factors + development. district heating schemes where available. ++ Opportunities for new or improved core paths, greenspace networks and waste. The area under consideration is in proximity to the Country Park, and there would be opportunities to maximise Requirement in the Proposed Plan for the creation of links. The presence of minerals should be investigated in site links into green networks. Proposed Plan to continue material assets + appraisals. policies on protection of minerals. + cultural heritage 0 No impact on historic environment anticipated N/A 0 Edge of settlement development will have an impact on the setting of the settlement with potential to detract from an area's landscape Proposed Plan to continue existing policies on new landscape - character. developments impacting on sensitive landscapes. 0
Option will increase pressure on edge of settlement greenfield sites Summary with the potential negative impacts that may result.
TOTAL SCORE +5 -7 = -2 +6 -1 = +5
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Section 5: Assessment of Preferred Strategy and Alternatives
Initial Score after SEA theme Score Summary Proposed mitigation mitigation
Option 2c: Focus on Development to the North East of Dunfermline Negative impact through edge of settlement development on greenfield sites; potential negative impact on urban biodiversity Requirement in the Proposed Plan for the protection networks through increased density of development and loss of and enhancement of the wider environment, including greenspace. This can be mitigated through creation of new green trees and priority habitats, habitat connectivity and Biodiversity - networks linking to existing. green networks including urban open space. 0 Meeting housing targets will meet the demand for housing General requirement in the Proposed Plan for (including affordable). Potential negative impact on schools if contribution to services, where development would Population +/- insufficient capacity exists. take up or exceed available capacity. + Meeting housing targets will meet the demand for housing human health + (including affordable). N/A + Requirement in the Proposed Plan for the protection and enhancement of the wider environment, including trees and priority habitats, habitat connectivity and fauna - Any loss of greenfield sites has potential to impact on fauna green networks including urban open space. 0 Requirement in the Proposed Plan for the protection and enhancement of the wider environment, including trees and priority habitats, habitat connectivity and flora - Any loss of greenfield sites has potential to impact on flora green networks including urban open space. 0 There is likely to be negative impact through edge of settlement development on greenfield sites. Land in the areas identified include agricultural land largely of class 3.2 and also class 4.2, 5.1 and 5.3, however, none of these are classified as prime agricultural land. The site lies in Coal Authority Referral area and the presence of coal and minerals should be investigated in site Proposed Plan to continue policies on protection of soil 0 appraisals. minerals. 0 No flooding issues. Within existing settlements a baseline water Ensure that proposals in the plan will not exacerbate water + supply and sewage network is in place, subject to capacity. flood risk through location and design. +
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Section 5: Assessment of Preferred Strategy and Alternatives
Initial Score after SEA theme Score Summary Proposed mitigation mitigation There is potential that increased densities could result in increased traffic emissions - although an AQMA has not been identified for Proposed Plan and developer requirements to air 0 this area regard should be had for any air quality issues. address traffic impacts. 0 Increased energy use leads to increased carbon footprint; There is potential to develop or link development in these areas into district heating schemes, which would lower the overall energy use in the Proposed Plan to continue existing policies on energy built development. The site is further away from Lochhead, making use and building design, and maximise potential for climatic factors 0 it less financially viable. district heating schemes where available. + Opportunities for new or improved core paths, greenspace Requirement in the Proposed Plan for the creation of networks and waste. The site has less potential for links to Country links into green networks. Proposed Plan to continue material assets 0 Park than other options considered. policies on protection of minerals. + cultural heritage 0 No impact on historic environment anticipated. N/A 0 Edge of settlement development will have an impact on the setting of the settlement with potential to detract from an area's landscape Proposed Plan to continue existing policies on new landscape - character. developments impacting on sensitive landscapes. 0
Option will increase pressure on edge of settlement greenfield sites summary 0 with the potential negative impacts that may result.
TOTAL SCORE +3 -5 = -2 +5
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Table 13b: Summary of Options Identified for Dunfermline
Option 2a Option 2b Option 2c Initial Score -2 -2 -2 Score after mitigation +6 +5 +5 Summary The assessment showed that this option scored marginally higher against the SEA themes than the other two options. The Main Issues Report and the Proposed Plan will consider these further. Outcome Alternative 2a Alternative 2b Alternative 2c
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Section 5: Assessment of Preferred Strategy and Alternatives
Table 14: Assessment of Strategy for Small Scale Development
Initial Score after SEA theme Score Summary Proposed mitigation mitigation Within the context of the overall development strategy, and with the exception of St Andrews and Cupar, consider the opportunities for small scale dispersed development across settlements in Fife to contribute to Fife's development requirements. Where sites within the settlement boundary are brought forward, there will be a positive impact through minimising Requirement in the Proposed Plan for the protection development on greenfield sites; potential negative impact and enhancement of the wider environment, including on local biodiversity networks through increased density of trees and priority habitats, habitat connectivity and Biodiversity +/ - development and loss green networks including urban open space. + Increased populations and densities could increase pressure on infrastructure and services including community assets. Development could also help to support community General requirement in the Proposed Plan for assets where current population levels have led to a decline contribution to services, where development would take Population -/+ in the use of facilities. up or exceed available capacity. 0 Increased populations and densities could increase pressure on greenspace networks and on access to health services. Development can support the maintenance of General requirement in the Proposed Plan for related facilities in smaller communities. Air Quality issues to be contributions, where development would create a human health -/+ considered. negative impact. 0 Requirement in the Proposed Plan for the protection Depending on location this option could have a potential and enhancement of the wider environment, including negative impact on protected species and identified nature trees and priority habitats, habitat connectivity and fauna - reserves. green networks including urban open space. 0 Requirement in the Proposed Plan for the protection Depending on location this option could have a potential and enhancement of the wider environment, including negative impact on protected species and identified nature trees and priority habitats, habitat connectivity and flora - reserves. green networks including urban open space. 0 Brownfield opportunity sites could be brought back into use thereby avoiding additional loss of Prime Agricultural Land; Proposed Plan to continue policies on protection of soil + allows for remediation of contaminated sites and the reuse prime agricultural land. +
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Initial Score after SEA theme Score Summary Proposed mitigation mitigation and redevelopment of existing sites and buildings within the settlement. Within existing settlements a baseline water supply and sewage network is in place, subject to capacity. Flooding and water quality issues should be considered where they Ensure that proposals in the plan will not exacerbate water 0 arise. flood risk. 0 Within some settlements, there is potential that increased Proposed Plan and developer requirements to address air - densities could result in increased traffic emissions. traffic impacts. 0 Proposed Plan to continue existing policies on energy Increased energy use leads to increased carbon footprint; use and building design, and maximise potential for climatic factors -/+ greater opportunities for shared heat and energy district heating schemes where available. + A small increase of population in existing settlements could help to support provision and maintenance of recycling Requirement in the Proposed Plan for the creation of material assets + facilities. links into green networks. ++ Dispersing development to settlements with a cultural heritage assets, could result in a negative impact on these; however there is also the opportunity to re-use/regenerate Proposed Plan to continue existing policies on new buildings or other cultural assets which may otherwise fall developments impacting on built heritage and cultural heritage -/+ into disrepair archaeological assets. + Dispersing development to settlements could increase pressure to develop within sensitive landscape areas. Edge of settlement development will have an impact on the setting of the settlement. The visual impact of higher densities Proposed Plan to continue existing policies on new landscape - within smaller settlement. developments impacting on sensitive landscapes. 0
The proposal to not restrict small sites coming forward (except in St Andrews and Cupar), can help to support Summary community assets ands to meet environmental and regeneration ambitions in smaller communities. +7 -9 = TOTAL SCORE -2 +6
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Table 15a: Assessment of Options Identified for Meeting the Housing Land Requirement in the SESplan Area
Score Initial after SEA theme Score Summary Proposed mitigation mitigation
Option 1: Annual average requirement of 1000 houses.
Where sites within the settlement boundary are brought forward, there will be a positive impact through minimising development on greenfield sites. Potential negative impact on urban biodiversity Maximise brownfield opportunities. Requirement in the networks through new house building and loss of greenspace Proposed Plan for the creation of habitats, and links into Biodiversity +/ - through greenfield development. green networks. 0 General requirement in the Proposed Plan for contribution New house building leads to increased pressure on services to services, where development would take up or exceed Population - including community assets. available capacity. 0 Proposed Plan to contain policies to ensure allocation of sustainable housing sites and high quality place making, Increased pressure on greenspace and networks and access to including access to greenspace and active travel. Proposed health services. Air Quality issues associated with traffic to be Plan and developer requirements to address traffic human health - considered. impacts. 0 Requirement in the Proposed Plan for the protection and enhancement of the wider environment, including trees and All house building has the potential for negative impacts on priority habitats, habitat connectivity and green networks fauna - species. including urban open space. 0 Requirement in the Proposed Plan for the protection and enhancement of the wider environment, including trees and All house building has the potential for negative impacts on priority habitats, habitat connectivity and green networks flora - species. including urban open space. 0 Using brownfield sites where possible would avoid additional loss of agricultural land and greenfield sites. Potential negative impact Proposed Plan to continue policies on protection of prime soil +/ - on soil through new house building on greenfield. agricultural land and maximise brownfield development. +
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Score Initial after SEA theme Score Summary Proposed mitigation mitigation Flo oding and water quality may be issues in some locations. Within existing settlements a baseline water supply and sewage network Ensure that proposals in the plan will not exacerbate flood water - is in place, subject to capacity risk through location and design. 0 Within some settlements, there is potential that increased densities could result in increased traffic emissions - regard should be had Proposed Plan and developer requirements to address air 0 for existing air quality issues. traffic impacts. 0 Increased energy use leads to increased carbon footprint; Proposed Plan to continue and improve existing policies on Identifying sites where there are opportunities for shared heat and energy use and building design, and maximise potential for climatic factors -/+ energy can help to mitigate impacts. district heating schemes where available. + Consolidation of population in existing built-up areas could help to reduce household waste through proximity to recycling facilities. Growing communities has the opportunity to support and expand on community facilities and the assets that in turn support the material assets + community. Continue to support existing community assets. + Concentrating development in built-up areas of cultural signi ficance could detract from the area's cultural heritage; however this also Proposed Plan to continue existing policies on new provides the opportunity to re-use/regenerate buildings or other developments impacting on built heritage and cultural heritage -/+ cultural assets which may otherwise fall into disrepair. archaeological assets. + Concentrating development in built-up areas could reduce pressure to develop within sensitive landscape areas; however the visual impact of new house building within and peripheral to settlements could detract from an area's landscape character. Edge of settlement developments will also impact on an area's landscape Proposed Plan to continue existing policies on new landscape +/ - area. developments impacting on sensitive landscapes. 0
The use of brownfield land is encouraged through other parts of the Main Issues Report which will mitigate many of the above issues. It is difficult to precisely say what the impacts of 1000 houses a year will be but it will impact on the natural and built environments in Fife. Sites to deliver housing, should address all the issues above, mitigating impacts where possible and summary avoiding sites where impacts cannot be mitigated.
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Score Initial after SEA theme Score Summary Proposed mitigation mitigation
TOTAL SCORE +6 -10 = -4 +4
Option 2: Meeting the need and demand for housing identified in SESplan Fife plus 20% to provide flexibility to the market. Maximise brownfield opportunities. Requirement in the Proposed Plan for the protection and enhancement of the Negative impact on urban biodiversity networks through greatly wider environment, including trees and priority habitats, increased amount of development and loss of greenspace. This habitat connectivity and green networks including urban Biodiversity -- option will require significant release of greenfield land. open space. - General requirement in the Proposed Plan for contribution Greatly increased amount of development leads to increased to services, where development would take up or exceed Population - pressure on services including community assets. available capacity. 0 Proposed Plan to contain policies to ensure allocation of Increased pressure on greenspace and networks and access to sustainable housing sites and high quality place making, health services. Within some settlements, there is potential that including access to greenspace and active travel. Proposed increased densities could result in increased traffic emissions - Plan and developer requirements to address traffic human health - regard should be had for existing air quality issues. impacts. 0 Requirement in the Proposed Plan for the protection and enhancement of the wider environment, includin g trees and All house building has the potential for negative impacts on priority habitats, habitat connectivity and green networks species. This option will require significant release of greenfield including urban open space. Maximise brownfield fauna -- land. opportunities. - Requirement in the Proposed Plan for the protection and enhancement of the wider environment, including trees and All house building has the potential for negative impacts on priority habitats, habitat connectivity and green networks species. This option will require significant release of greenfield including urban open space. Maximise brownfield flora -- land. opportunities. -
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Section 5: Assessment of Preferred Strategy and Alternatives
Score Initial after SEA theme Score Summary Proposed mitigation mitigation Potential negative impact on soil and minerals through new house building on greenfield land. This option will require significant Proposed Plan to continue policies on protection of prime soil -- release of greenfield land. agricultural land and maximise brownfield development. - Within existing settlements a baseline water supply and sewage network is in place. Unlikely to be sufficient capacity in current system to accommodate scale of development required by this Ensure that proposals in the plan will not exacerbate flood water - option. risk through location and design. 0 Within some settlements, there is potential that increased densities could result in increased traffic emissions - regard should be had Proposed Plan and developer requirements to address air - for existing air quality issues. traffic impacts. 0 Greatly increased energy use leads to increased carbon footprint; Proposed Plan to continue and improve existing policies on Identifying sites where there are opportunities for shared heat and energy use and building design, and maximise potential for climatic factors -/+ energy can help to mitigate impacts. district heating schemes where available. 0 Consolidation of population in existing built-up areas could help to reduce household waste through proximity to recycling facilities. Growing communities has the opportunity to support and expand on community facilities and the assets that in turn support the material assets + community. Continue to support existing community assets. + Concentrating development in built-up areas of cultural significance could detract from the area's cultural heritage; however this also Proposed Plan to continue existing policies on new provides the opportunity to re-use/regenerate buildings or other developments impacting on built heritage and cultural heritage -/+ cultural assets which may otherwise fall into disrepair. archaeological assets. 0 Concentrating development in built-up areas could reduce pressure Proposed Plan to continue existing policies on new to develop within sensitive landscape areas; however the visual developments impacting on sensitive landscapes. Unlikely impact of increased housing development peripheral to settlements to be possible to mitigate all impacts arising from landscape - could detract from an area's landscape character. development of the scale proposed. -
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Section 5: Assessment of Preferred Strategy and Alternatives
Score Initial after SEA theme Score Summary Proposed mitigation mitigation
The impacts of more houses than identified by SESplan will increase the potential impacts outlined above. This will impact on the natural and built environments in Fife. Sites to deliver housing, should address all the issues above, mitigating impacts summary where possible and avoiding sites where impacts cannot be mitigated against.
TOTAL SCORE +3 -15 = -12 +1 -5 = -4
Option 3: Requirement as set out in SESplan which would lead to the requirement being 1,800 houses over the 10 years of the LDP.
Where sites within the settlement boundary are brought forward, Maximise brownfield opportunities. Requirement in the there will be a positive impact through minimising development on Proposed Plan for the protection and enhancement of the greenfield sites. Potential negative impact on urban biodiversity wider environment, including trees and priority habitats, networks through new house building and loss of greenspace habitat connectivity and green networks including urban Biodiversity +/ - through greenfield development. open space . 0 General requirement in the Proposed Plan for contribution New house building leads to increased pressure on services to services, where development would take up or exceed Population - including community assets. available capacity. 0 Proposed Plan to contain policies to ensure allocation of sustainable housing sites and high quality place making, Increased pressure on greenspace and networks and access to including access to greenspace and active travel. Proposed health services. Air Quality issues associated with traffic to be Plan and developer requirements to address traffic human health - considered. impacts. 0 Requirement in the Proposed Plan for the protection and All house building has the potential for negative impacts on enhancement of the wider environment, including trees and fauna - species. priority habitats, habitat connectivity and green networks 0
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Section 5: Assessment of Preferred Strategy and Alternatives
Score Initial after SEA theme Score Summary Proposed mitigation mitigation including urban open space.
Requirement in the Proposed Plan for the protection and enhancement of the wider environment, including trees and All house building has the potential for negative impacts on priority habitats, habitat connectivity and green networks flora - species. including urban open space. 0 Using brownfield sites where possible would avoid additional loss of agricultural land and greenfield sites. Potential negative impact Proposed Plan to continue policies on protection of prime soil +/ - on soil through new house building on greenfield. agricultural land and maximise brownfield development. + Flooding and water quality may be issues in some locations. Within existing settlements a baseline water supply and sewage network Ensure that proposals in the plan will not exacerbate flood water - is in place, subject to capacity risk through location and design. 0 Within some settlements, there is potential that increased densities could result in increased traffic emissions - regard should be had Proposed Plan and developer requirements to address air 0 for existing air quality issues. traffic impacts. 0 Increased energy use leads to increased carbon footprint; Proposed Plan to continue and improve existing policies on Identifying sites where there are opportunities for shared heat and energy use and building design, and maximise potential for climatic factors -/+ energy can help to mitigate impacts. district heating schemes where available. + Consolidation of population in existing built-up areas could help to reduce household waste through proximity to recycling facilities. Growing communities has the opportunity to support and expand on community facilities and the assets that in turn support the material assets + community. Continue to support existing community assets. + Concentrating development in built-up areas of cultural significance could detract from the area's cultural heritage; however this also Proposed Plan to continue existing policies on new provides the opportunity to re-use/regenerate buildings or other developments impacting on built heritage and cultural heritage -/+ cultural assets which may otherwise fall into disrepair. archaeological assets. +
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Section 5: Assessment of Preferred Strategy and Alternatives
Score Initial after SEA theme Score Summary Proposed mitigation mitigation Concentrating development in built-up are as could reduce pressure to develop within sensitive landscape areas; however the visual impact of new house building within and peripheral to settlements could detract from an area's landscape character. Edge of settlement developments will also impact on an area's landscape Proposed Plan to continue existing policies on new landscape +/ - area. developments impacting on sensitive landscapes. 0
The use of brownfield land is encouraged through other parts of the Main Issues Report which will mitigate many of the above issues. It is difficult to precisely say what the impacts of 1000 houses a year will be but it will impact on the natural and built environments in Fife. Sites to deliver housing, should address all the issues above, mitigating impacts where possible and summary avoiding sites where impacts cannot be mitigated.
TOTAL SCORE +6 -10 = -4 +4
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Section 5: Assessment of Preferred Strategy and Alternatives
Table 15b: Summary of Options Identified for Meeting the Housing Land Requirement in the SESplan Area
Option 1 Option 2 Option 3 Initial Score -4 -12 -4 Score after mitigation +4 -4 +4 Summary The assessment showed that The assessment showed that this The assessment showed that Options 1 and 3 scored options scored significantly worse Options 1 and 3 scored significantly higher against the against the SEA themes than the significantly higher against the SEA themes than Option 2. other options. SEA themes than Option 2. Outcome Alternative 1 Alternative 3 Alternative 1
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Section 5: Assessment of Preferred Strategy and Alternatives
Table 16: Assessment of Strategies for Housing Land Requirement, Affordable Homes, Gypsies/Travellers and Travelling Showpeople and Houses in Multiple Occupation
Score after SEA theme Initial Score Summary Proposed mitigation mitigation Setting the housing land requirement - preferred approach: to include windfall, urban capacity, and an allowance for demolitions as part of the housing land requirement calculation. Has potential to increase the contribution that brownfield Requirement in the Proposed Plan for the protection and land has to give to meeting the housing land requirement enhancement of the wider environment, including trees reducing impact on biodiversity. There may still be an and priority habitats, habitat connectivity and green Biodiversity + / - impact on urban biodiversity. networks including urban open space. + Has potential to increase the contribution that brownfield land has to give to meeting the housing land requirement, Population + and to organically grow communities. N/A + Has potential to increase the contribution that brownfield human land has to give to meeting the housing land requirement, health + and to organically grow communities. N/A + Has potential to increase the contribution that brownfield Requirement in the Proposed Plan for the protection and land has to give to meeting the housing land requirement enhancement of the wider environment, including trees reducing impact on biodiversity. There may still be an and priority habitats, habitat connectivity and green fauna + / - impact on urban biodiversity. networks including urban open space. + Has potential to increase the contribution that brownfield Requirement in the Proposed Plan for the protection and land has to give to meeting the housing land requirement enhancement of the wider environment, including trees reducing impact on biodiversity. There may still be an and priority habitats, habitat connectivity and green flora + / - impact on urban biodiversity. networks including urban open space. + Has potential to increase the contribution that brownfield land has to give to meeting the housing land requirement Proposed Plan to continue policies on protection of soil + / - and reduce the impact on biodiversity. prime agricultural land. 0 Within existing settlements a baseline water supply and Ensure that proposals in the plan will not exacerbate water ? sewage network is in place, subject to capacity flood risk through location and design. ?
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Section 5: Assessment of Preferred Strategy and Alternatives
Score after SEA theme Initial Score Summary Proposed mitigation mitigation Unknown but there is potential that increased densities could result in increased traffic emissions - regard should air ? be had for existing air quality issues. Not possible to mitigate at this stage. ? Increased energy use leads to increased carbon footprint; Proposed Plan to continue and improve existing policies climatic Identifying sites where there are opportunities for shared on energy use and building design, and maximise factors -/+ heat and energy can help to mitigate impacts. potential for district heating schemes where available. + Unknown. Growing communities has the opportunity to support and expand on community facilities and the assets material that in turn support the community. This should be part of assets ? any proposals that for housing development. Continue to support existing community assets. ? Unknown. Development in built-up areas of cultural significance could detract from the area's cultural heritage; however this also provides the opportunity to re- Proposed Plan to continue existing policies on new cultural use/regenerate buildings or other cultural assets which may developments impacting on built heritage and heritage ? otherwise fall into disrepair. archaeological assets. ? Development opportunities in built-up areas could reduce pressure to develop within sensitive landscape areas; however the visual impact of higher densities within settlements could detract from an area's landscape Proposed Plan to continue existing policies on new landscape + character. developments impacting on sensitive landscapes. +
Moderate long term benefits in making use of smaller sites, urban brownfield sites and other opportunities, including summary windfall sites, can reduce some of the pressure on the countryside and edges of settlements. TOTAL SCORE +8 -5 = +3 +7
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Section 5: Assessment of Preferred Strategy and Alternatives
SEA theme Initial Score Summary Proposed mitigation Score after mitigation Affordable Homes: A number of objectives have been set to achieve the overall outcome of 2,700 new affordable homes. Those related to development planning are to: • identify sites and appropriate infrastructure; • review housing type, size and location priorities; • identify design and construction requirements; and • identify policy requirements to support delivery. Maximise brownfield opportunities. Requirement in the Proposed Plan for the protection and enhancement of Potential negative impact on urban biodiversity networks the wider environment, including trees and priority through increased density of development and loss of habitats, habitat connectivity and green networks Biodiversity -/+ greenspace. including urban open space. 0 Increased densities lead to increased pressure on services Where possible locate development where it will not Population - including community assets. result in significant demand for new services. - Proposed Plan to contain policies to ensure allocation Increased pressure on greenspace and networks and of sustainable housing sites and high quality place access to health services. Air Quality issues to be making, including access to greenspace and active considered. Meeting the demand for housing meets a basic travel. Proposed Plan and developer requirements to human health -/+ requirement for human health. address traffic impacts. + Requirement in the Proposed Plan for the protection and enhancement of the wider environment, including All house building has the potential for negative impacts on trees and priority habitats, habitat connectivity and fauna - species. green networks including urban open space. 0 Requirement in the Proposed Plan for the protection and enhancement of the wider environment, including All house building has the potential for negative impacts on trees and priority habitats, habitat connectivity and flora - species. green networks including urban open space. 0 Proposed Plan to continue policies on protection of All house building has the potential for negative impact on prime agricultural land and maximise brownfield soil + soil. development. Maximise brownfield opportunities. 0 Unknown. Within existing settlements a baseline water Ensure that proposals in the plan will not exacerbate water ? supply and sewage network is in place, subject to capacity flood risk through location and design. ?
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Section 5: Assessment of Preferred Strategy and Alternatives
Within some settlements, there is potential that increased densities could result in increased traffic emissions - regard Proposed Plan and developer requirements to address air - should be had for existing air quality issues. traffic impacts. 0 Proposed Plan to continue and improve existing Increased energy use leads to increased carbon footprint; policies on energy use and building design, and Identifying sites where there are opportunities for shared maximise potential for district heating schemes where climatic factors -/+ heat and energy, information can help to mitigate impacts. available. + Consolidation of population in existing built-up areas could help to reduce household waste through proximity to recycling facilities. Growing communities has the opportunity to support and expand on community facilities and the assets that in turn support the community. This should be part of any proposals that for housing material assets +/ - development. Continue to support existing community assets. + Concentrating development in built-up areas of cultural significance could detract from the area's cultural heritage; however this also provides the opportunity to re- Proposed Plan to continue existing policies on new use/regenerate buildings or other cultural assets which may developments impacting on built heritage and cultural heritage -/+ otherwise fall into disrepair. archaeological assets. + Concentrating development in built-up areas could reduce pressure to develop within sensitive landscape areas; however the visual impact of higher densities within settlements could detract from an area's landscape character. Edge of settlement developments will also Proposed Plan to continue existing policies on new landscape +/ - impact on an area's landscape area. developments impacting on sensitive landscapes. 0
It is difficult to precisely say what the impacts of 2,700 affordable homes over 5 years will be. But it has the potential to impact on the natural and built environments in Fife. Sites to deliver housing, should address all the summary issues above, mitigating impacts where possible and avoiding sites where impacts cannot be mitigated against.
TOTAL SCORE +7 -10 = -3 +4 -1 = + 3
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Section 5: Assessment of Preferred Strategy and Alternatives
SEA theme Initial Score Summary Proposed mitigation Score after mitigation Allocate stopover sites for Gypsies/Travellers and Travelling Showpeople Unknown. Issues will include: Negative impact on Requirement in the Proposed Plan for the protection biodiversity where greenfield / countryside sites considered. and enhancement of the wider environment, including Negative impact on urban biodiversity networks through trees and priority habitats, habitat connectivity and potential loss of greenspace. Mitigation will be where green networks including urban open space. Maximise Biodiversity -/+ brownfield opportunities are maximised. use of brownfield sites. + Unknown. Issues will include: In rural countryside areas there may be limited access to services for residents; In settlements will be greater access to services including Population -/+ community assets. Not possible to mitigate at this stage. -/+ Unknown. Issues will include: Increased pressure on greenspace and networks and access to health services. human health ? Air Quality issues to be considered. Not possible to mitigate at this stage. ? Requirement in the Proposed Plan for the protection and enhancement of the wider environment, including trees and priority habitats, habitat connectivity and All development has the potential for negative impacts on green networks including urban open space. Maximise fauna - species. use of brownfield sites. 0 Requirement in the Proposed Plan for the protection and enhancement of the wider environment, including trees and priority habitats, habitat connectivity and All development has the potential for negative impacts on green networks including urban open space. Maximise flora - species. use of brownfield sites. 0 Unknown. Issues will include: Loss of agricultural land and Proposed Plan to continue policies on protection of greenfield sites; mitigation would be where brownfield prime agricultural land. Maximise use of brownfield soil ? opportunities are maximised. sites. ? Within existing settlements a baseline water supply and sewage network is in place, subject to capacity. In rural water ? areas service connections may be more difficult to provide. Not possible to mitigate at this stage. ?
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Section 5: Assessment of Preferred Strategy and Alternatives
Within some settlements, there is potential that additional development could result in increased traffic emissions - air ? regard should be had for existing air quality issues. Not possible to mitigate at this stage. ? climatic factors ? Unknown. Not possible to mitigate at this stage. ? material assets ? Unknown. Not possible to mitigate at this stage. ? Proposed Plan to continue existing policies on new Unknown. Site selection should have regard to impacts on developments impacting on built heritage and cultural heritage ? built and cultural heritage. archaeological assets. ? Unknown. Site selection should have regard to impacts on Proposed Plan to continue existing policies on new landscape ? landscape character and the setting of settlements. developments impacting on sensitive landscapes. ?
The location and size of stopover sites are not indicated in the Main Issues Report and so assessment of impacts is summary difficult. Regard should be had to the issues highlighted above.
TOTAL SCORE +2 -4 = -2 +2 -1 = + 1
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Section 5: Assessment of Preferred Strategy and Alternatives
SEA theme Initial Score Summary Proposed mitigation Score after mitigation Houses in multiple occupation Biodiversity Population human health fauna flora soil water Not possible to assess impact at this stage. air climatic factors material assets cultural heritage landscape summary
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Section 5: Assessment of Preferred Strategy and Alternatives
Table 17: Assessment of Options Identified for the Economy, Employment, and Retail
Initial Score after SEA theme Score Summary Proposed mitigation mitigation
Application of developer obligations: apply at rate per dwelling house proportionate to impact and proximity Biodiversity Population human health fauna flora soil water Not possible to assess impact at this stage. air climatic factors material assets cultural heritage landscape summary
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Section 5: Assessment of Preferred Strategy and Alternatives
Score after SEA theme Initial Score Summary Proposed mitigation mitigation
Application of developer obligations: calculated on the floorspace of major retail and leisure elements of development, where additional vehicle trips likely. Biodiversity Population human health fauna flora soil water Not possible to assess impact at this stage. air climatic factors material assets cultural heritage landscape summary
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Section 5: Assessment of Preferred Strategy and Alternatives
Score after SEA theme Initial Score Summary Proposed mitigation mitigation Give priority to the redevelopment of existing employment/industrial estates when considering new (or reviewing allocations for) employment land.
Redevelopment of brownfield opportunities such as existing estates will reduce the need to develop greenfield sites. There is a potential negative impact on urban biodiversity networks through increased Requirement in the Proposed Plan for the protection and enhancement of density of development and loss of greenspace. the wider environment, including trees and priority habitats, habitat Biodiversity + / - connectivity and green networks including urban open space. + Unlikely to have a significant impact on population as there will be no displacement of employment Population 0 opportunities. N/A 0 Employment will be focussed in existing employment areas therefore the existing labour force would human health + remain in proximity to their workforce. N/A + Requirement in the Proposed Plan for the protection and enhancement of All development has the potential for negative the wider environment, including trees and priority habitats, habitat fauna - impacts on species. connectivity and green networks including urban open space. 0 Requirement in the Proposed Plan for the protection and enhancement of All development has the potential for negative the wider environment, including trees and priority habitats, habitat flora - impacts on species. connectivity and green networks including urban open space. 0 All development has the potential for negative Proposed Plan to continue policies on protection of prime agricultural land soil - impact on prime agricultural land and minerals. and minerals. 0 Unknown. Site sele ction should have regard to water water ? sources and supplies. Not possible to mitigate at this stage ? Unknown – impacts on air quality will be dependent air ? upon end-user. Not possible to mitigate at this stage ? climatic Unknown – impacts on air quality will be dependent factors ? upon end-user. Not possible to mitigate at this stage ?
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Section 5: Assessment of Preferred Strategy and Alternatives
Score after SEA theme Initial Score Summary Proposed mitigation mitigation material Priority should be given to the redevelopment of assets + existing employment/industrial estates. N/A + It is unlikely that the redevelopment of existing cultural employment sites will exert a significant impact than heritage 0 already existing. N/A 0 Redevelopment of brownfield sites will minimise landscape + further landscape loss. N/A +
This option is difficult to assess at this stage. However there are expected to be positive impacts from giving priority to reuse and summary redevelop of brownfield sites, rather than develop on greenfield sites. TOTAL SCORE +4 -4 = 0 +4
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Section 5: Assessment of Preferred Strategy and Alternatives
Score after SEA theme Initial Score Summary Proposed mitigation mitigation
Restrict out-of-town retailing proposals and support town centres by encouraging their use and attractiveness for investment.
By restricting out-of-town development and focussing further retail development within existing built-up areas there is unlikely to be a negative Biodiversity + impact on biodiversity. N/A + Unlikely to have a significant impact on population as there will be no displacement of retail opportunities and no requirement to travel to avail of Population + retail facilities. N/A + Retaining a retail presence in town centres will continue to serve the existing population and maintain current levels of access to public transport human health + and others town centre services. N/A + All development has the potential for negative impacts on species however focussing further retail development in existing built-up areas is unlikely to fauna 0 negatively impact on species. N/A 0 All development has the potential for negative impacts on species however focussing further retail development in existing built-up areas is unlikely to flora 0 negatively impact on species. N/A 0 soil 0 Unlikely to have any significant effect on soil. N/A 0 Unknown – impacts on air quality will be dependent water ? upon end-user. Not possible to mitigate at this stage ? Unknown – impacts on air quality will be dependent air ? upon end-user. Not possible to mitigate at this stage ?
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Section 5: Assessment of Preferred Strategy and Alternatives
Score after SEA theme Initial Score Summary Proposed mitigation mitigation Unknown – impacts on air quality will be dependent upon end-user. Town centres are however likely to be accessible by more sustainable modes of climatic transport than out of town retail reducing energy factors ? use. Not possible to mitigate at this stage ? By restricting out-of-town development and focussing further retail development within existing material built-up areas there should be a retention and assets + possible enhancement of material assets. N/A + cultural Unknown. Site selection should have regard to heritage ? impacts on built and cultural heritage. Not possible to mitigate at this stage ? By restricting out-of-town development and focussing further retail development within existing built-up areas there should be minimal impact on landscape + landscape. N/A +
This option is difficult to assess at this stage. However there are expected to be positive impacts from restricting out-of-town summary retailing proposals and supporting town centres. TOTAL SCORE +5 +5
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Section 5: Assessment of Preferred Strategy and Alternatives
Score after SEA theme Initial Score Summary Proposed mitigation mitigation
Ensure new housing and businesses are served with telecommunications ducts to allow future-proofing for future broadband development. Biodiversity Population human health fauna flora soil water air climatic Not possible to assess impact at this stage. factors material assets cultural heritage landscape summary
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Section 5: Assessment of Preferred Strategy and Alternatives
Score after SEA theme Initial Score Summary Proposed mitigation mitigation
Proposition to remove developer requirements that can be shown to prevent or slow the redevelopment of vacant and derelict land? Biodiversity Population human health fauna flora soil water air climatic Not possible to assess impact at this stage. factors material assets cultural heritage landscape summary
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Section 5: Assessment of Preferred Strategy and Alternatives
Table 18: Assessment of Strategy for Energy
Initial Score after SEA theme Score Summary Proposed mitigation mitigation The proposed plan will, continue the requirement for district heating schemes (including biomass) in the SDAs, and using the Heat Mapping that is being developed, will identify where current schemes can be linked into, or new opportunities can be developed. The building of plant should be located with regard to international, Proposed Plan to include policies on environmental European, and national sites of nature conservation interest. Where protection. An update of Renewables SPG is biomass schemes are linked in to District heating, these will indirectly planned which will provide more detailed guidance reduce the impact on designated sites by reducing emissions and to ensure that energy plants are sited as sensitively Biodiversity + limiting Fife's carbon footprint. as possible. + Proposed Plan to include policies on residential Population + Provides a sustainable form of energy to homes and businesses. amenity protection. + Proposed Plan to include policies on environmental protection. An update of Renewables SPG is planned which will provide more detailed guidance Provides a sustainable form of energy to homes and businesses. There to ensure that energy plants are sited as sensitively human health +/- may be issues around emissions from energy plant. as possible. + Proposed Plan to include policies on environmental protection. An update of Renewables SPG is The building of plant should be located with regard to international, planned which will provide more detailed guidance European and national sites of nature conservation interest and to ensure that energy plants are sited as sensitively fauna +/- species. as possible. + Proposed Plan to include policies on environmental protection. An update of Renewables SPG is The building of plant should be located with regard to international, planned which will provide more detailed guidance European and national sites of nature conservation interest and to ensure that energy plants are sited as sensitively flora +/- species. as possible. + Restoration bonds are normally attached as soil ? Unknown conditions to consents. water ? Unknown Not possible to mitigate at this stage. ?
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Initial Score after SEA theme Score Summary Proposed mitigation mitigation Proposed Plan to include policies on environmental protection and air quality. An update of Renewables Potential negative impact through biomass and other plant emissions. SPG is planned which will provide more detailed Negative impact from traffic emissions associated with large scale guidance to ensure that energy plants are sited as air - biomass schemes. Regard should be had to any air quality issues. sensitively as possible. 0
A positive impact where district heating can reduce energy consumption for an area. Positive impact in terms of efficient energy generation and consumption. Meets the requirements of the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009. Where biomass schemes are linked in to District climatic factors ++ heating, these will help to limit Fife's carbon footprint. N/A ++ Potential to redevelop brownfield sites for district heating schemes for local benefits. District heating schemes can be a material asset for material assets + communities. N/A + Proposed Plan to include policies on protection of cultural heritage. An update of Renewables SPG is planned which will provide more detailed guidance to ensure that energy plants are sited as sensitively cultural heritage - Potential negative impact through visual impact, subject to location. as possible. 0 Landscape and visual impacts assessments are standard requirements in support of planning applications and issues will be considered on a case landscape - Potential negative impact through visual impact, subject to location. by case basis. 0
There are a number potential schemes that may come forward through the Proposed Plan. While there are negative elements to be considered, overall a positive impact for Fife's environment and energy use is possible. District heating schemes to be considered with regard to landscape and visual impact, and location to potential users. Consideration of co-location and summary availability of fuel sources. TOTAL SCORE +8-6 = +8
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Initial Score after SEA theme Score Summary Proposed mitigation mitigation +2
Revised ‘onshore wind energy spatial framework’ for Fife, and its supporting methodology, as set out in the Ironside Farrar report attached to the Renewables and Energy Technical paper The strategy excludes all designated sites, (international, European and national, sites of nature conservation interest) from the search areas and identifies sensitivity areas to be protected from wind farm development and steers wind turbine development away from them. Proposed Plan to include policies on environmental This should reduce the potential effects on biodiversity. More localised protection and wind energy. An update of Wind issues should be address on a site basis with mitigation measure built in Energy SPG is planned which will provide more where appropriate. The main potential for impacts on biodiversity would detailed guidance to ensure that turbines are sited Biodiversity + be on individual species associated with on-site renewable generation. as sensitively as possible. + Cities, towns and villages as allocated in the local plans have been removed from the area of search and the strategy will provide guidance on stand off distances from settlements, and wherever possible steer development to locations that will have less of an impact on settlements. The main potential for impacts is likely to be on individual dwellings associated with on-site renewable generation. Assessment on a case by Proposed Plan to include policies on residential case basis should assist further in ensuring there are minimal negative amenity protection. Scottish Government advises on impacts. Wind energy will provide a clean source of energy. Turbines minimum setback distances as 10 rotor diameters to Population + / - will have an impact on a small section of the Fife population. mitigate shadow flicker and noise impact. + / - Cities, towns and villages as allocated in the local plans have been removed from the area of search and the strategy will provide guidance on stand off distances from settlements, and wherever possible steer development to locations that will have less of an impact on settlements. The main potential for impacts is likely to be on individual dwellings associated with on-site renewable generation. Assessment on a case by Proposed Plan to include policies on residential case basis should assist further in ensuring there are minimal negative amenity protection. Scottish Government advises on impacts. Wind energy will provide a clean source of energy. Turbines minimum setback distances as 10 rotor diameters to human health + / - will have an impact on a small section of the Fife population. mitigate shadow flicker and noise impact. + / -
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Initial Score after SEA theme Score Summary Proposed mitigation mitigation The strategy excludes all designated sites, (international, European and national, sites of nature conservation interest) from the search areas and identifies sensitivity areas to be protected from wind farm development and steers wind turbine development away from them. Through the nature of the development process there are likely to be Proposed Plan to include policies on environmental some impacts on fauna. The potential for impacts would be on individual protection and wind energy. An update of Wind species associated with on-site renewable generation. Localised issues Energy SPG is planned which will provide more should be address on a site basis with mitigation measure built in where detailed guidance to ensure that turbines are sited fauna + appropriate. as sensitively as possible. + The strategy excludes all designated sites, (international, European and national, sites of nature conservation interest) from the search areas and identifies sensitivity areas to be protected from wind farm development and steers wind turbine development away from them. Through the nature of the development process there are likely to be Proposed Plan to include policies on environmental some impacts on fauna. The potential for impacts would be on individual protection and wind energy. An update of Wind species associated with on-site renewable generation. Localised issues Energy SPG is planned which will provide more should be address on a site basis with mitigation measure built in where detailed guidance to ensure that turbines are sited flora + appropriate. as sensitively as possible. + Soil disruption and loss of sites in the countryside. When turbines removed land can be restored. Specific guidance in place to prevent damage to peat land. There is the potential for cumulative impacts on sensitive soils from below 20MW wind farm development and other micro generation development, particularly within agricultural and Restoration bonds are normally attached as soil - lowland raised bog areas. conditions to consents. 0 Wind energy SPG contains guidance to ensure protection of water table and private water supplies Negligible impact. Specific guidance to ensure protection of the water from contamination - to be continued through water 0 table and private water supplies. update. ? No impact on air quality. Indirectly reduce the impact on designated air 0 sites by reducing emissions and limiting Fife's carbon footprint. N/A 0
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Initial Score after SEA theme Score Summary Proposed mitigation mitigation Positive impact in terms of efficient energy generation and consumption. Meets the requirements of the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009. climatic factors + Turbines will help to limit Fife's carbon footprint. N/A + There is potential for job creation. There are possibilities for community In the SPG there is reference to community benefit material assets 0 wind energy schemes. and this will be encouraged in all cases. + Proposed Plan to include policies on protection of cultural heritage. The Wind Energy SPG provides Guidance is in place to ensure turbines are sited as sensitively as more detailed guidance to ensure that turbines are cultural heritage - possible to prevent any adverse impacts on cultural heritage. sited as sensitively as possible. 0 Wind turbines can have a significant impact on landscapes. Although the spatial framework identifies Fife’s least sensitive development areas Landscape and visual impacts assessments are there still remains the potential for some cumulative visual effects, standard requirements in support of planning particularly at the local landscape level with wind farm generation below applications and issues will be considered on a case 20 MW. However the thresholds set out in the technical paper should by case basis. The Ironside Farrar report provides a assist in managing landscape change capping development at robust landscape capacity report to assist in siting appropriate levels and ensuring that development is steered to turbines in locations considered capable of being landscapes where it is considered there is capacity for further accommodated without resulting in significant landscape - development. adverse impacts on the landscape. -
Wind energy has the long term benefit of climate change reduction through energy production. Whilst there are some landscape visual effects the strategy is designed to minimise impact as far as possible and direct development to appropriate locations. The framework identifies potential areas for development of wind turbines within areas classified as least sensitive landscape areas. The spatial framework takes into consideration the potential for cumulative visual impacts, removal of sensitive and designated sites. Localised effects on biodiversity could be permanent, dependent on location and duration of the site whilst some issue could be reversible through appropriate site restoration measures. Setting thresholds for development and limiting landscape change. The area of search changes as proposed, will offer greater protection for some landscape summary areas whilst managing change appropriately in others. +6-5 = TOTAL SCORE +1 +7-3 = +4
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Table 19: Assessment of Strategy for Minerals
Score Initial after SEA theme Score Summary Proposed mitigation mitigation Areas of Search: Use existing as starting point; identify areas of search for sand and gravel. Update changes from 2004.
At present there is no framework to direct the extraction of sand and gravel therefore as a result of identifying an area of search Biodiversity + this will result in a more thorough consideration of biodiversity. N/A + Population ? Unknown to have any impact on population at this time. Not possible to mitigate at this stage ? At present there is no framework to direct the extraction of sand and gravel therefore as a result of identifying an area of search human health + this will result in a more thorough consideration of human health N/A + + At present there is no framework to direct the extraction of sand and gravel therefore as a result of identifying an area of search fauna this will result in a more thorough consideration of species. N/A + + At present there is no framework to direct the extraction of sand and gravel therefore as a result of identifying an area of search flora this will result in a more thorough consideration of species. N/A + soil ? Unknown at this time. Not possible to mitigate at this stage ? water ? Unknown at this time. Not possible to mitigate at this stage ? air ? Unknown at this time. Not possible to mitigate at this stage ? climatic factors 0 No impact. N/A 0 Could lead to more sustainable extraction and management of material assets + the mineral resource. N/A + At present there is no framework to direct the extraction of sand and gravel therefore as a result of identifying an area of search this will result in a more thorough consideration of cultural cultural heritage + heritage. N/A +
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Score Initial after SEA theme Score Summary Proposed mitigation mitigation At present there is no framework to direct the extraction of sand and gravel therefore as a result of identifying an area of search landscape + this will result in a more thorough consideration of landscape. N/A +
As there is currently no framework in place for managing the extraction of sand and gravel, the preferred option of identifying an area of search would result in a more sustainable and methodical approach to managing Fife’s mineral summary resources.
TOTAL SCORE +7 +7
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Score Initial after SEA theme Score Summary Proposed mitigation mitigation
Land Banking: Continue to maintain a steady supply for at least 10 years.
Biodiversity Population human health fauna flora soil water Not possible to assess impact at this stage. air climatic factors material assets cultural heritage landscape summary
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Table 20: Assessment of Strategy for Tourism
Initial Score after SEA theme Score Summary Proposed mitigation mitigation Identify strategic sites for hotels across Fife Requirement in the Proposed Plan for the protection Unknown. Issues will include: Negative impact on biodiversity and enhancement of the wider environment, including where greenfield / countryside sites considered. Negative trees and priority habitats, habitat connectivity and impact on urban biodiversity networks through potential loss green networks including urban open space. Biodiversity -/+ of greenspace. Maximise use of brownfield sites. + Unknown. Issues will include: In rural countryside areas there General requirement in the Proposed Plan for may be limited access to services; In settlements will be contribution to services, where development would Population - greater access to services. take up or exceed available capacity. 0 Unknown. Issues will include: Increased pressure on Requirement in the Proposed Plan for the creation of greenspace and networks. Air Quality issues to be habitats, and links into green networks; developer human health - considered. requirements to address traffic impacts. 0 Requirement in the Proposed Plan for the protection and enhancement of the wider environment, including All development has the potential for negative impacts on trees and priority habitats, habitat connectivity and fauna - species. green networks including urban open space. 0 Requirement in the Proposed Plan for the protection and enhancement of the wider environment, including All development has the potential for negative impacts on trees and priority habitats, habitat connectivity and flora - species. green networks including urban open space. 0 Proposed Plan to continue policies on protection of Unknown. Issues will include: Loss of agricultural land and prime agricultural land. Maximise use of brownfield soil + greenfield sites. sites. + Within existing settlements a baseline water supply and sewage network is in place, subject to capacity. In rural areas water ? service connections may be more difficult to provide. Not possible to mitigate at this stage. ?
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Initial Score after SEA theme Score Summary Proposed mitigation mitigation Within some settlements, there is potential that additional development could result in increased traffic emissions - Proposed Plan and developer requirements to air ? regard should be had for existing air quality issues. address traffic impacts. ?
Increased energy use leads to increased carbon footprint; Proposed Plan to continue existing policies on energy Identifying sites where there are opportunities for shared heat use and building design, and maximise potential for climatic factors -/+ and energy, information can help to mitigate impacts. district heating schemes where available. + material assets ? Unknown. Not possible to mitigate at this stage. ? Proposed Plan to continue existing policies on new Unknown. Site selection should have regard to impacts on developments impacting on built heritage and cultural heritage ? built and cultural heritage. archaeological assets. ? Unknown. Site selection should have regard to impacts on Proposed Plan to continue existing policies on new landscape ? landscape character and the setting of settlements. developments impacting on sensitive landscapes. ?
The location and size of hotels are not indicated in the Main Issues Report and so assessment of impacts is difficult. summary Regard should be had to the mitigation highlighted above as proposals are identified at the Proposed Plan stage.
TOTAL SCORE +3-6 = -3 +3
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Table 21: Assessment of Strategy for Green Networks
Score Initial after SEA theme Score Summary Proposed mitigation mitigation
Green Networks: The proposed plan will: identify and protect existing green networks across Fife that coordinate green infrastructure activity and create networks for the benefit of people and biodiversity; and identify opportunities to extend and enhance the green network.
The strategy will provide connected habitats for wildlife, and Biodiversity + reduce the fragmentation of habitats. No requirement for mitigation. + Connecting people and places - improved access to active Population + travel routes and to green spaces. No requirement for mitigation. + Connecting people and places - improved access to active human health + travel routes and to green spaces. No requirement for mitigation. + The strategy will provide connected habitats for wildlife, and fauna + reduce the fragmentation of habitats. No requirement for mitigation. + The strategy will provide connected habitats for wildlife, and flora + reduce the fragmentation of habitats. No requirement for mitigation. + The strategy will protect and promote riparian planting, and soil + help to maintain soil stability. No agricultural land is included. No requirement for mitigation. + The strategy will protect and promote riparian planting, which will reduce pollution of water courses. Will help to alleviate drainage and flooding problems by identifying areas that serve water + a drainage purpose and by promoting additional planting. No requirement for mitigation. + Promotion of additional tree planting as part of Green air + Networks will help to alleviate air pollution. No requirement for mitigation. + The strategy will help to address climate change priorities through addressing flooding, access, travel and air pollution climatic factors + issues. No requirement for mitigation. + Green spaces and habitat networks are assets that should be material assets + protected, maintained and enhanced. No requirement for mitigation. +
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Score Initial after SEA theme Score Summary Proposed mitigation mitigation A number of the networks will give added protection and cultural heritage + reinforce traditional routes for communities. No requirement for mitigation. + the strategy will help to provide landscape setting and improve landscape + the quality of places. No requirement for mitigation. +
The identification and enhancement of the green networks will have positive benefits and underpin the priorities of summary FIFEplan in creating better places for people. The strategy can help with mitigation for other parts of the plan.
TOTAL SCORE +12 +12
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Synergistic Impacts
Assessment of the impact of options set out in the Main Issues Report on each theme independently may understate the synergistic impact of negative consequences for a number of themes. For example, development which results in a reduction of open space in towns may reduce biodiversity both directly through the loss of habitats, and indirectly through increased run-off of polluted surface water into watercourses. Equally, there may be a ‘virtuous circle’ in which positive impacts reinforce each other – for example, SUDS schemes can help to reduce pollution of water courses and provide new habitats through wetland features. Some positive impacts may mitigate negative impacts: producing energy from wind for example reduces the need to extract other natural energy resources such a coal.
Three ‘synergistic complexes’ have been evaluated: • A ‘natural’ environment complex • An ‘energy usage and pollution’ complex • A ‘heritage’ complex This is a high level evaluation given the nature of the Main Issues Report.
The natural environment complex: biodiversity – water quality – air pollution – landscape – soil and minerals – energy production - brownfield site usage – settlement character
The natural environment is affected by both water and air pollution. Natural habitats are intimately bound up with the character of the landscape, which is in turn affected by the extent and form of rural development including agriculture, mineral extraction, the production of energy, and the form of settlements. The quality of water courses and air pollution are equally affected by the overall character of development including levels of traffic in both urban and rural areas.
Positives • Concentration of new development through urban consolidation will minimise the impact of development on the rural landscape in areas where it is sensitive. • Where development is planned it should avoid sites of special nature conservation or biodiversity interest. • The spatial framework for wind turbines takes into consideration the potential for cumulative visual impacts, and the removal of
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sensitive and designated sites.
Negatives • Development which will extend existing built up areas and absorb agricultural land will have no more than a marginal impact on the extent of agricultural land in the area.
Mitigation • The Proposed Plan should include measures to support the enhancement of biodiversity. Overall the impact of the Proposed Plan should when prepared contribute to maintaining an environment in which biodiversity can flourish. More significant pressures will arise from developments beyond the scope of the Plan: changing social patterns resulting in changing patterns of travel, underlying increases in the use of motor vehicles for transport, changing activities in the countryside and farming and forestry practices.
Energy usage, production and pollution complex: energy reduction, including traffic volumes – air pollution – production of energy from renewable sources - settlement character – settlement amenity
The principal sources of air pollution in the Fife area are energy consumption from heating and lighting buildings, road lighting and trans port. Energy consumption is widely considered also to be a factor in global climate change. The way in which settlements are developed will have an impact on the levels and pattern of transport, which will in turn affect the amenity of settlements as well as levels of pollution. The Plan can encourage energy efficiency through good design of new developments, renewable sources of energy, and identify opportunities for shared heat and power through district heating schemes.
Positives
• Concentration of development on existing settlements could allow for improvements to the public transport system.
• The Proposed Plan will address the principles of high quality design, energy efficiency and zero waste.
Negatives
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• The overall volume of traffic will increase.
Mitigation
The Proposed Plan will be complemented by transport assessments and plans for the area. Heat mapping will highlight the opportunities for district heating schemes to be developed and where appropriate linked. Many of the changes in social patterns resulting in changing patterns of travel and underlying increases in the use of motor vehicles for transport are beyond the influence of the Proposed Plan. The Proposed Plan should include measures to mitigate this and improve access to public transport and active travel networks.
Heritage complex: settlement pattern – landscape – use of energy - alternative energy production - brownfield sites – historic environment The historic environment is formed not only by the buildings and layout of the settlements, but by their context within the landscape, and by the way in which the landscape has itself evolved.
Positives • The Main Issues Report options do not have a direct impact on listed buildings, ancient monuments or conservation areas. Negatives • The scale of new development surrounding the historic cores of Dunfermline and parts of the Upper Leven and Ore Valleys will become more extensive • The countryside will become busier, especially along the major roads. The strategy in the Main Issues Report for small-scale, dispersed development will have a cumulative impact on those areas.
Mitigation
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• Transport plans should be closely linked to the conservation area plans. • Masterplanning of new development areas including phasing strategies and community engagement. The landscape of the area is constantly changing. These changes include new agricultural methods, the construction of agricultural structures, telecommunications masts and the introduction of new activities. The Proposed Plan should include measures to conserve the most important features of the urban and rural landscape although changes will continue to take place.
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Section 6: Review of Strategic Alternatives
6 Review of Strategic Alternatives
The consideration of strategic alternatives is significantly shaped by the Fife Structure Plan, TAYplan and SESplan. These define the general location of strategic scale development so strategic options such as ‘no growth’ cannot be validly considered within the context of this SEA.
The SEAs for the Fife Structure Plan, TAYplan and SESplan included assessments of options for the strategic development areas proposed for Cupar North, St Andrews, Dunfermline North, and the Ore/Upper Leven Valley. The selection of these options has not therefore been revisited within this SEA, although the strategic impact of the proposals in the context of the plan as a whole have been assessed within the framework of Table 10a and 10b..
To a large extent the environmental impact of strategic developments will depend on the local environmental impact. This is beyond the scope of this strategic assessment. The assessment table used in this report has evolved from the Scoping Report and now assesses options against SEA themes and identifies the mitigations that can be applied before re-scoring.
Key features of the strategic developments such as the proposals to upgrade the Redhouse Roundabout and link Standing Stanes Road to the A92 will be the subject of detailed Environmental Impact statements which is not the purpose of this assessment.
The process of drawing up the plan will involve an assessment of many more potential development sites than have been included in the Main Issues Report. A review of the reasons for the selection of sites put forward in the Proposed Plan, and an overall assessment of the final selection compared with the sites rejected cannot be included until the options and candidate sites have been consulted on. This will therefore be undertaken at a later stage in the preparation of the Local Development Plan. The candidate sites represent developer interests and are not a representation of the Council’s preferred locations for development.
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Section 7: Review of Short Term and Temporary Impacts
7 Review of short term and temporary impacts
The Main Issues Report identifies a number of options to set the framework for future development in Fife. The options considered in the Main Issues Report are based on strategic objectives and will result in permanent developments. The environmental impacts are essentially permanent and long term.
At the Proposed Plan stage there may be short term or transient impacts identified. Among other things these will include: Construction stages of development The early stages of major developments, or developments which link to other projects which will provide mitigation of environmental impacts Projects which have a fixed lifespan
Construction may cause substantial nuisance from noise, dust and fumes. Construction generates quantities of waste. All these nuisances, and the proper disposal of waste, are more directly controlled though other legislation. Planning controls over major developments can include conditions covering matters such as phasing, traffic management, street cleansing, and hours of operation which can substantially reduce the temporary environmental impact of major projects.
The location-specific policies and proposals may have a longer term impact and will be assessed in preparation of the Proposed Plan.
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Section 8: Impact on EU Designated Sites
8 Impact on EU designated sites
The Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act requires that specific consideration is given to the potential impact of a Plan on EU designated nature conservation sites.
Under the terms of the EU Habitats Directive the Council is also required to determine whether or not, on objective information, the provisions of the Plan are likely to have a significant adverse effect on the integrity of any European Site. If it is concluded that a policy or proposal might have a significant impact the Council is required to undertake an ‘Appropriate Assessment.’ The purpose of such an assessment is to establish whether the policy or proposal should be removed or adequate management arrangements can be put in place to prevent any adverse impact on the designated site.
The Main Issues Report options assessed are considered to have no likely adverse effect on the integrity of the European Sites. Detailed site assessments will inform the identification of sites to be included in the Proposed Plan in order to assess the potential for impacts on European Sites that could arise from their inclusion.
The SEA contains an initial screening process (Annex 6) undertaken for potential development sites published alongside the Main Issues Report (Annex 4: Site Assessments Atlas – Potential Development Options). These sites represent developer interests and are not a representation of the Council’s preferred locations for development.
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Section 9: Monitoring Framework
9 Monitoring Framework
It is planned to carry out a review of the strategic environmental impact of the Local Development Plan every two years - this will utilise the same framework as this assessment. It will be informed by data on a range of indicators listed in Table 22.
Most of this data will be routinely updated by the source organisation. Some will require an analysis of planning consents. Data in the list which is unlikely to be updated every two years is also indicated in the table.
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Table 22: Monitoring framework
SEA theme Schedule 3 Baseline contents Indicators to be monitored Reference Biodiversity, Biodiversity, Map of designated Nature Conservation sites Number of developments with an immediate impact general fauna, flora Map of notable habitats on designated sites nature Area (ha) of development within designated sites conservation Map of wetlands and water courses Key species indicators and other notes on Number and area (ha) of sites within notable habitats biodiversity action Local Biodiversity Action Plan species and habitat indicators (to be reviewed) Active biodiversity projects (including woodland projects) associated with developments Energy use Climatic factors Travel to work pattern by mode Public transport service frequencies Heat mapping, and other assessment of Traffic flows on key routes and sample rural roads (to energy consumption be determined) Bus patronage on key routes and times (to be determined) Rail patronage at key times (to be determined) Pedestrian and cycling counts in key areas (to be determined) Number and size of developments built with energy- saving design features Public transport, cycling and pedestrian projects (off site) funded through developments Energy efficiency of new developments
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SEA theme Schedule 3 Baseline contents Indicators to be monitored Reference Energy Climatic factors, Renewable energy plants Energy output of renewable energy facilities production material assets Assessment of integration of energy generation into new developments (for Proposed Plan) Energy output of micro-renewable installations (source to be determined, but possibly through Building Warrant information) Air pollution, Air, human Summary of air pollution Air pollution noise, dust, health Industrial sites subject to environmental Sites subject to environmental licensing hazardous licensing installations Developments with potential to cause dust or noise, Map of hazardous installations or affecting hazardous installations Proximity of hazardous sites and infrastructure to proposed development sites (Proposed Plan) Water quality, Water, human Water quality at bathing beaches Water quality and ecological status of water bodies as flooding health, River quality (lengths and map) per Ecological Classification System biodiversity, Water treatment and waste water capacities fauna, flora Comments on reasons for poor water quality Maps of aquifers and groundwater vulnerability Developments where groundwater abstraction or with commentary potential contamination has required special measures Map of flood plain areas Flooding incidents and causes
Flood prevention measures taken, and major improvements or reconstruction of existing defences Number and sizes of developments with SUDS systems Number and size of developments in recognised flood plain areas or incorporating flood control measures (Proposed Plan)
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SEA theme Schedule 3 Baseline contents Indicators to be monitored Reference Waste Climatic factors, Waste recycling centres and settlements with Waste arisings and disposal routes material assets, re-cycling points Numbers of re-cycling centres and coverage of soil, water, air recycling points Developments incorporating communal recycling facilities Soil, mineral Soil, material Commentary on prime agricultural land Areas of prime agricultural land absorbed by resources assets (published maps available) development Map and commentary on sand, gravel, and coal resources Brownfield Material assets, Map of brownfield sites Extent of brownfield land, derelict and vacant sites land, water, soil, Development of brownfield sites contaminated human health, land biodiversity, Numbers of prominent derelict buildings demolished flora, fauna and/ or brought back into use Landscape Landscape Landscape character map Area and % of development on greenfield sites Summary of landscape capacity by character Area of incursions by landscape character Areas of search for wind turbines, onshore Extent of areas affected by wind turbine Landscape capacity assessments developments (near and distant views) by landscape character Mapped Local Landscape Areas Number and type of small scale developments outside settlement areas Developments on the coastline
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Section 9: Monitoring Framework
SEA theme Schedule 3 Baseline contents Indicators to be monitored Reference Settlements Population, Age structure by settlement Retail shopping patterns (periodic surveys) – human health, Retail shopping patterns New database on social, leisure and community infrastructure, material assets facilities community (Green networks – Proposed Plan) resources, Fife Greenspace Strategy % of affordable housing in new developments vitality and Developments incorporating managed open space amenity beyond minimum requirements Mixed use developments, or developments designed to contribute to community vitality (definition to be determined) Proportion of development within walking distance of community facilities Extent that development proposals utilise or invest in infrastructure. Historic Cultural Map of Conservation Areas Numbers of developments involving demolition or environment heritage, Map of Listed buildings major change within conservation areas material assets Map of Ancient Monuments Number of listed buildings brought back into use Map of historic gardens and designed Number of listed buildings demolished or substantially landscapes altered Map of archaeological sites Number of developments within the grounds of, or directly affecting Listed structures, Ancient Monuments and archaeological sites Number of developments within or directly affecting the setting of historic gardens and designed landscapes (to include riggs and historic orchards)
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Section 10: Conclusions
10 Conclusions
The Main Issues Report is a high level overview of the potential and preferred strategies for the FIFEplan, the Local Development Plan.
The SEA process will not be complete until the findings at each stage have been incorporated into the Adopted Local Development Plan. An Environmental Statement will accompany each stage of the Plan.
The Main Issues Report does not set out policies; this will be done through the Proposed Plan. The SEA process at this stage comments on the general strategy options set out in the Main Issues Report. The assessment of these strategies, together with feedback from the SEA consultation authorities and others, will inform the development of the Proposed Plan.
This Environmental Report assesses how the Council’s strategy to meet the requirements of SESplan and TAYplan will impact on the SEA themes.
A number of overall comments may be put forward: • The assessment of the Main Issues Report has generally scored positively. • The options set out in the Main Issues Report will generally avoid significant adverse effects on biodiversity (including European Designated Sites), subject to identified mitigation, and full evaluation of the impacts of future proposals on designated nature conservation sites. • It is anticipated there will be a positive impact population and human health. • While all development has the potential for negative impact on soil and species, mitigation has been proposed to reduce that impact, and to generate positive impacts where possible. • Impacts on water and air are difficult to assess at this stage without site specific proposals, however, it is expected that the Proposed Plan will include measures to address any negative impacts. • Assessment of climatic factors identified positive opportunities for shared heat and other forms of renewable energy. • Although development has the potential to impact on cultural heritage and landscape, it is expected that the Proposed Plan will include measures to address any negative impacts.
The strategy for growth has not been re-evaluated in the assessment as it has already been considered by the two Strategic Development Plans for Fife. However, the assessment undertaken for this Main Issues Report suggests that the detailed strategy and proposals to flow from the strategy for growth will not have a disproportionate impact on the environment of Fife. The location-specific policies and proposals may have a longer term impact and will be assessed in preparation of the Proposed Plan.
Mitigation and recommendations for further consideration: The Act requires mitigation measures to be considered for unacceptable negative environmental impacts. High level mitigation has been identified for the options set out in the Main Issues Report.
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