Sea Environmental Report – Cover Note

SEA ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT – COVER NOTE

PART 1

To: SEA.gateway@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

SEA Gateway Scottish Executive Area 1 H (Bridge) Victoria Quay Edinburgh EH6 6QQ

PART 2

An Environmental Report is attached for [name of PPS]:

Outer Hebrides Local Development Plan

The Responsible Authority is:

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar

PART 3

Contact name Diane McPherson

Job Title Planning Manager (Policy)

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar Contact address Balivanich Isle of Benbecula HS7 5LA

Contact tel no 01870 604990

[email protected] Contact email

PART 4 Signature (electronic signature is acceptable)

Date 1 September 2011

1 CONTENTS Page 1. NON TECHNICAL SUMMARY 4 Introduction and Purpose of Strategic Environmental Assessment 4 How to comment on the Revised Environmental Report 4 Summary of SEA and Local Development Plan Stages 5 SEA Process 6 Likely Evolution of the Environment in the absence of the LDP 6 Summary of the Likely Significant Effects of the LDP 7

2. REVISED ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT - INTRODUCTION 8 Purpose of the Revised Environmental Report 8 Local Development Plan Key Facts 9 SEA Activities to Date 10

3. OUTER HEBRIDES LOCAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN AND ITS CONTEXT 11 Outline of the Plan 11 Objectives of the Plan 11 Relationship with other Plans, Programmes and Environmental Objectives 11 Relevant Aspects of Current State of the Environment 12 Environmental Baseline 13 Gaps in Baseline Information 19 Significant Environmental Issues 19 Evolution of the Environment in the absence of the LDP 21

4. ASSESSMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS & PROPOSED MITIGATION 23 SEA Methodology 23 Alternatives Considered 30 Assessment Outcomes 30 Key Findings and Proposed Mitigation Measures 32 Conclusion 37

5. MONITORING 38 Next Steps 38

6. HABITATS REGULATIONS APPRAISAL 39 Legislative context 40 Habitats Regulations Appraisal Scoping 40 Summary and Conclusions 43

2 APPENDICES Appendix A Links to other Plans, Programmes & Strategies & SEA Objectives 44 Appendix B Outer Hebrides Environmental Description 48 Appendix C SEA Assessment Tables (available separately)

LIST OF DIAGRAMS Diagram 1 Map: Outer Hebrides Context 12 Diagram 2 Map: International Environmental Designations 17 Diagram 3 Map: National Environmental Designations 17 Diagram 4 Map: Historic Environment 18 Diagram 5 Map: Landscape Character Assessment Areas 18

LIST OF TABLES Table 1 Summary of LDP & SEA Activities 5 Table 2 OHLDP Key Facts 9 9 Table 3 Summary of SEA Activities 10 Table 4 Summary of Environmental Baseline 14 Table 5 Significant Environmental Issues relevant to the LDP 19 Table 6 SEA Environmental Objectives and Criteria 24 Table 7 Example Revised SEA Assessment Sheet 26 Table 8 Summary of Assessment Outcomes 30 Table 9 Natura 2000 sites in the Outer Hebrides 40 Table 10 Elements of LDP scoped out of Appropriate Assessment 41 Table 11 Elements of LDP scoped in to Appropriate Assessment 41 Table 12 Assessment of potential impact on Qualifying Interest 42 Table13 Outer Hebrides Key Habitat Types 49

3 1. NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY

1.1 Introduction and Purpose of SEA

1.1.1 This Revised Environmental Report (ER) is part of the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) of the Outer Hebrides Local Development Plan (LDP). This first section is a non- technical summary of the ER which can be read on its own or as part of the full SEA Environmental Report. It explains what SEA is; why it has been done; what effects the absence of the LDP would be likely to have on the environment; and the main findings of the assessment.

1.1.2 Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) is a requirement of Scottish legislation to implement a European Directive. The European Union SEA Directive 2001/24/EC was transposed into Scots law in 2004 by the Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005. The objective of the Directive is:

“to provide for a high level of protection of the environment and to contribute to the integration of environmental considerations into the preparation of and adoption of plans and programmes with a view to promoting sustainable development”*1.

1.1.3 The legislation places a responsibility on public agencies to assess the environmental impacts of certain plans and programmes and is a way of ensuring that environmental issues are carefully considered during preparation of a Plan.

1.2 How to comment on the Revised Environmental Report

1.2.1 Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has carried out SEA of the Outer Hebrides Local Development Plan in accordance with the Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005.

1.2.2 The Revised Environmental Report (ER) of the Local Development Plan SEA is available for public comment along with associated documents. It can also be accessed on the Comhairle‟s web page at: www.cne-siar.gov.uk/planningservice/localdevplan.asp and is available to view in hard copy at deposit locations throughout the islands.

1.2.3 Comments on the Revised Environmental Report should be sent by 5pm on Thursday 10 November 2011 to: Director of Development Comhairle nan Eilean Siar Council Offices Balivanich Isle of Benbecula HS7 5LA FAO Angusina MacDonald email: [email protected]

1 * Directive 2001/42/EC: Article 1

1.3 Summary of SEA & Local Development Plan Stages

1.3.1 To be effective, the SEA process has to run in parallel with preparation of the plan to which it relates. The various stages of the SEA and Outer Hebrides Local Development Plan(OHLDP) process are set out below:

Table 1: Summary of OHLDP and SEA Activities

Local Development Plan Consultation including Strategic Indicative statutory periods Environmental Programme Assessment (SEA) &

Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) Development Plan Scheme & Completed but Participation Statement reviewed annually Main Issues Report (MIR) Completed Proposed Local Development Plan Discuss MIR consultation outcomes Engage key Revise SEA ER May 2010 – with key agencies/stakeholders. agencies/stakeholders Prepare HRA report December 2011 Prepare Proposed LDP & Action Hold Members Programme. workshops

Comhairle approval (August 2011). Notify site

Advertise and undertake Public owners/neighbours Consultation (Sept – Oct 2011) Proposed Plan Consult on Revised SEA ER and HRA Report consultation outcome to consultation (8 weeks) Comhairle (Dec 2011) Make any minor changes following consultation Examination of Plan (for unresolved representation if any) Submit Proposed LDP, Statement of Contact key agencies, Reporter refers to SEA Jan– June 2012 Conformity, Participation Statement and representations and site ER and HRA Representations to Scottish Ministers; owners/neighbours as Publicise examination arrangements; necessary Scottish Ministers appoint person to conduct examination and prepare report. LDP adoption Comhairle approve modified Plan Inform key agencies/ Publish revised SEA ER July – Sept 2012 (August 2012) (Dec 2011 if no representations and site if necessary examination) owners/ neighbours

Publish Proposed LDP (as modified)

Advertise intention to adopt

LDP & Action Programme to Scottish Ministers

Planning Authority adopts LDP (min 4 weeks after submission to Publish post adoption October 2012 Scottish Ministers) SEA statement (March 2012 if Advertise adoption no examination) Monitor and review plan Engage as necessary On-going monitoring and October 2012+ review Ongoing during life of plan

5 1.4 SEA process

1.4.1 The environmental baseline for the Plan area has been established using information already available to the Comhairle along with additional information gathered from a variety of sources including SEPA and SNH. A number of gaps in information have been highlighted and the Comhairle is working with other appropriate agencies to address this. Assessment of the Plan has also been considered within the framework of other relevant international, national and local plans and policies.

1.4.2 The major environmental issues affecting the Plan area were identified in the Scoping Report. These include: . the threat of coastal flooding; . the impact on the environment arising from constrained water and wastewater infrastructure; . the impact of land use activities on the landscape and the natural environment; . the impacts on soils/peat and carbon storage; . the need to accommodate growth in Greater Stornoway; and . declining and ageing population.

1.5 Likely Evolution of the Environment in the absence of the Local Development Plan

1.5.1 The SEA process involves an assessment of the significant environmental effects of implementing the Local Development Plan (LDP) and an assessment of the evolution of the environment without the plan. It is not practical to anticipate every environmental change that may occur if the LDP is not implemented. This section identifies those changes that would be the most significant and likely in the event of non-implementation of the LDP and those aspects of the environment that are most likely to be impacted upon by the plan.

1.5.2 The current Development Plan comprises the Structure Plan (approved 2003) and the Local Plan (adopted June 2008) and provides a focused interrelated framework to guide development across the Outer Hebrides. While much of the current Local Plan approach may still be applicable in the future, subject to modification and updating, monitoring of the current Development Plan has indicated that several policy approaches have been less effective and there are gaps and new issues that need to be assessed. There is also a need to take account of impacts arising from recent Planning Act; Climate Change Act; Flood Risk Management Act; Land Reform Act and other related regulations and policies. A new Plan will provide a clearer, more relevant and up to date policy framework to effectively manage change and better secure appropriate development in appropriate locations and thus improved environmental impacts.

1.5.3 The following potential consequences may result in the absence of a new LDP for the Outer Hebrides: . lack of a clear settlement spatial strategy may result in potentially inappropriate or unsympathetic development; . potentially lower quality of development outcome, particularly in terms of appropriate siting, respect for character/setting and building design and materials; . lack of clear guidance approach to isolated development out with settlements could have detrimental environmental impacts; incremental and cumulative development would potentially have detrimental environmental impacts;

6 . undesired coalescence of settlements would occur resulting in the loss of community identity and local distinctiveness; . lack of identification of effective strategic proposal sites across islands may lead to uncoordinated development and concentration of development within areas of demand leading to decline in the more remote areas; . development likely to impact on available infrastructure resources and an inability to maximise benefits of a structured approach to service delivery; . lack of effective development guidance and management could lead to detrimental impacts to landscape and natural heritage interests as well as valued cultural and built environment assets; . potential loss of recreational green spaces and lack of open space provision for new development; . pressures for inappropriate development in areas of high risk from flooding; . increased air pollution in the absence of effective land use and transport planning; . an increase in water pollution in the absence of effective approaches and guidance, for instance to control discharges and facilitate sustainable drainage systems.

Additional commentary on the environment is provided in Appendix B which gives an in- depth description of the Outer Hebrides environment by SEA topic.

1.6 Summary of the Likely Significant Effects of the Local Development Plan

1.6.1 Following assessment against 11 SEA objectives, it is anticipated that the majority of the Plan will either have a neutral impact, a minor positive impact or a significantly positive impact on the environment.

1.6.2 Potentially significant negative impacts were recorded only in assessing approaches to minerals. Given the very nature of minerals extraction this is not unexpected and the policy has been amended to include mitigating measures i.e. requirement for restoration plans during the development period. In assessing site allocations potentially significant negative impacts were identified primarily in relation to the consumption of non-renewable resources, in particular during the construction phase. The Plan policies seek to address this.

1.6.3 The findings of the SEA assessment informed and suggested some changes to the draft policies and these are reflected in the Proposed LDP. In response to negative impacts identified by this assessment, a range of amendments, additions or deletions to the LDP text have been incorporated to ameliorate negative impacts arising.

1.6.4 Some amendments, additions or deletions to text have also been proposed to increase the scope for positive impacts arising from the options. This has involved text changes to either strengthen or clarify policies and proposals.

1.6.5 A summary of the impacts that have been predicted are set out in Table 7: Assessment Outcomes and section 4.4. Appendix C which is available separately on request to this document includes the full individual assessment tables. In some cases the extent of the effect the Plan will have on the environmental is unknown e.g. until the details of specific development proposals emerge. It is anticipated that such potential impacts can be addressed by detailed policies in the Plan.

7 2 REVISED ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT - INTRODUCTION

2.1 Purpose of this Revised Environmental Report

2.1.1 As part of the preparation of Outer Hebrides Local Development Plan, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar initially carried out a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) at the Main Issues Report stage. SEA is a systematic method for considering the likely environmental effects of certain Plans, Policies & Strategies (PPS). SEA aims to: . integrate environmental factors into PPS preparation and decision-making; . improve PPS and enhance environmental protection; . increase public participation in decision making; and . facilitate openness and transparency of decision-making.

2.1.2 SEA is required by the Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005. The key stages: Screening determining whether the PPS is likely to have significant environmental effects and whether an SEA is required. Scoping deciding on the scope and level of detail of the Environmental Report, and the consultation period for the report – this is done in consultation with Scottish Natural Heritage, The Scottish Ministers (Historic Scotland) and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency. Environmental Report publishing an Environmental Report (ER) on the PPS and its effects, consulting on the report and revising in the light of comments received. Adoption providing information on: the adopted PPS; how consultation comments have been taken into account; and methods for monitoring the significant environmental effects of the plan implementation. Monitoring monitoring significant environmental effects in such a manner so as to also enable the Responsible Authority to identify any unforeseen adverse effects at an early stage and undertake remedial action.

2.1.3 The purpose of the Environmental Report is to identify, describe and evaluate the likely significant impacts on the environment as a result of implementing the Plan and the reasonable alternatives to the Plan, taking account of the objectives and geographical scope of the plan.

2.1.4 Section 14 (3) of the Act requires the Environmental Report to include the information specified in Schedule 3 of the Act and to take account of the following: . current knowledge and methods of assessment of environmental matters; . the contents of, and level of detail in, the Local Development Plan; . the stage of the Local Development Plan in the decision-making process; and . the extent to which any matters to which the report relates would be more appropriately assessed at different levels in that process in order to avoid duplication of assessment.

2.1.5 Preparation of the Environmental Report has been informed by the guidance contained in Circular 1/2010 Strategic Environmental Assessment of Development Plans and the requirements for the ER as set out in Schedule 3 of the Act. It has been structured to enable the public to understand the assessment, to foster early and effective public participation in the Local Development Plan and environmental assessment process and to allow the public to comment on the Environmental Report and its findings.

8 2.2 Local Development Plan Key Facts

2.2.1 The key facts relating to the Outer Hebrides Local Development Plan are set out in Table 2 below.

Table 2: OHLDP Key Facts

Responsible Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (Western Isles Council). Authority

Title of the Plan Outer Hebrides Local Development Plan

What Prompted The Planning etc (Scotland) Act 2006. the Plan? Town and Country Planning (Development Planning) (Scotland) Regulations 2008.

Plan Subject Land use and development management

Period Covered 10 - 20 years from adoption (anticipated August 2012) by the Plan

Frequency of Five yearly Plan Updates

Plan Area Comhairle nan Eilean Siar Boundary (entire area of the Outer Hebrides, approximately 3,071 sq km).

Purpose of the To provide development guidance and manage land use change to Plan/ Plan help deliver following vision and objectives. Objectives Vision: To enable realistic economic growth and help facilitate strong thriving communities, the Plan will provide a sustainable land use strategy to accommodate development in a manner that respects the characteristics of the islands‟ settlement patterns and has regard for the environment. Objectives: The Vision aims to make our islands: - A good place to live with a range of housing, supported by accessible services and facilities. - A successful place for working in with a supportive planning framework, including well connected infrastructure, to encourage long term economic regeneration and growth. - An attractive place enjoyed by residents and visitors where our outstanding natural, built and cultural heritage is valued.

Contact Point Diane McPherson, Planning Manager (Policy) Tel: 01870 604990 email: [email protected]

9 2.3 SEA Activities to Date

2.3.1 The process of preparing a new Outer Hebrides Local Development Plan (LDP) commenced in March 2009. As part of the SEA of the OHLDP a scoping report was prepared and submitted to the consultation authorities via the SEA Gateway in July 2009.

Assessment of the Main Issues Report was carried out in-house to identify any significant impacts on the environment, and where appropriate take mitigating action or identify alternative approaches. An Environmental Report (ER) was prepared and published along with the Main Issues Report and other associated document in February 2010 for an eight week period.

2.3.2 Following consultation on the LDP and ER preparation of the Proposed LDP began. Environmental assessment of the emerging policies was carried out simultaneously with development of the policies and has informed the current version of the LDP which will be consulted upon during autumn 2011.

2.3.3 The initial ER has been revised following full assessment of all the policies and proposals in the Proposed LDP and will be consulted upon at the same time as the Proposed LDP.

2.3.4 SEA activities in relation to Local Development Plan are summarised in Table 3 below:

Table 3: Summary of SEA Activities

SEA Activities to Date

April - July 2009 Scoping Report prepared

July 2009 Scoping Report submitted to SEA Gateway

Aug 2009 Responses received from Consultation Authorities to Scoping Report via SEA Gateway

Aug - Nov 2009 Assessment of OHLDP Main Issues Report carried out in-house and preparation of environmental report (ER)

Feb - Apr 2010 ER and Main Issues Report (MIR) published for public consultation

May - July 2011 Preparation of Proposed LDP informed by on-going environmental assessment Production of Revised ER

Sept - Nov 2011 Anticipated consultation period for Proposed LDP and Revised ER

10 3 OUTER HEBRIDES LOCAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN AND ITS CONTEXT

3.1 Outline of the Plan

3.1.1 Comhairle nan Eilean Siar is the authority responsible for the preparation of the Outer Hebrides Local Development Plan, which is required to comply with The Town & Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 (as amended by the Planning etc Scotland Act 2006)

3.2 Objectives of the Plan

3.2.1 The Local Development Plan aims: . To enable realistic economic growth and help facilitate strong thriving communities, the Plan will provide a sustainable land use strategy to accommodate development in a manner that respects the characteristics of the islands‟ settlement patterns and has regard for the environment.

3.2.2 The Key Objectives of the Local Development Plan are to: The Vision aims to make our islands: . A good place to live with a range of housing, supported by accessible services and facilities. . A successful place for working in with a supportive planning framework, including well connected infrastructure, to encourage long term economic regeneration and growth. . An attractive place enjoyed by residents and visitors where our outstanding natural, built and cultural heritage is valued.

3.3 Relationship with Other Plans, Programmes and Environmental Objectives

3.3.1 Schedule 3 of the Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005 requires the Environmental Report to identify the Plan‟s relationship with other relevant Plans and Programmes containing environmental objectives relevant to the Plan. Appendix A contains a detailed list of those plans, together with a summary of their relationship with the Plan and how it has responded to them. This is summarised in the following paragraphs.

3.3.2 The plans, programmes and strategies that have an influence on the Outer Hebrides LDP vary in their importance dependent upon the level at which they are prepared. At international level, the EU Habitats and Birds Directive, that allows for the establishment of the Natura 2000 network of sites (SPA and SAC) has the most significant influence, given the extent of the land and water in the Outer Hebrides designated as such.

3.3.3 At national level, the National Planning Framework 2, Scottish Planning Policy (SPP) and Planning Advice Notes (PAN) inform plan preparation and provide guidance for the development of land on a wide range of uses. National policy indicates Development Plans should: . facilitate sustainable development of an area, supporting increasing sustainable economic growth; . contribute to high quality sustainable places; and . protect and enhance environmental quality as an asset for that growth.

11 3.3.4 From a local perspective the Single Outcome Agreement for 2009-10 (SOA) between Scottish Government and the Outer Hebrides Community Planning Partnership has informed Local Development Plan preparation.

3.3.5 The SOA aims to create a prosperous and healthy community living in a quality environment with improved transport links and access to good facilities based on the principles of sustainable development through respect for the natural environment and the cultural traditions of the Outer Hebrides. The LDP has a key part to play in helping deliver the land use development elements of the SOA for the Outer Hebrides.

3.4 Relevant Aspects of Current State of the Environment

3.4.1 The following section briefly describes the area of the Outer Hebrides. A more detailed description of all features is contained in Appendix B – Outer Hebrides Environmental Description.

3.4.2 The map below illustrates the geographical extent of the Outer Hebrides and the position relative to the mainland.

Diagram 1 Outer Hebrides context

Geography & Geology 3.4.3 The Outer Hebrides, also known as the Western Isles, is an archipelago of islands lying off the north-west coast of mainland Scotland. They are situated at the most north-westerly point in Europe. These islands are separated from the Scottish Mainland by the Minch, the Little Minch and the Sea of the Hebrides. For a detailed description of the geography and geology of the Isles see Appendix 3.

Habitats and Species 3.4.4 The Outer Hebrides has a high quality environment, rich in biodiversity and with a large percentage of land, areas of inland waters and marine sites designated for nature conservation purposes. The renowned natural beauty and relative remoteness of the islands bestows on them a unique environmental sensitivity.

12 3.4.5 From a European perspective, the key habitat types are: . Marine . Vegetated sea-cliffs . Machair . Peatland . Uplands . Freshwater lochs

Designations 3.4.6 The following conservation designations are in place in the Outer Hebrides. . 1 World Heritage Site . 13 Special Areas of Conservation (SAC), 1 possible SAC . 15 Special Protection Areas (SPA) . 4 RAMSAR . 1 Biosphere Reserve . 3 National Scenic Areas . 55 Sites of Special Scientific Interest . 4 National Nature Reserves . 1 Local Nature Reserve . 1 Designed Landscape & Historic Garden . 4 Conservation Areas . 465 Scheduled Ancient Monuments . 274* Listed Buildings * note: some buildings have multiple listings e.g. gatepiers

3.5 Environmental Baseline

Introduction & limitations 3.5.1 Schedule 2 of the Regulations requires that the environmental report includes a description of „the relevant aspects of the current state of the environment, and the likely evolution thereof without implementation of the plan and programme‟ and „the environmental characteristics of the areas likely to be significantly affected‟.

3.5.2 This section aims to describe the environmental context within which the Outer Hebrides Local Development Plan operates and the constraints and targets that this context imposes on the plan. The baseline data referred to in this assessment is therefore relevant to environmental considerations, although for the purposes of the Outer Hebrides Local Development Plan preparation, socio-economic indicators are also taken into account.

3.5.3 The Comhairle holds a large volume of environmental information in a number of different datasets. Competent authorities are encouraged to avoid duplication and cross-refer to other documents where possible. It is not practical to attempt to reproduce this data or to describe the environmental characteristics in detail because it would make this report unworkable.

13 3.5.4 A dataset entitled „Western Isles Baseline Environment‟ has been created for the purpose of recording environmental information of specific reference to the Outer Hebrides Local Development Plan. The sources and agreed targets (where available) are contained within this dataset which is held by the Strategic Planning and Projects team in the Comhairle Offices, Stornoway. In addition, the Comhairle‟s Archaeology Service holds the Sites and Monuments Record, a historic environment dataset.

3.5.5 In line with the agreed Scoping Report, Table 4 provides a summary of key environmental baseline information for the Outer Hebrides. A more detailed account is provided in Appendix 3 - Outer Hebrides Environmental Baseline, where current constraints and future trends are discussed.

Table 4: Summary of environmental baseline Topics Key Facts Biodiversity, Flora . 306,916 ha in total land and water area; and 2687 km coastline; and Fauna . Over 70 named islands (11 inhabited) and over 100 beaches; . 1.2% of UK land mass & 15% of UK‟s freshwater surface area; . Important Habitat types include: marine; vegetated sea-cliffs; machair; peatland; uplands; freshwater lochs; offshore islands; and salt marshes; . Western Isles Biodiversity Audit (SAC 2002) found: 18 priority, 14 broad and 4 locally important habitats; 189 species (60 were priority; 72 were of conservation concern and 57 were locally important); . Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP) habitats: native woodland (diagram 6); cereal fields and margins; saline (coastal) lagoons (diagram 7); . LBAP species: Great Yellow Bumblebee; Dunlin; Corncrake; Corn Bunting, and; Irish Lady‟s Tresses Orchid; . Native woodland is extremely fragmented; restricted to areas that are protected from grazing, approximately 50-70 hectares; . Western Isles Native Woodland Survey Report produced in 2008; . Loch nam Madadh SAC: important extensive fjardic sea loch systems; . Species with SAC protection are: grey seal; common seal; otter; Atlantic salmon; freshwater pearl mussel; slender naiad (aquatic plant); . 10% of Outer Hebrides is made up of rare „machair‟ habitat, the largest and richest example of cultivated machair in the world; . St Kilda: the most important sea bird breeding station in NW Europe. Water . Scottish Water oversee 177 small Waste Water Treatment Works and 3 medium waste water Treatment Works and 1 large Waste Water Treatment works . Scottish Water oversee 1 large Water Treatment Works, 17 medium/small Water Treatment works and 2 very small Water Treatment Works; . 20 public drinking water supplies; all water supplies are treated to produce drinking water to the national standard; . Infiltration device and permeable surface SUDs incorporated into all new significant developments; non infiltration SuDs widely used; . The majority of the Outer Hebrides coastline (2,700 km at the high water mark) is considered to be „undeveloped‟ except for Stornoway („developed‟) and the stretches of „isolated‟ coastline (includes uninhabited islands); . In 2009, there were an estimated 16 aquaculture production

14 companies employing 178 fte with the production of 22,500t Atlantic Salmon, 500t C.Mussel. . Freshwater fisheries supported 260 fte jobs with 7,500 visiting anglers reflecting expenditure in the sector of £5.6m (2000). Soil . Underlying rocks range from the ancient Lewisian Gneiss (oldest rock formation in Britain) to some of the youngest sedimentary strata found in Scotland; . Lewis Peatlands is one of the largest blanket bogs in Europe; . Soils formed on three parent materials: peat; windblown shelly sand and drifts derived from Lewisian Gneisses; . High proportion of undisturbed soils; . 21% of total municipal waste (to Comhairle sites) recycled in 2009/10; . 54 recycling bring site facilities . Total quantity of municipal waste managed by or on behalf of Comhairle during 2009/2010 was 22,211 tonnes; . 23 operational mineral workings (safeguarded for mineral extraction: rocks, moraine, boulder clay and sand); . High to moderate risk of soil erosion in organic soils.

Air and Climatic . High quality - No AQMA (Air Quality Management Areas); very low Factors levels of pollutants in the atmosphere; . Nitrogen Dioxide has been monitored using passive diffusion tubes at sites in the Outer Hebrides since 1993; . Greater likelihood of residents using a car to get to work as opposed to foot or bike than Scottish average. Higher rates of car ownership and greater propensity to have multiple cars; . In 2001, the average distance travelled to place of work/study in the Outer Hebrides was 25.81 km (Scottish average 12.58 km); . A number of major improvements to the road network along Spinal Route and to remote communities in recent years; . Public Transport Improvement Initiative introduced to promote integration of bus and ferry timetables; . Roads: 33 km „A‟; 182 km „B‟; 174 km „C‟; 502 km „unclassified‟; . 223 Wind Turbine Planning applications received in total since 2000; Population and . Ageing and declining population with skewed age profile showing Human Health higher concentration in older age groups; . Census: 2001 = 26,502; 1991 = 29,600; 1981 = 30,702; . NRS Estimates: 2010 = 26,190; Projections: 2033 = 25,136; . Low birth rate (9.0 per 1,000 pop‟n) and high death rate (13.7) in 2010; . Number of annual births projected to fall by 23% (2008 to 2033); . Below average life expectancy for males and above for females; . 2010: Households: = 12,018; Household Size = 2.2 persons; . 215 new private housing starts and 396 completions 2008-10; . 6027 crofts (69 owned, 666 absentee); . Housing Association Development Completions since 2000 - 379 units, projected 132 units by 2011; . 594 on 1st choice waiting list and 162 on transfer list on Housing Waiting List in December 2010; . 58% in Fuel Poverty (SHCS 2007-09); LA Housing surveys estimate fuel; . 52 road accident casualties recorded in 2010 (provisional);

15 . 3 noise complaints received by Comhairle in 2009/10; . 5 sites (9 ha) of „vacant land‟ in 2009; 4 sites (1 ha) of „derelict land‟ in 2009 and approx 518 „potentially‟ contaminated sites. Material Assets . St Kilda World Heritage Site (dual natural and cultural status); and . Stornoway Townscape Heritage Initiative - 5 year project jointly Cultural Heritage funded by local agencies, Historic Scotland & Heritage Lottery Fund, £2.2 million; . 4 Conservation Areas: Stornoway, Lewis; Gearrannan, Lewis; Ruisgarry, Berneray; and Howmore, South Uist; . 274* listed buildings recorded in the Outer Hebrides in June 2011; . 213 Scheduled Ancient Monument designations (recorded as legal entities), covering 465 monuments; . Over 13,000 known archaeological sites and monuments recorded in SMR; . Large, undeveloped areas of land where archaeological interest is uncertain but potentially significant; particularly the moorland and below the high tide level; . 1 site designated Historic Garden and Designed Landscape – Lews Castle Grounds (238 ha); . Concentrations of cultural heritage interests in Callanish area of international importance;

Landscape . Distinctive and unique man-made landscape: valued landscapes are identified under the designation of the 3 National Scenic Areas; . The Western Isles Landscape Character Assessment (J. Richards, SNH, 1997) identifies the following major landscape types: Crofting One; Crofting Two; Crofting Three; Crofting Four; Machair; Boggy Moorland; Rocky Moorland; Knock and Lochan; Rock and Lochan; Mountain Massif One; Mountain Massif Two.

Diagram 2 Diagram 3

17 Diagram 4 Diagram 5

18 3.6 Gaps in the Baseline Information

3.6.1 The environmental baseline information is generally adequate for the purposes of the assessment of the Outer Hebrides Local Development Plan objectives, policies and allocations at the plan-wide level but inevitably gaps in information exist. The following summarises the likely gaps and/or unreliability of the SEA baseline data.

3.6.2 Current and accurate information on the level of damage reported to designated sites and the net change in priority and protected species (identified in Biodiversity Action Plans) has been difficult to obtain at a local level, due to their mobile, evolving and dynamic nature, and infrequent and variable survey methods.

3.6.3 Areas of coastal flood risk are inherently difficult to predict due to the unpredictable and extreme climatic conditions the islands experience, however SEPA have recently produced an Indicative Flood Risk Map which will greatly assist future development planning.

3.6.4 The archaeological potential of the islands is very high, due to relatively extensive land management in the past. However, much of the land is undeveloped and, by its very nature, archaeology is often a concealed resource. There are particular gaps in the baseline information about moorland and hill areas and archaeology below the high tide line.

3.6.5 Working with others, the Comhairle will address these gaps as part of the monitoring process.

3.7 Significant Environmental Issues

3.7.1 The purpose of this section is to explain how existing environmental problems will affect or be affected by the Local Development Plan and whether the plan is likely to aggravate, reduce or otherwise affect existing environmental problems.

3.7.2 Environmental problems were agreed through discussions with the Consultation Authorities as part of the scoping exercise. The significant environmental issues addressed in the preparation of the LDP are set out in Table 5.

Table 5: Significant environmental issues relevant to the Local Development Plan

Issue Supporting data Implications for LDP . The impact on the . The 2001 census figures show The LDP will seek to identify environment of seeking to a decline of 10.5% in the land use solutions that respond address a declining and population since 1991 census; to the challenge arising from ageing population . Current figures show an the current imbalance in the One of the main issues imbalance in the age structure population and the need to facing the islands is the of the Outer Hebrides (low % in retain young people on the declining and ageing younger age groups and high islands. population, with out- % in older age groups) in The LDP will identify sufficient migration in the 16-29 year comparison to other areas in land for the development of age group being of particular Scotland; housing and business concern. The Community . GROS 2008 projections show premises. Planning Partnership agreed the population of the Outer strategy to address this Hebrides will decline by 4.1%, issue focuses mainly on the and annual births by 23% from expansion of the jobs market 2008-2033; and the provision of . GROS population and affordable housing. household projections and estimates; vital events; . Outer Hebrides Migration Study.

19 . The impact on the . National Planning Framework 2 The current Development Plan environment of . Creating Communities of the approach to this topic is encouraging economic Future considered appropriate in development assisting with increasing . 2003 Outer Hebrides Regional economic activity while taking To encourage economic Accounts. development often includes account of the environment. the provision of new The recently prepared business premises or the Supplementary Guidance for development of renewable large wind farms will be energy proposals. The incorporated in the LDP. impact on the environment depends greatly on how these are developed. . The impact on the . Draft Local Housing Strategy Need for policies to environment of . Housing Needs Assessment accommodate and direct accommodating growth in 2011 growth within Greater Greater Stornoway Stornoway primarily addressing . Creating Communities of the pressure for housing sites while The demand for housing, Future particularly affordable respecting the existing . Stornoway Regeneration: housing, is greater in the character of the town and Vision, Objectives & Actions Stornoway area than minimising any detrimental anywhere else on the . Stornoway Townscape impact on other areas of Outer islands. Heritage Initiative Hebrides. . Stornoway Conservation Area Management Plan. . Addressing the threat of . SEPA flood maps. Information The current Development Plan coastal flooding gathered through joint approach to the issue of coastal The Outer Hebrides have a initiatives with SNH and with flooding is considered coastline extending to the EU Corepoint project appropriate. The LDP will approx 2,700km. Much of . No of applications for planning adopt this approach with any the west coast is particularly consent within areas „at risk‟ necessary policy refinement. low lying. from flooding. The impact on the . SW Settlement Wastewater The current Development Plan environment arising from Constraints list; approach to this issue is constrained water and . SW Investment Growth generally considered wastewater infrastructure Programme 2006-14; appropriate in addressing constraints on development Development demands may . SW/CnES Wastewater arising from need to upgrade create issues in settlements Flow/Load Study 2006 where public wastewater infrastructure. However there . No. of new house applications systems are close to are specific cumulative impacts in constrained areas capacity. If sufficient future arising in „hotspot‟ areas where capacity for connection is not . Scottish Water Asset Capacity no public wastewater systems provided, demand builds for & Development Plan 2006. exist. The LDP will adopt the individual private systems current approach with any which are less easy to necessary policy refinement to regulate and may cause address environmental environmental problems. problems arising from overconcentration of private Development demands can systems. also create issues in certain settlements which have no public wastewater systems. This is particularly so where further development may result in overconcentration of private systems which may cause environmental problems.

20 . Impact of development on . Area of natural heritage The current Development Plan the natural environment designations approach is considered 50% of the Outer Hebrides . LBAP Habitat and Species appropriate. The LDP will land mass lies under Actions Plans adopt this approach however development of a spatial national or international . MLURI Land Use Classification nature conservation approach to fish farm and wind . Scottish Biodiversity List - designation. A balance has farm development will improve habitats & species to be sought between the current approach. meeting the socio/ economic . State of UK BAP Priority needs of local communities Species & Habitats in the Outer and protecting natural Hebrides. resources. . Outer Hebrides Biodiversity Audit . Impact of development on . No. of designated conservation The current Development Plan the built environment areas approach to safeguarding and A balance has to be sought . No. of listed buildings enhancing the built environment is considered between accommodating . No. of archaeological sites and appropriate. The LDP will adopt development and protecting monuments historic and cultural this approach and the . CnES Design Guidance resources. preparation of conservation . Stornoway Conservation Area area management plans will Management Plan. enhance the policy approach. . Impact of development on . NSAs The current Development Plan the landscape . Landscape Character approach to safeguarding and Approx one-third of the Assessment for Western Isles enhancing the landscape is considered appropriate. There Outer Hebrides lies within . CnES Design Guidance. areas designated as is an opportunity to enhance National Scenic Areas. A this approach through balance has to be sought development of the LDP spatial between accommodating strategy. development, seeking a satisfactory quality of development and protecting the landscape.

3.8 Likely Evolution of the Environment in the absence of the LDP

3.8.1 The SEA process involves an assessment of the significant environmental effects of implementing the LDP and an assessment of the evolution of the environment without the plan. It is not practical to anticipate every environmental change that may occur if the LDP is not implemented. This section identifies those changes that would be the most significant and likely in the event of non-implementation and those aspects of the environment that are most likely to be impacted upon by the plan.

3.8.2 The current Development Plan comprises the Structure Plan (approved 2003) and the Local Plan (adopted June 2008) and provides a focused interrelated framework to guide development across the Outer Hebrides. Monitoring of the current Development Plan has indicated that several policy approaches have been less than effective and there are gaps and new issues that need to be assessed. While the new LDP will take forward the same policy approach for many of the areas in the current Development Plan, these may be updated in the light of changed circumstances or legislation introduced since its production. There is a need to take account of impacts arising from the recent Planning Act; Climate Change Act; Flood Risk Management Act; Land Reform Act and other related regulations and policies.

21 3.8.3 In line with legislative requirements the LDP will provide a more focussed, up to date policy framework to effectively manage change and better secure appropriate development in appropriate locations and thus reduce the potential for negative environmental impact.

3.8.4 The following potential consequences may result in the absence of a new LDP for the Outer Hebrides: . lack of a clear settlement spatial strategy may result in potentially inappropriate or unsympathetic development; . potentially lower quality of development outcome, particularly in terms of appropriate siting, respect for character/setting and building design and materials; . lack of clear guidance approach to isolated development out with settlements could have detrimental environmental impacts; . incremental and cumulative development would potentially have detrimental environmental impacts; . undesirable coalescence of settlements would occur resulting in the loss of community identity and local distinctiveness; . lack of identification of effective strategic proposal sites across islands may lead to uncoordinated development and concentration of development within areas of demand leading to decline in the more remote areas; . development likely to impact on available infrastructure resources and an inability to maximise benefits of a structured approach to service delivery; . lack of effective development guidance and management could lead to detrimental impacts to landscape and natural heritage interests as well as valued cultural and built environment assets. . potential loss of recreational green spaces and lack of open space provision for new development; . pressures for inappropriate development in areas of high risk from flooding; . increased air pollution in the absence of effective land use and transport planning; . an increase in water pollution in the absence of effective approaches and guidance, for instance to control discharges and facilitate sustainable drainage systems.

22 4 ASSESSMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECT & PROPOSED MITIGATION MEASURES

4.1 SEA Methodology

4.1.1 SEA of the Outer Hebrides Local Development Plan was initially undertaken during preparation of the Main Issues Report stage and the Environmental Report prepared and published at the same time. Assessment of the full set of draft policies and proposals that would form the Proposed LDP was carried out primarily during January - March 2011 and the ER revised accordingly. The assessment process was undertaken in-house by staff within the Development Department and precluded involvement by the officer leading the preparation of the LDP to optimise impartiality.

4.1.2 As a result of comments received from the Consultation Authorities (CA) on the MIR Environmental Report, and in consultation with the CAs, the assessment forms used for the LDP Revised Environmental Report have been amended significantly. In particular the scoring has been amended and colour coded, and a column added to recommend amendments to the policy or proposal in light of any adverse scoring. A further column was added to record the revised score following re-wording of the policy or proposal. Changes were also made to the wording of the objectives (in response input from the CAs) and three new objectives were added to enable assessment in light of the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009. The initial SEA Environmental Objectives; Criteria and related SEA topics are shown in Table 6 and an example of the revised assessment sheet in Table 7).

4.1.3 Before carrying out the assessments, the Consultation Authorities were sent copies of the amended forms for comment and all approved their use.

4.1.4 SEA assessment is required to be carried out concurrently with preparation of the LDP and that is the way the process has been carried out in this case.

4.1.5 The initial approach taken was that policies contained in the current Development Plan were considered to be fit for purpose and it was intended that they were taken forward (with minor modification and updating) into the new LDP. The current Local Plan (which drew down and detailed a number of Structure Plan topic approaches) was adopted in 2008 and was subject to SEA assessment. However following discussions with and guidance from the CAs the decision was taken to re-assess all policies and proposals to be included in the LDP using the newly developed assessment forms. The LDP Vision and Objectives have been also re-assessed using the re-designed assessment forms and are summarised in the results matrix in Table 8.

4.1.6 The environmental objectives and associated criteria used in assessing the LDP follow those recommended in national planning advice, adapted to reflect local circumstances and priorities as well as the comments from the Consultation Authorities.

23 Table 6: SEA Environmental Objectives and Criteria

No SEA Objectives Environmental Criterion SEA topics 1 Maintain the Is the aim/policy/proposal likely to: Population, material quality of the promote sustainable development on the assets, cultural Outer Hebrides islands; heritage, landscape, as a place to human health, climatic provide infrastructure and locally accessible live, work and factors water, air, soils, facilities and services: visit biodiversity, fauna, and improve the natural and built environment in flora. urban and rural areas or is it likely to have significant adverse effects on them? 2 Promote safe Is the aim/policy/proposal likely to significantly help Human health, climatic and healthy to: factors water, air, soils, living in the provide local health facilities and services; biodiversity, fauna, Outer Hebrides flora. encourage healthy activities; maintain the quality of the local environment (air, land and water); promote a safe and secure environment or is it likely to have significant adverse effects on them? 3 Improve the Is the aim/policy/proposal likely to significantly help Population, human quality and to: health, material assets, liveability of respect aspects of urban form, settlement cultural heritage, settlements pattern and identity in ways that contribute to biodiversity, landscape. sustainable development; promote good building design; enhance the quality and range of open space in the main settlements; limit sporadic housing development beyond settlements; promote the re-use of redundant buildings and land; regenerate degraded environments; lessen the impact of coastal erosion or is it likely to significantly damage or diminish building character or townscape or its enjoyment and understanding? 4 Safeguard Is the aim/policy/proposal likely to help to: Landscape, general enhance landscape characteristics and biodiversity, material landscape distinctiveness and range of landscape assets, cultural character and character types; heritage visual amenity safeguard locally important views and the visual amenity of areas or is it likely to have adverse effects on them?

5 Protect, promote Is the aim/policy/proposal likely to help to: Population, material and where protect, promote and where appropriate enhance assets, cultural appropriate the historic and cultural environments: heritage. enhance the  scheduled monuments historic and cultural  listed buildings environments  designed landscapes  conservation areas  unscheduled archaeology or is it likely to have adverse effects on them? 6 Achieve effective Is the aim/policy/proposal likely to significantly help Biodiversity / flora / stewardship of to protect, safeguard, enhance or restore: fauna, landscape, water the Islands‟ sites designated internationally, nationally, ecology regionally and locally; Natura 2000 sites; European protected species and other nationally protected species; the Outer Hebrides biodiversity; priority habitats and species as defined in the LBAP; or is it likely to significantly damage or diminish their enjoyment? 7 Protect and Is the aim/policy/proposal likely to significantly help; Water, biodiversity enhance the reduce pollution; fauna / flora; human water improve drinking water quality; health; population; environment conserve groundwater/surface water resources; material assets; ensure appropriate drainage infrastructure in landscape. place; avoid flood risk; protect the marine and coastal environment; or is it likely to have significant adverse effects on them? Protect the Is the aim/policy/proposal likely to significantly help Population, human environment to: health, water, air, from pollution maintain air quality; climatic factors, soils, avoid and reduce harmful pollutants; biodiversity, flora, fauna, material reduce emissions from transport and industry; assets. minimise noise pollution; contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in line with the national targets; or is it likely to significantly exacerbate risks from them? 9 Reduce energy Does the aim/policy/proposal significantly help to: Air, climatic factors, consumption and increase the use of renewable sources of water, biodiversity, the contribution energy; population, human to climate reduce energy inputs into the building process ; health, material assets. change or is it likely to significantly increase energy use? 8 Promote Is the aim/policy/proposal likely to significantly: Human health, water, sustainable reduce the consumption of material assets e.g. air, soils, material resource use and fossil fuels, land, minerals, building materials; assets. waste increase reuse and recycling; minimisation or is it likely to increase waste arising?

25 Table 7 Example Revised SEA Assessment Sheet for Proposed OHLDP

Policy/Proposal XX General comments of SEA assessors: Scoring key:

Significant benefit +++ Significant Adverse --- Minor Benefit + Minor Adverse - Uncertain Benefit ?/+ Uncertain Adverse ?/- Neutral 0 Not Applicable N/A

No SEA Objectives Environmental Criterion Score Reasoning For Score Proposed Actions Revised Score 1 Maintain the Is the aim/policy/proposal likely to: quality of the Outer . promote sustainable development on the Hebrides as a islands; place to live, work . provide infrastructure and locally and visit accessible facilities and services: . improve the natural and built environment in urban and rural areas or is it likely to have adverse effects on them? 2 Promote safe and Is the aim/policy/proposal likely to help to: healthy living in the . provide local health facilities and services; Outer Hebrides . encourage healthy activities; . maintain the quality of the local environment (air, land and water); . promote a safe and secure environment or is it likely to have adverse effects on them? 3 Improve the quality Is the aim/policy/proposal likely to help to: and liveability of . respect aspects of urban form, settlement settlements pattern and identity in ways that contribute to sustainable development; . promote good building design;

26 . enhance the quality and range of open space in the main settlements and sense of community or place; . limit sporadic housing development beyond settlements; . promote the re-use of redundant buildings and land; . regenerate degraded environments; . lessen the impact of coastal erosion or is it likely to damage or diminish building character or townscape or its enjoyment and understanding? 4 Safeguard general Is the aim/policy/proposal likely to help to: landscape . enhance landscape characteristics and character and distinctiveness and range of landscape visual amenity character types; . safeguard locally important views and the visual amenity of areas or is it likely to have adverse effects on them? 5 Protect, promote Is the aim/policy/proposal likely to help to: and where . protect, promote and where appropriate appropriate enhance the historic and cultural enhance the environments: historic and cultural  scheduled monuments environments  listed buildings

 designed landscapes  conservation areas  unscheduled archaeology or is it likely to have adverse effects on them? 6 Achieve effective Is the aim/policy/proposal likely to help to stewardship of the protect, safeguard, enhance or restore: Islands‟ ecology . sites designated internationally, nationally, regionally and locally; . Qualifying interests of Natura 2000 sites (including Ramsar); . European protected species and other nationally protected species;

27 . the Outer Hebrides biodiversity; . priority habitats and species as defined in the LBAP; or is it likely to damage or diminish their enjoyment? 7 Protect and Is the aim/policy/proposal likely to help; enhance the water . reduce pollution; environment . improve drinking water quality; . conserve groundwater/surface water resources; . ensure appropriate drainage infrastructure is in place; . protect the marine and coastal environment; or is it likely to have adverse effects on them? 8 Protect the Is the aim/policy/proposal likely to help to: environment from . maintain air quality; pollution . avoid and reduce harmful pollutants; . reduce emissions from transport and industry; . minimise noise pollution; . contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in line with the national targets; or is it likely to exacerbate risks from them? 9 Climate Change Does this policy or proposal contribute to Mitigation measures aimed at mitigating for climate change, eg: . Siting, designing and locating all new developments, especially, major developments, to limit greenhouse gas emissions, particularly limiting resource/energy requirements; . Planning new development to create good opportunities to utilise decentralised and renewable/low carbon energy sources; . Promoting patterns of development that

28 reduce car use and need to travel, create traffic-free environments and encourage more sustainable travel; . Mixed-use developments, providing proximity to work and services; . Avoiding development affecting carbon storage environments; . Incorporation of effective waste prevention and management approaches. Or not? 10 Climate Change Does this policy or proposal contribute to Adaptation measures aimed at adapting for climate change, eg: . Avoiding development in flood risk areas; . Passive design for solar gain and energy efficiency; . Optimise measures for shade and shelter, carbon storage, and active travel ; . Promoting local food production. Or not? 11 Climate Change Does this policy or proposal contribute to Targets national and/or local targets for the reduction of greenhouse gasses. Or not?

4.2 Alternatives Considered

4.2.1 The SEA Directive and the Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act require the Environmental Report to consider the impacts of alternatives to the proposed plan as part of the SEA. There is no alternative to producing the Local Development Plan as this is a statutory requirement under the Planning etc (Scotland) Act 2006.

4.2.2 The LDP Main Issues Report set out an approach to deal with the main planning issues and identified the Comhairle‟s preferred option together with any reasonable alternatives which were subject to assessment.

4.3 Assessment Outcomes

4.3.1 Table 8 below summarises the SEA assessment scoring outcomes.

Table 8: Summary of Assessment Outcomes Scoring Guide:

Significant benefit +++ Significant Adverse --- Minor Benefit + Minor Adverse - Uncertain Benefit ?/+ Uncertain Adverse ?/- Neutral or N/A 0

POLICIES 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Policy 01: Development Strategy +++ + +++ +++ + +++ 0 0 ?/+ 0 0 Policy 02: Assessment of Development +++ + +++ +++ +++ 0 +++ +++ 0 0 Policy 03: Zero & Low Carbon Buildings +++ +++ + 0 0 + + +++ +++ 0 +++ Policy 04: Siting and Design +++ + +++ +++ + +++ 0 0 0 0 0 Policy 05: Landscape +++ 0 + +++ 0 +++ 0 0 0 0 0 Policy 06: Service Infrastructure +++ 0 + 0 0 + +++ 0 0 0 0 Policy 07: Flooding +++ + 0 0 0 + + 0 0 +++ 0 Policy 08: Waste Management Facilities 0 0 ?/+ ?/+ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Policy 09: Water Environment +++ + + ?/+ + +++ +++ 0 0 +++ 0 Policy 10: Soils & Peat +++ + 0 ?/+ + +++ 0 0 ?/+ 0 0 Policy 11: Compatibility of Neighbouring Uses 0 0 ?/+ ?/+ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Policy 12: Adverts & Signs + 0 ?/+ + + 0 0 0 0 0 0 Policy 13: Housing +++ 0 +++ + 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Policy 14: Caravans & Temporary Buildings +++ + +++ +++ +++ 0 0 0 0 0 0 Policy 15: Economic Development + ?/+ 0 ?/- ?/- ?/- 0 + +++ 0 0 Policy 16: Newton Commercial Area + 0 + + 0 0 0 0 + + 0 Policy 17: Retail and Service Provision +++ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Policy 18: Stornoway Town Centre and Retail Areas + 0 + 0 0 0 0 0 + + 0 Policy 19: Energy Resources + ?/+ 0 ?/- ?/- ?/- 0 + +++ 0 0 Policy 20: Small & Micro Renewables + 0 0 + + 0 0 0 0 0 0 Policy 21: Minerals ?/- --- ?/------?/- --- 0 0 0 Policy 22: Fish Farming & Marine Planning +++ + 0 +++ 0 +++ + 0 0 0 0 Policy 23: Coastal Development & Erosion +++ + 0 0 0 + + 0 0 +++ 0 Policy 24: Countryside and Coastal Access +++ + ?/+ ?/+ + + 0 ?/+ ?/+ 0 0 Policy 25: Open Space +++ + +++ +++ 0 + 0 0 0 0 0 Policy 26: Transport Infrastructure +++ 0 0 ?/- 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Policy 27: Communications Infrastructure + 0 0 + + 0 0 0 0 0 0 Policy 28: Natural Heritage Conservation + + + +++ 0 +++ + + 0 0 0 Policy 29: Trees & Woodlands + 0 0 + 0 +++ 0 0 +/? 0 0

Policy 30: St Kilda World Heritage Site + 0 + +++ +++ 0 0 0 0 0 0 Policy 31: Listed Buildings +++ 0 +++ +++ +++ 0 0 0 0 0 0 Policy 32: Conservation Areas +++ 0 +++ +++ +++ + 0 0 0 0 0 Policy 33: Thatched Buildings +++ 0 +++ +++ +++ +++ + 0 0 0 0 Policy 34: Archaeology + 0 + + +++ 0 0 0 0 0 0

PROPOSALS Housing 1 Proposal H1a: Bernera adjacent free church, Lewis + 0 + 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Proposal H1b: Crowlista - adjacent school, Lewis + 0 + 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Proposal H1c: Tong Road, Lewis + 0 + 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Proposal H1d: An Glib, Garrabost + 0 + 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Proposal H1e: Melbost Farm (East), Lewis + + + ?/- 0 0 ?/- ?/- 0 0 0 Proposal H1f: Melbost Junction, Lewis + + +++ ?/+ 0 0 ?/- ?/- 0 0 0 Proposal H1g: Oliver's Brae, Lewis + 0 + 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Proposal H1h: Rear of Anderson Road Nurseries, Lewis + + +++ ?/+ 0 0 ?/- ?/- 0 0 0 Proposal H1i: Dormitory North West, Lewis + + + ?/- 0 0 ?/- ?/- 0 0 0 Proposal H1j: Allt na Broige North, Lewis + 0 + 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Proposal H1k: Allt na Broige South, Lewis + 0 + 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Proposal H1l: Leurbost - former school, Lewis + 0 + 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Proposal H1m: Balallan - Pairc Junction, Lewis + 0 + 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Proposal H1n: Bunnavoneader, Harris + 0 + 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Proposal H1o: East Tarbert, Harris + 0 + 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Proposal H1p: Luskentyre, Harris + 0 + 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Proposal H1q: Balivanich School Grounds, Benbecula + 0 + 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Proposal H1r: Creagorry, Benbecula + 0 + 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Proposal H1s: Garrynamonie, South Uist + 0 + 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Housing 2 Proposal H2a: Upper Coll Grazings + 0 + 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Proposal:H2b: Back former community workshop, Lewis + 0 + 0 0 0 ?/- 0 0 0 0 Proposal H2c: Newmarket Tong Road, Lewis + 0 + 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Proposal H2d: Labost Lane, Lewis + 0 + + 0 0 ?/- 0 0 0 0 Proposal H2e: Goathill Farm, Lewis + + + ?/- 0 0 ?/- ?/- 0 0 0 Proposal H2f: Melbost Farm (West), Lewis + + + ?/- 0 0 ?/- ?/- 0 0 0 Proposal H2g: Vatersay, Barra + 0 + 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Economic 1 Proposal E1a: Arnish, Lewis + 0 + 0 0 0 0 ?/- + + 0 Proposal E1b: Creed Business Park, Lewis + 0 + 0 0 0 0 ?/- ?/+ ?/+ 0 Proposal E1c: Gleann Seileach Business Park +++ 0 + 0 0 0 0 0 ?/+ ?/+ 0 Proposal E1d: East Loch Regeneration Site, Tarbert +++ 0 + + 0 0 0 0 ?/+ ?/+ 0 Proposal E1e: Leverburgh Waterfront + 0 0 0 0 0 0 ?/- ?/- ?/- ?/- Proposal E1f: Balivanich Commercial Development Area + 0 ?/+ 0 0 0 0 0 ?/+ ?/+ 0

Proposal E1g: Lionacleit + 0 ?/+ 0 0 0 0 0 ?/+ ?/+ 0 Proposal E1h: Castlebay Commercial Development Area + 0 0 0 0 0 0 ?/- ?/- ?/- ?/- Proposal E1i: Energy Interconnector Sites ?/+ 0 0 ?/- ?/- ?/- 0 ?/+ ?/+ ?/+ 0

Economic 2 Proposal E2a: Land at Brevig Harbour + ?/+ + + 0 0 0 ?/- ?/- ?/- ?/- Proposal E2b: Dormitory site (south east), Stornoway +++ + + + 0 0 ?/- ?/- ?/- ?/- ?/- Proposal E2c: Eireastadh, Uig + 0 0 0 0 0 0 ?/- ?/- ?/- ?/- Proposal E2d: Habost, Pairc + 0 0 0 0 0 0 ?/- ?/- ?/- ?/- Proposal E2e: Hushinish Tourism Facilities +++ + 0 ?/- ?/- ?/- + 0 0 0 0 Proposal E2f: Land at Scalpay Bridge + 0 ?/- 0 0 0 0 ?/- ?/- ?/- ?/- Proposal E2g: Daliburgh + 0 ?/- 0 0 0 ?/- 0 ?/- ?/- ?/- Proposal E2h: Ardveenish Pier + ?/+ + + 0 0 0 ?/- ?/- ?/- ?/-

Mixed Use Developments Proposal MU1: Lews Castle +++ + +++ + +++ 0 0 0 0 0 0 Proposal MU2: Former Bus Station +++ 0 +++ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Proposal MU3: Stornoway Airport, Lewis +++ 0 + 0 0 0 0 ?/- + + 0 Proposal MU4: Former Lochmaddy Hospital +++ ?/+ +++ ?/+ ?/+ 0 0 ?/- + + 0 Proposal MU5: Lochboisdale Harbour Regeneration ?/+ + ?/- ?/- 0 ?/- ?/- ?/- 0 0 0

Infrastructure Proposals Proposal INF1: Spinal Route ?/+ ?/+ 0 0 ?/- 0 0 ?/- ?/- 0 0 Proposal INF2: Hebridean Way +++ + 0 0 0 0 0 ?/+ ?/+ 0 0

Environmental Proposals Proposal ENV1: Cromwell Street Quay +++ 0 + +++ + + 0 0 0 0 0 Proposal ENV2: Pedestrian link, Bayhead Estuary +++ + +++ ?/+ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

4.4 Key Findings and Proposed Mitigation Measures

4.4.1 The majority of Policies and Proposals have achieved either neutral/not applicable (0), neutral positive (0/+), or significantly positive (+) scoring against the 11 SEA environmental objectives.

4.4.2 The SEA has been carried out concurrently with the preparation of the Local Development Plan which has enabled a continual process of feedback during assessment of Policies and Proposals. This has resulted in some significant amendments to both Polices and Proposals in light of SEA assessment in order ameliorate negative effects.

4.4.3 The only policy/proposal with potentially significant negative impacts was the policy regarding extraction of minerals. Given the nature of minerals extraction this is not unexpected and the policy has been amended to include mitigating measures e.g. requirement for restoration plans both during the extraction period as well as on cessation of operations.

4.4.4 In assessing site allocations potentially significant negative impacts were identified primarily in relation to the potential for flooding and the consumption of non-renewable resources, in particular during the construction phase.

4.4.5 Some amendments, additions or deletions to the text were proposed to increase the scope for positive impacts arising from the options. This has involved text changes to either strengthen or clarify Policies and Proposals.

4.4.6 In some cases the full environmental effect that particular plan aspects will have is unknown until the details of the proposed development emerge eg for specific proposals. In most cases detailed policies in the Plan will address these potential impacts.

4.4.7 The details of the individual assessments and any proposed amendments or mitigating measures are outlined below. It should be noted that policies and proposals were amended over time due to feedback from the SEA process.

4.4.8 Policy 1 – Development (Spatial) Strategy: The overarching development strategy guides and steers development and will have an overall positive environmental impact. The policy is to be applied to all development proposals. The strategy scored either positive or neutral/NA for all objectives – there were 4 significant positives.

4.4.9 Policy 2 – Assessment of Development: This policy sets out additional factors which should be considered for developments, for example that biodiversity and ecological interests are not significantly adversely affected by proposals and where possible are enhanced. The policy scores overall positive with 6 significant positives.

4.4.10 Policy 3 – Zero & Low Carbon Buildings: Low and zero carbon generating technology must be installed in all new buildings (with some exceptions which are listed). Developers should seek to achieve a sustainability level of at least Bronze Active rating. The policy scores overall positive with 5 significant positives.

4.4.11 Policy 4 – Siting and Design: Development proposals will be required to demonstrate a satisfactory quality of siting, scale and design that reflects the characteristics of their surroundings. Development that may significantly erode distinctive local character or have a significantly adverse impact on the surroundings will be resisted. The policy has an overall positive outcome with 4 significant positives.

4.4.12 Policy 5 – Landscape: Development proposals should relate to the specific landscape and visual characteristics of the area for which development is proposed, ensuring that the overall integrity of landscape character is maintained. The policy is overall positive or neutral with 3 significant positives.

4.4.13 Policy 6 – Service Infrastructure: New developments will be required to adopt the principles of Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) with the exception of single house developments and those discharging directly to coastal waters. The policy is overall positive or neutral, with 2 significant positives.

4.4.14 Policy 7 – Flooding: Development proposals on areas susceptible to flooding will only be allowed where sustainable flood management measures are incorporated that mitigate against flood risk, or where a specific location is essential for operational reasons, e.g. harbour activities or offshore energy and fishery related activities. The policy is overall positive or neutral with 2 significant positives.

4.4.15 Policy 8 – Waste Management Facilities: The primary waste management and recycling sites to meet the current needs of the Outer Hebrides and for the location of additional waste management facilities are Bennadrove, Stornoway; Creed Park Recycling, Lochs Road, Lewis; and Rueval, Benbecula. The opportunity to develop new waste management facilities should be considered in conjunction with the development of mineral extraction sites and sites suitable for a range of industrial, business and employment activities. The policy scores mostly neutral/NA but there are two possible positives (objectives 3 and 4).

4.4.16 Policy 9 – Water Environment: Development proposals should avoid adverse impact on the water environment. All proposals involving engineering activities in or adjacent to any water body must be accompanied by sufficient information to enable a full assessment to be made of the likely effects, including environmental effects, of the development. The policy is overall positive or neutral/NA with 4 significant positives

4.4.17 Policy 10 – Soils & Peat: Where peat and other carbon rich soils are present, developers should assess the likely effects associated with any development work and aim to mitigate any adverse impacts arising. The policy is overall positive or neutral/NA with 2 significant positives.

4.4.18 Policy 11 – Compatibility of Neighbouring Uses: Measures will be required to ensure that development proposals (particularly for housing) adjacent to existing industrial, mineral extraction or waste management sites do not constrain current or any potential industrial activities. The policy scores mostly neutral/NA but there are two possible positives (objectives 3 and 4).

4.4.19 Policy 12 – Adverts & Signs: Applications for advertisements and signs, and particularly those with proposed illumination, and/or affecting the setting of a listed building, must be of an appropriate design, dimension, material and colour. The policy is overall positive or neutral though there are no significant positives.

4.4.20 Policy 13 – Housing: The effective land supply to deliver housing needs of the islands for at least a five year period will be delivered through individual windfall sites and those listed in proposal H1. Proposal H1 sites will be safeguarded against uses and development that would compromise the residential function of the site. The policy is overall positive or neutral with 2 significant positives.

4.4.21 Policy 14 – Caravans & Temporary Buildings: The Comhairle‟s policy on the siting of caravans, associated facilities and temporary buildings for residential or holiday use is set out in the Supplementary Guidance which forms part of the Development Plan. The policy is overall positive or neutral with 4 significant positives.

4.4.22 Policy 15 – Economic Development: The preferred locations identified as the main sites to deliver the strategic business needs of the islands are listed in Proposal E1. These locations will be safeguarded against uses or development that would compromise the business function of the site. Further sites suitable for a range of commercial development are listed in Proposal E2. The policy scores a mix of positive, neutral, with three potentially minor adverse (objectives 4, 5 and 6). The policy contains safeguards that ensure design, size and location of e.g. wind energy developments is considered during the planning phase which should minimise adverse effects. Large scale developments are covered by the Supplementary Guidance document.

4.4.23 Policy 16 – Newton Commercial Area: Development within the Newton area (defined on the Development Strategy Map) will be for business, retail, financial, professional and other services. The policy is overall positive or neutral though there are no significant positives.

4.4.24 Policy 17 – Retail & Service Provision: Proposals for retail, commercial and public uses will be supported where it is demonstrated that they contribute to the retention, enhancement and provision of local shops, post offices and other customer services in existing settlements. The policy scores overall neutral however there is one significant positive (objective 1).

4.4.25 Policy 18 – Stornoway Town Centre & Retail Areas: In Stornoway Town Centre Retail area, as defined on the Development Strategy Map and in line with Policy 1 of the Development Strategy, uses should contribute positively to the vitality and viability of the town centre as a primary focus for pedestrian and commercial activity. The policy is overall neutral or positive though there are no significant positives.

4.4.26 Policy 19 – Energy Resources: The Comhairle will support proposals that contribute to meeting the targets and objectives of the National Planning Framework 2, the Climate Change Act and National Renewables Infrastructure Plan in relation to electricity grid reinforcement infrastructure and renewable energy generation. The policy scores a mix of positive, neutral, with three potentially minor adverse (objectives 4, 5 and 6). The policy contains safeguards that ensure design, size and location of e.g. wind energy developments is considered during the planning phase which should minimise adverse effects. Large scale developments are covered by the Supplementary Guidance document.

4.4.27 Policy 20 – Small & Micro Renewables: Through increased awareness of micro- generating technologies, objectives to reduce carbon emissions, and financial and tariff based incentives there has been a significant increase in micro renewables development proposals. Installation of these technologies requires consideration to ensure that neighbouring amenity is balanced with optimum operational efficiency. The policy scores overall neutral or positive though there are no significant positives.

4.4.28 Policy 21 – Minerals: Outer Hebrides mineral and aggregate needs for the Plan period will be met from a list of permitted reserves. Proposals for development adjacent to the sites listed will be supported when they are compatible to the quarrying activity and do not sterilise or constrain further development. This is the only policy that scores significant adverse effects (for objectives 2, 4, 5 and 6). However these significant adverse effects are mitigated (and re-scored minor adverse) by measures contained in the policy and in other policies such as Policy 34 - Archaeology and Policy 28 - Natural Heritage Conservation.

4.4.29 Policy 22 – Marine Planning & Aquaculture: Proposals for new marine aquaculture developments or amendments to existing marine aquaculture sites will be assessed against the Development Strategy and the Supplementary Guidance for Marine Aquaculture which forms part of the Development Plan. The Supplementary Guidance sets out a spatial and policy framework to guide aquaculture development in the Outer Hebrides. The policy scores positive or neutral with 3 significant positives.

4.4.30 Policy 23 – Coastal Development & Erosion: Proposals for development will be preferred on developed coastline as shown on the Proposals map or within existing settlements. Proposals on land within areas of undeveloped coast where no settlement exists, and along „isolated coastline‟ will be assessed against the criteria set out in the Development Strategy and must accord with Policy 7 – Flooding. The policy scores positive or neutral with 2 significant positives.

4.4.31 Policy 24 – Countryside & Coastal Access: Proposed development must be located so as to ensure that the Core Path Network is kept free of obstruction. Where possible development should also avoid other routes identified in the Core Path Plan. The policy scores largely positive, with 1 significant positive.

4.4.32 Policy 25 – Open Space: Development proposals that adversely impact existing open space, as shown on the Development Strategy map, will not be supported unless there is strong justification and alternative provision is proposed that offers comparable amenity, size, accessibility and quality benefits. The policy scores positive and neutral, with 3 significant positives.

4.4.33 Policy 26 – Transport Infrastructure: The Comhairle‟s land use planning objectives for transportation are to support improvements in the transport infrastructure including public transport and other alternatives to the use of private transport and where possible to deliver highway improvements and traffic management initiatives. The policy scores largely neutral/NA but with one significant positive (objective 1).

4.4.34 Policy 27 – Communications Infrastructure: Proposals for the installation of radio or telephone masts and other commercial communications equipment will be required to satisfy a list of criteria, such as minimising visual impact, sharing of existing facilities where possible and removal of redundant masts and equipment. The policy scores largely neutral with 3 minor positives for objectives 1, 4 and 5.

4.4.35 Policy 28 – Natural Heritage Conservation: Development proposals likely to have a significant effect on an international or national designated site/s will not be permitted unless it can be demonstrated that the relevant criteria set out in legislation can be met (Scottish Planning Policy for Natura sites and nationally designated sites). Developments affecting the Loch Stiapavat Local Nature Reserve (LNR) should aim to enhance the site and will not be permitted if they have an unacceptable impact on the features of interest of the site. The policy scores largely positive with 2 significant positives (objectives 4 and 6).

4.4.36 Policy 29 – Trees and Woodlands: Developers will be required to incorporate existing woodland resource into their schemes wherever possible and to minimise adverse impacts on the biodiversity value of this resource through sensitive siting, design and landscaping. The policy scores largely neutral/NA but with 3 positives, one of which is significant.

4.4.37 Policy 30 – St Kilda World Heritage Site: Development proposals will only be permitted where, in addition to compliance with other relevant policies, the developer can demonstrate that the proposal will have no or minimal impact upon the specified criteria, which include visual, historical, landscape and the outstanding Universal Value of the World Heritage Site. The policy scores positive and neutral including 2 significant positives (objectives 4 and 5).

4.4.38 Policy 31 – Listed Buildings: The Comhairle seeks to conserve the special architectural and historical interest of Listed Buildings and their settings and will support sympathetic conversions and extensions to secure their future use. The policy scores positive and neutral with 4 significant positives (objectives 1, 3, 4 and 5).

4.4.39 Policy 32 – Conservation Areas: Only applications for detailed Planning Permission with comprehensive plans accompanied by a Design Statement and where appropriate an Access Statement will be acceptable for consideration of proposed development in any Conservation Area. The policy scores positive and neutral with 4 significant positives (objectives 1, 3, 4 and 5).

4.4.40 Policy 33 – Thatched Buildings: Where works are proposed to thatched buildings, either listed or located within designated Conservation Areas, it is required that they are restored to their original style. The policy scores positive and neutral with 5 significant positives (objectives 1, 3, 4, 5 and 6)

4.4.41 Policy 34 – Archaeology: Development proposals adversely affecting nationally important remains and their settings, whether scheduled or not, will not normally be permitted. The policy scores positive and neutral with 1 significant positive (objective 5).

4.4.42 Proposals – Housing: Generally the grouped housing proposal sites have an overall neutral score though a limited number of SEA objectives score significantly positive and several are potentially adverse (depending upon the design specifics). Generally the negative impacts can potentially arise from the materials and energy assets used during construction though this should be short-term. Site specific issues including cumulative impacts and flood risk can also result in negative impacts but are mitigated by appropriate detailed LDP policy (e.g. Siting and Design and Flooding) and the requirement for a Flood Risk Assessment where necessary. The potential for more significant cumulative impact is greatest for some of the larger proposal sites in and around Greater Stornoway. Again, effective LDP policies and design approaches should help mitigate against the most acute cumulative impacts with regard to settlement pattern, coalescence of and edge of settlement and pressure on services and infrastructure. The preparation of a Planning Brief for the larger sites should help to address specific issues.

4.4.43 Proposals – Economic: Assessment indicates neutral or minimal positive/negative impacts overall (though there are 4 significantly positive). Negative effects are mitigated by other policies in the Plan.

4.4.44 Proposals – Mixed Use: Assessments indicates a mix of neutral, positive and some potentially negative scores (there are 8 significantly positive scores – see matrix for details).

4.4.45 Proposals – Infrastructure: Assessments indicates a mix of mainly neutral, positive and some potentially negative scores (there is 1 significantly positive score)

4.4.46 Proposals – Environmental: The two proposals scored a mix of positive and neutral (4 of the positives were scored as significant)

4.5 Conclusion

4.5.1 The findings of the SEA assessment have informed and suggested changes to the policies and proposals contained in the LDP during its preparation. The fact that the two processes were carried out concurrently has meant that there was a continual process of feedback and revision. This process informed textual changes to either strengthen or clarify policies and proposals as well as increasing the scope for positive impacts arising from them.

5 MONITORING

5.1 The Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005 requires that significant environmental effects of implementing the Plan must be closely monitored in order to minimise potentially adverse impacts.

5.2 Monitoring is also an essential part of the development planning process. The monitoring process established for this SEA will be operating alongside the LPD process and the findings will inform any future review of the plan. This continual process will ensure that policy development and the decision making process incorporates the available environmental information and considers the likely environmental impacts.

5.3 Monitoring enables decision-makers to answer such questions as: . Were the assessment predictions of environmental effects accurate? . Is the plan benefiting the environment? . Is the plan contributing to the achievement of desired environmental objectives and targets? . Has implementation changed the environmental focus of the plan? . Are mitigation measures performing as well as expected? . Are there any adverse effects? Are these within acceptable limits, or is remedial action desirable?

5.4 To be effective, monitoring should be based explicitly on specific indicators and targets that may help to inform the understanding of environmental change in the area and the inter- relationships of policies and cross compliance.

Next Steps

5.5 Milestones in the development of the LDP and the associated SEA together with the expected stage completion dates are detailed in Table 1 in Section 1.3.1.

5.6 Formal consultation will be carried out on the Revised Environmental Report in line with the legislation requirements. This will run in parallel with consultation on the Proposed LDP and it is anticipate this will take place between September and November 2011.

5.7 Further information will be posted on the Comhairle‟s Local Development Plan web page (http://www.cne-siar.gov.uk/planningservice/localdevplan.asp) as and when this is progressed and updated.

6 HABITATS REGULATIONS APPRAISAL (HRA)

6.1 This section of the report identifies the legislative and policy requirements for a Habitats Regulations Appraisal of the Outer Hebrides Local Development Plan (LDP). It covers the scoping exercise and the appropriate assessment of „scoped in‟ elements of the LDP.

HRA Legislative Context 6.2 A network of sites across the European Community, known as Natura 2000, comprise of Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs).

6.3 Directive 2009/147/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the conservation of wild birds, commonly known as the Birds Directive, gives member states of the European Union the power and responsibility to classify Special Protection Areas (SPAs) to protect birds which are rare or vulnerable in Europe. The Habitats Directive 1992 requires member states to designate SACs. Member States are to protect and restore the sites included in this Network.

6.4 In October 2005, the European Court of Justice ruled that the UK had failed to correctly transpose the provisions of Council Directive 92/43/EEC (the Habitats Directive 1992) into national law. In particular, the UK had failed to ensure that land use plans were subject to appropriate assessment where they might have a significant effect on a Natura 2000 site. The then Scottish Executive conveyed the outcome of this ruling to local authority planners in December 2005 and in May 2006 issued interim guidance „Assessing Development Plans in Terms of the Need for Appropriate Assessment‟.

6.5 The Habitats Directive applies the precautionary principle to SPAs and SACs. Plans and projects can only be permitted after having ascertained that there will be no adverse effect on the integrity of the site(s) in question. The interest features of the European Sites must be maintained so as to avoid deterioration of habitats and significant disturbance of species. However under the provisions of Article 6(4) of the Habitats Directive, where it cannot be shown that a plan or project will not adversely affect the integrity of a site it can only proceed if there are no alternative solutions and there are imperative reasons of overriding public interest for doing so. In such cases, compensation will be required to ensure the overall coherence of the Natura 2000 network is protected.

6.6 Regulation 85B of the Habitats Regulations requires that before any competent authority submits a plan for approval, that is not directly connected with or necessary to the management of a European Site (either SAC or SPA), it is necessary to consider: . whether the plan is likely to have a significant effect on such a site; and, . where this is the case, that an Appropriate Assessment has been carried out of the likely impacts.

6.7 As a result of this judgement Local Plans cannot therefore be adopted by a planning authority unless: . there has been a determination by the planning authority based on objective information that the provisions of the plan are not likely to have a significant effect on any European site; or . an appropriate assessment has been carried out in respect of the provisions of the plan in line with the requirements of Articles 6.3 and 6.4 of the Habitats Directive.

6.8 Following the approach set out in the guidance, this section sets out an assessment examining those policies and proposals which influence or fall within European sites in and around the Outer Hebrides to identify whether they would have an impact upon them.

6.9 Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), the Government‟s advisory body on nature conservation, has provided significant advice and guidance on this assessment. SNH‟s input has been valued and appreciated.

Table 9: Natura 2000 Sites in the Outer Hebrides Special Protection Areas (15 Special Areas of RAMSAR sites (4 sites – sites – 90,481 ha) Conservation (14 sites – 69,640 ha) 90,226 ha, inc. marine) Aird and Borve, Benbecula Langavat Lewis Peatlands Eoligarry, Barra Lewis Peatlands Loch an Duin (N. Uist) Flannan Isles Loch nam Madadh North Uist Machair and Islands Kilpheder and Smerclate Loch Roag Lagoons South Uist Machair and Lochs Lewis Peatlands Mointeach Scadabhaigh Mingulay and Berneray Monach Islands Mointeach Scadabhaigh North Harris Monach Islands North Rona Ness and Barvas, Lewis North Uist Machair North Harris Mountains Obain Loch Euphoirt North Rona and Sula Sgeir Sound of Barra cSAC North Uist Machair and Islands East Mingulay pSAC Shiant Isles South Uist Machair South Uist Machair and Lochs St Kilda St Kilda Traigh Na Berie For further information on Outer Hebrides Natura 2000 Designated Sites see Section 3.5 (page 13) and Diagram 2 (page 17)

6.10 The Outer Hebrides Local Development Plan recognises the special value of the Outer Hebrides natural heritage and contains policies relating to the natural environment. It is considered that the policies in the LDP together with national guidance provide a robust framework within which development proposals which may affect the natural environment can be satisfactorily assessed with appropriate environmental safeguarding.

Habitats Regulations Appraisal – Scoping 6.11 Advice was sought from SNH on the approach to be adopted for the scoping exercise and the appropriate assessment. These and the format of the HRA were agreed with SNH staff in advance of carrying out the work.

6.12 In order to determine and assess those elements of the LDP which may have an effect on European designated sites an initial scoping of the Plan was undertaken. As a result of this scoping exercise it was determined that the nature of the formulation of the LDP and the fact that it had been carried out concurrently with the SEA process had already in part screened for effects. A number of policies and proposals have been scoped out as shown in Table 10 below.

Table 10: Elements of the Development Plan Scoped Out of Appropriate Assessment

LDP Policy/Proposal Justification for Scoping out of Appropriate Assessment

Policies 1 – 15 and General strategic policy statements Policies 20 – 34

Policies 16, 18 Outwith designated areas

Policy 19 An appropriate assessment has already been carried out on the Supplementary Guidance prepared for this policy

Table 11: Elements of the Development Plan Scoped In to Appropriate Assessment

LDP Policy/Proposal Reason for Scoping in to Appropriate Assessment

Policy 21 (Minerals) The minerals policy identifies specific sites with the possibility of significantly negative effects

Policy 30 (St Kilda) St Kilda is an SPA and a SAC site.

Proposal E2e (Hushinish The site is within an SAC and an SPA Tourism Development)

Proposal INF1 (Spinal The spinal route passes through several SACs and SPAs Route Improvements)

Proposal INF2 It is anticipated that the route of the proposed Hebridean Way is likely to (Hebridean Way) pass through several SACs and SPAs

Table 12: Assessment of Potential Impact on Qualifying Interest

Policy/Proposal Sites Potentially Affected Commentary Policy 21 North Uist Machair SPA & Potential for negative impact on qualifying interest (Minerals) Ramsar Whilst it is accepted that the Isles have a need for Eoligarry SPA aggregates for road and other construction, Policy 21 – Minerals sets out a number of conditions that will need to be met before consent is granted for new quarry sites, extensions to existing sites or re- opening of old workings. These are considered to be sufficiently robust to ensure that the integrity of Natura sites is not compromised. In Policy 28 – Natural Heritage Conservation there is a presumption against development on international and national designated sites unless stringent criteria set out in legislation can be met. Any planning application would require environmental assessment and SNH would be consulted. Policy 30 St Kilda SPA and SAC It is considered that Policy 30, together with Policy (St Kilda) 28 – Natural Heritage Conservation, is sufficiently robust to ensure that the integrity of the SPA/SAC will not be compromised. In addition any planning application would require environmental assessment and SNH would be consulted. Proposal E2e North Harris SPA & SAC Potential for negative impact on qualifying interest. (Hushinish Tourism Development) Proposal INF1 Lewis Peatlands SPA Potential for negative impact on qualifying interest. (Spinal Route) Mointeach Scadabhaigh Much of the work to upgrade the spinal route has SPA & SAC been completed. Of the remaining stretches, one Loch Bee SPA & Ramsar passes through South Uist Machair SAC. South Uist Machair SAC In Policy 28 – Natural Heritage Conservation there is a presumption against development on international and national designated sites unless stringent criteria set out in legislation can be met. Any planning application would require environmental assessment and SNH would be consulted. Proposal INF2 Lewis Peatlands SPA Potential for negative impact on qualifying interest. (Hebridean Way) North Harris SPA & SAC In Policy 28 – Natural Heritage Conservation there Mointeach Scadabhaigh is a presumption against development on SPA & SAC international and national designated sites unless stringent criteria set out in legislation can be met. Loch Bee SPA & Ramsar Any planning application would require North Uist Machair SAC environmental assessment and SNH would be consulted.

Summary and Conclusions 6.13 Based on the outcomes of the appropriate assessment and identification of mitigating measures, and the fact that the majority of Policies and Proposals were scoped out it is not proposed to further amend the Local Development Plan. The wording of the Policies and Proposals is considered to be sufficiently robust to ensure that the integrity of the Natura features will not be compromised.

6.14 Many of the designated sites are completely unaffected by any Policies & Proposals as they have no bearing or are not in the proximity.

6.15 There may be some risk to designated areas from cumulative effects of development but any assessment of a development planning application would consider cumulative impact.

6.16 In some cases it is difficult to assess the overall potential impact until details proposals of individual plans are received, but the stipulations in Policy 28 in particular should ensure that individual applications are robustly assessed.

APPENDIX A – LINKS TO OTHER PPS AND ENVIRONMENTAL OBJECTIVES

PLAN/ PROGRAMME/ Objectives or requirements of the PPS How objectives might be STRATEGY Environmental Protection objectives addressed in LDP 1. International & European Including EC SEA Taken into account and delivered through Compliance with existing Directive; LA21; Kyoto national legislation / policy legislation/policies. Agreement; EU Habitats & Birds Directives; EC Water Framework Directive; EC Shellfish Directives; RAMSAR Convention. 2. National UK Biodiversity Action Aims to conserve and enhance biological Will be taken into account in Plan 1994 diversity within the UK. LDP policies, particularly any relevant aspects of local BAP. Wildlife and Countryside Act setting out the principle mechanisms for Work with SNH and others. Act (1981) protection of wildlife in the UK LDP will comply. MIR issue UK Energy White Paper The White Paper sets out the Government‟s Will be taken into account in (2003) international and domestic energy strategy to LDP policies, particularly via respond to changing energy circumstances; appropriate sustainable addressing the long term energy challenges development/design with energy policy goals. approaches. National Planning Guidance for the spatial development of Will inform LDP preparation. Framework 2 Scotland to 2025 MIR context. SPP/PANs and Policy guidance, good practice advice notes, Compliance with regulations associated statutory and guidance on policy implementation and and guidance will closely instruments procedure on planning issues of importance at inform LDP preparation. (Regulations, & a national level. MIR context. Circulars) Land Reform (Scotland) An Act of the Scottish Parliament to establish Will be taken into account in Act 2003 statutory public rights of access to land for LDP, particularly with recreational and other purposes. reference to Core Path network. Nature Conservation The Act imposes a wide-ranging duty on General liaison with SNH. (Scotland) Act 2004 Scotland‟s public sector to conserve biodiversity LDP will comply. and protect the nation‟s natural heritage MIR context/issue. Scottish Biodiversity Strategy for conservation and enhancement of Will be taken into account in Strategy biodiversity in Scotland LDP policies, particularly any relevant aspects of local BAP. Scotland‟s National Aims to provide an efficient transport system Will appropriately inform Transport Strategy including reducing the need to travel. LDP. Scotland‟s National Objectives of the strategy include: increase Will appropriately inform Cycle Strategy (1996) cycle use; improve safety and integration with LDP, noting encouragement other modes of travel of cycle/foot journeys.

Scottish Biodiversity List List of Species and Habitats considered to be of LDP will take account, 2006 Principal Importance for the purpose of particularly any relevant Biodiversity Conservation in Scotland aspects of local BAP. Disability Discrimination An Act to make it unlawful to discriminate LDP policies will promote all Act (1995) against disabled persons in connection with abilities access wherever employment, the provision of goods, facilities possible. and services or the disposal or management of premises; to make provision about the employment of disabled persons; and to establish a National Disability Council. UK National Air Quality Sets out health-based objectives for ambient air Appropriately inform LDP and Strategy pollutants in the UK. other related strategies/ guidance. Developing an Indicator A set of practical indicators of the state of Appropriately inform LDP and Set (Report – May 2004) Scotland's biodiversity, for which information is other related strategies/ already available, and being updated on a guidance, local BAP. regular basis. SEPA Policy 19 Groundwater Protection policy for Scotland Will be taken into account in LDP policies. SEPA Policy 26 Policy on Culverting of Watercourses Will be taken into account in LDP policies. The Ancient Monuments This is the main legislation concerning Work with Historic Scotland and Archaeological archaeology in the UK. This Act, building on and others to ensure LDP Areas Act 1979 legislation dating back to 1882, provides for compliance as appropriate. nationally important archaeological sites to be MIR objectives and issue statutorily protected as Scheduled Ancient approach on heritage. Monuments. Scottish Historic Scotland‟s Historic Environment – this is a Work with Historic Scotland Environmental Policy 1. reduced version of the original SHEP 1, and others, LDP will take Scotland‟s Historic updated to take account of the policy framework appropriate account. Environment of the Scottish Government. MIR objectives and issue approach on heritage. Scottish Historic Designations –incorporates previously Work with Historic Scotland Environmental Policy 2. published policy on Scheduling and Gardens & and others, LDP will take Scheduling: Protecting Designed Landscapes; newly published policy appropriate account. Scotland‟s nationally in Listing; a redacted version of policy on MIR objectives and issue important monuments Conservation Area designation previously approach on heritage published in the Memorandum of Guidance. Scottish Historic Consents – incorporates previously published Work with Historic Scotland Environment Policy 4 policy on Scheduled Monument Consent, and others, LDP will take Scheduled Monument Gardens & Designed Landscapes; newly appropriate account. Consent published policy on Listed Building Consent; a MIR objectives and issue redacted version of policy on Conservation Area approach on heritage Consent previously published in the Memorandum of Guidance. Scottish Historic Policy previously published on Properties in the Work with Historic Scotland Environment Policy 5: Care of Scottish Ministers. and others, LDP will take Properties in the Care of appropriate account. Scottish Ministers MIR objectives and issue approach on heritage

3. Local Outer Hebrides Based around: integrated service delivery; LDP will take appropriate Community Plan sustainable population; community account. engagement; & shared planning information. MIR vision and objectives. Outer Hebrides Single A joint approach to planning and future delivery LDP will take appropriate Outcome Agreement of Comhairle and other agencies services account. (SOA) outlining a shared vision, priority actions and Importantly informs MIR strategic objectives. vision and objectives. Outer Hebrides Community Planning Partnership action plan LDP policies will seek land Sustainable Population (and sub set of the Outer Hebrides SOA) to use solutions to address Enabling Plan tackle the challenges of securing a sustainable population decline and population in the Outer Hebrides. imbalance. Outer Hebrides Tourism Action plan for the development of tourism LDP will take appropriate Partnership Plan which works within the national framework. account, including any land use aspects to improve tourism delivery. Western Isles Structure A strategic vision for long term development of Monitor and appropriately Plan (2003) land within the Outer Hebrides and the inform/incorporate into LDP. framework for the Local Plan. Informed work on MIR vision and issues. The main topic aims are being assessed as part of this SEA process. Western Isles Local Plan The Local Plan (in conjunction with the Monitor and appropriately (2008) Structure Plan) forms the Development Plan for inform/incorporate into LDP. the area and sets out detailed land use policies Informed work on MIR vision and proposals to help guide future development and issues. and land use change in the islands. Outer Hebrides Core Statutory requirement for a network of paths to Incorporate core path Paths Plan 2010 provide „reasonable access‟ throughout the network and appropriate islands. aspects re countryside access in LDP. Stornoway Conservation A plan for the management of the conservation Review and incorporate into Area Management Plan area and guidelines for development. LDP. 2006 MIR issue. Outer Hebrides Design Setting out design guidance on detailed matters Review and incorporate into Guide 2010 such as scale, form, setting in the landscape LDP, ensuring more and the use of materials. sympathetic siting in terms of landscape character. MIR siting & design issue. Supplementary A spatial framework to assist the assessment Will inform LDP policy and be Guidance on large scale and determination of renewable energy incorporated as wind energy development proposals in the Outer Hebrides. supplementary guidance. developments 2010 Local Transport Strategy Provides an integrated framework for the LDP will take appropriate delivery of local transport policies and account. proposals. Draft Local Housing Sets the context for the delivery of housing Aligned with LDP preparation Strategy 2011 needs in the Outer Hebrides. informs policy approach to housing and site selection. MIR issue.

Housing Land Audit Shows housing completions and progress of Inform LDP site selection. 2010 sites through the planning process and helps Informed background Draft Housing Land demonstrate whether there is an adequate Monitoring Statement and Audit 2011 supply of land for housing across the islands for MIR. at least the next five years. Outdoor Access Provides the framework for the development of LDP will incorporate core Strategy (2006) a Core Paths Plan. path network. Outer Hebrides Cultural A framework for heritage, the arts, creative LDP will take appropriate Strategy industries and Gaelic in the Islands. account. Contaminated Land The identification of contaminated land within LDP will take appropriate Strategy Outer Hebrides. account, particular in identifying sites and any remedial works required. Local Air Quality Updates the findings of a previous report and Will appropriately inform Updating and Screening assesses whether any of the air quality LDP. Assessment 2003 objectives will be exceeded in the Outer Hebrides by 2010. Local Biodiversity Action Identification of habitats and species of value in LDP will link to LBAP and Plan the area. take into account where appropriate. Western Isles Woodland The strategy provides the key objectives for the LDP will link to Woodland Strategy (November maintenance, enhancement and development Strategy and take into 2004) of woodland in the Outer Hebrides. account where appropriate. Western Isles An illustrated description and analysis of the LDP will take account of LCA Landscape Character landscape character of the Outer Hebrides. particularly to ensure Assessment sympathetic development in terms of landscaped setting. MIR issue. SSSI Management Management Plans for each individual SSSI. Liaison with SNH to ensure Plans compliance and to minimise any effect on habitats and species. Stornoway Regeneration Identification of detailed aims, objectives and LDP will take appropriate Action Plan June 2008 proposals for tackling the regeneration of the account and link to main town in the Outer Hebrides. policies/proposals. Stornoway Townscape An initiative that seeks to use conservation of LDP will take appropriate Heritage Initiative 2006- the built environment to secure the economic account and link to 2011 regeneration of an area. policies/proposals. MIR issues. Langavat SAC Outlines the European importance of the site LDP will take appropriate Management Plan and how it will be managed to maintain its account. integrity. Loch Stiapabhat LNR Sets out why the site is important and details LDP will take appropriate Management Plan actions and projects which will contribute account. towards the LNR objectives.

APPENDIX B: OUTER HEBRIDES ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION

Geography The Outer Hebrides chain runs roughly north to south and has an area of approximately 306,916 ha (289,798 ha excluding freshwater and inter-tidal areas) and an extensive coastline of approximately 2,700 km at the high water mark (the result of numerous sea lochs, bays and inlets). The islands extend 210 km in length and are 60 km at the widest point. There are over 70 named islands spread throughout the chain, most of which have been temporarily or permanently inhabited in the past. 11 islands are now inhabited: Vatersay (953 ha); Barra (6,173 ha); Eriskay (754 ha); South Uist (32,094 ha); Benbecula (8,498 ha); Grimsay (1,146 ha); North Uist (35,479 ha); Berneray (1,056 ha); Scalpay (702 ha); Lewis and Harris (217,820 ha); and Great Bernera (2,240 ha). The largest island in the Outer Hebrides is „Lewis and Harris‟. Although considered separate as if two distinct islands, they are in fact connected by a strip of land. Northern Lewis and the southern Island chain (comprising the Uists, Benbecula and Barra) are relatively flat, covered by lochs, peat bog and machair. However, the central landmass of North Harris and South Lewis provides relief in the landscape with the majority of the higher land. The Clisham in the North Harris hills is the highest peak at 799 metres.

Geology The islands are composed almost entirely of Pre-Cambrian basement rocks, known collectively as „Lewisian‟. Geologists have dated Lewisian Gneiss at nearly 3,000 million years, making it the oldest rock formation in Britain. Unaltered sedimentary rocks are limited to an area north and east by Stornoway and are mainly sandstones and conglomerates from Triassic times. Much of the Atlantic coast is characterised by a series of blown sand landforms, known collectively as „machair‟. They are best developed along the western coasts of the Uists and consist of a mixture of siliceous and calcareous fractions in varying proportions. The British Geological Survey (BSG) estimates that 10% of land area in the Outer Hebrides is composed of these „low-lying windswept, coastal sandy plains (machairs) together with sand dunes and hillocks‟. One distinctive characteristic of machair in the Outer Hebrides is the high shell content of the sand. In general, the shell sand content of Hebridean beaches, dunes and machair is the highest in Britain. There is only one major aquifer in the Outer Hebrides, the Stornoway Beds, and this has been classified as highly permeable. This formation is capable of yielding good quality groundwater and a number of wells are indicated on the 1:25,000 ordnance survey maps. The ground water vulnerability map of Scotland classifies the Lewisian as weakly permeable, the Stornoway Beds as highly permeable and the machair lands as moderately permeable.

Biodiversity, Flora and Fauna The Outer Hebrides has a high quality environment, rich in biodiversity and with a large percentage of land, areas of inland waters and marine sites designated for nature conservation purposes. The islands are home to an array of internationally important species and habitat types.

Designations The following conservation designations are in place in the Outer Hebrides: . 1 World Heritage Site - the Islands & surrounding waters of St Kilda - the only site in the UK to have dual natural & cultural status (853 ha); www.kilda.org.uk . Natura 2000 network - consisting of 15 Special Protection Areas (90,475 ha) and 13 Special Areas of Conservation (84,947 ha), including marine SACs and 1 pSAC; (Diagram 2) . 4 RAMSAR sites - Lewis Peatlands, Loch an Duin (N.Uist), North Uist Machair and Islands, South Uist Machair and Lochs, (71,329 ha); . 1 Biosphere Reserve - Loch Druidibeg (1677ha); www.jncc.gov.uk . 55 Sites of Special Scientific Interest - (37,417 ha); (Diagram 3)

. 4 National Nature Reserves - Loch Druidibeg; Monach Isles; North Rona and Sula Sgeir; St Kilda (3,277 ha); (Diagram 3) . 1 Local Nature Reserve - Loch Stiapabhat, Lewis.

Key species found in the Outer Hebrides within European SAC designated areas include the grey seal, common seal, otter, Atlantic salmon, freshwater pearl mussel and slender naiad (an aquatic plant). SPA designations provide protection for the seabird assemblages of the offshore islands; the waders breeding and wintering on the machairs and breeding on the peatlands; breeding divers (black throated and red throated); golden eagle, and; corncrakes. The Western Isles Local Biodiversity Action Plan has been produced in two phases. In phase 1 action plans have been developed for 3 habitats and species: Native Woodlands Habitat, Saline Lagoons Habitat, and Great Yellow Bumblebee Species. Phase 2 comprises of 5 species and habitat action plans: Cereal Fields Habitat, Corn Bunting Species, Corncrake Species, Dunlin Species and Irish Lady Tresses Orchid Species. The importance of the natural environment extends beyond the land to the seas around the islands. Deep kelp forests and coral reefs have formed in the waters around St Kilda, while the coastal waters surrounding the archipelago represent rich feeding grounds and migratory routes for a huge variety of fish, shellfish and species such as killer whale, basking shark, risso dolphin and minke whale. From a European perspective, the key habitat types within the Outer Hebrides are marine, vegetated sea cliffs, machair, peatland, upland and freshwater lochs (see Table 1 below). These habitats are represented by the suite of Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) which form part of the Natura 2000 network. Additional habitats of note are offshore islands and salt marshes. Key species found in the Outer Hebrides include the grey seal, common seal, otter, Atlantic salmon, freshwater pearl mussel and slender naiad (an aquatic plant).

Table 13: Outer Hebrides Key Habitat Types

Habitat Description Outer Hebrides Context marine shallow inlets and bays Loch nam Madadh lagoons form the most extensive and underwater reefs and diverse saline lagoon system in the UK; dense kelp caves, saline lagoons and forests occur at depths of up to 35 m around St Kilda sub-tidal sandbanks vegetated steep slopes fringing hard the sea cliffs of Hirta (St Kilda) are the highest in the sea-cliffs or soft coasts supporting a UK, reaching 426m; these island have some of the most wide diversity of vegetation extensive and best examples of extreme Atlantic types maritime vegetation in Europe machair (and associated dune the islands support the largest and richest examples of communities) cultivated machair in Scotland peatland active blanket bog the Lewis Peatlands represent the second-largest expanse of blanket bog in the UK and one of the largest in Europe; the Lewis Peatlands are probably the most extremely „Atlantic‟ of all the blanket mires in Europe uplands wet / dry / alpine heath, North Harris represents Northern Atlantic wet heaths alpine grassland with Erica tetralix in the Outer Hebrides and provides examples of the most extreme oceanic forms of wet heath in the UK and possibly Europe freshwater oligotrophic; oligo- The Outer Hebrides is home to approximately 15% of lochs mesotrophic; natural the UK‟s total freshwater surface area but only eutrophic & dystrophic constitutes 1.2% of the UK‟s total land mass NB: Additional habitats of note are „offshore islands‟ and „salt marshes‟.

Looking at the ornithological interest of the area, the suite of Special Protection Areas (SPAs) that have been classified to date provides protection for the following species / groups of species: the seabird assemblages of the offshore islands; the waders breeding and wintering on the machairs; the waders breeding on the peatlands; breeding divers (both black-throated and red-throated); golden eagle and corncrake. All are found in internationally important concentrations within the Outer Hebrides. In 2002, the Comhairle and Scottish Natural Heritage commissioned the Scottish Agricultural College to undertake a biodiversity audit. The audit was compiled using existing information and is not a full account of all habitats and species found in the area (as it focuses on UK Biodiversity Action Plan priority habitats and species). This audit identified that the Outer Hebrides contained: 18 priority habitats; 14 broad habitats; 4 locally important habitats, and; 189 species (of which 60 were „priority‟, 72 were of „conservation concern‟ and 57 were „locally important). Local Habitat and Species Action Plans for the Western Isles to date are: Habitats: Native Woodlands (50-70 ha); Cereal Fields and Margins (362 ha); Saline (Coastal) Lagoons (73 lagoons; 2303 ha; 44% UK total). Species: Great Yellow Bumblebee (UK concentration); Dunlin (4267 breeding pairs; 47% UK total); Corncrake (432 calling males; 38% UK total); Irish Lady‟s Tresses Orchid (very scarce), and; Corn Bunting (estimated 117 territorial males). There are only two native land mammals in the Outer Hebrides (red deer and otter), although the rabbit, blue hare, hedgehog, brown and black rat, American mink, feral cat and polecat have been introduced by man. Three hundred and twenty seven species of birds have been recorded in the Outer Hebrides and more than 100 of these breed; including the majority of Britain‟s corncrakes (which breed on coastal croftlands). The flora of the Outer Hebrides is restricted by the geology, climate and geographical position, although in early summer, machair flowers explode in a riot of colour. Formerly covered by discontinuous scrub woodland, the islands are now devoid of natural woods except for areas inaccessible to grazing such as gullies, freshwater islets, crags and cliffs. This valuable source of biodiversity is at present reduced to approximately 50-70 hectares in total for the Outer Hebrides. The most significant mixed woodland is that around Lews Castle at Stornoway. Native woodland habitats in the Outer Hebrides which have been given National Vegetation Classifications (NVC‟s) dependent on their species composition include: W1 Salix cinerea; Galium palustre woodland; W4 Betulka pubescens – Molinia caerulea woodland; W11 Quercus petraea – Betula pubescens – Oxalis acetosella woodland; and W17 Quercus petraea – Betula pubescens – Dicranum majus woodland. Most woodland habitats consist of a mixture of the following: Aspen; Creeping Willow; Downy or White Birch; Eared Willow; Goat Willow; Grey Willow; Grey Sallow Willlow; Hazel; Holly; Juniper; Rowan or Mountain Ash. Much of the surviving woodland cover is represented by two or three trees in close proximity or stands of Aspen that spread via root suckers but are essentially one single organism. These small isolated trees or groups of trees are perhaps the most valuable sources of genetic material available in the Outer Hebrides and should be protected where possible. The Western Isles Native Woodland Restoration Survey Report was published in 2008. The survey and report production was undertaken during 2007. The survey provides baseline information for future actions and to identify key areas for protection and expansion. A list of 50 sites has been prioritised for more detailed survey. Fourteen key sites within these core areas are described in detail in the report along with recommendations for regeneration and enhancement. It is estimated that approximately two thirds of the land in the Outer Hebrides is in crofting tenure, with around 6,000 crofts spread throughout the island chain. There are many environmental benefits associated with this system of land tenure. Crofting practices have traditionally helped to maintain the unique and abundant biodiversity which exists within the Outer Hebrides.

The uninhabited offshore islands host internationally important sea-bird breeding stations for species such as puffin, gannet and fulmar. These islands are also home to over 40% of the world‟s grey seal concentration and the inlets and harbours of the Outer Hebrides host 10% of the European concentration of Scottish common seals. The importance of the environment extends beyond the land to the seas around the islands. Deep kelp forests and coral reefs have formed in the waters of St Kilda, while the coastal waters surrounding the archipelago represent rich feeding grounds and migratory routes for a huge variety of marine life such as fish including basking shark, shellfish and cetaceans e.g. killer whale, risso dolphin and minke whale. The archipelago of St Kilda is the remotest part of the British Isles, lying 41 miles (66 kilometres) west of Benbecula. Its islands, with their exceptional cliffs and sea stacs, form the most important seabird breeding station in north-west Europe. These islands are estimated to have over one million birds. Its residents include: 60,000 pairs of gannets (the largest colony in the world); 62,000 pairs of fulmars (the oldest and largest colony in Britain); 140,000 pairs of puffins (the largest colony in Britain); and two unique species (the St Kilda wren and the Soay sheep). St Kilda World Heritage site, declared under the UNESCO World Heritage Convention, is the only site in the UK to have the dual award of both cultural and natural (including marine) significance. Under the Natura 2000 network, the Scottish Government has designated the Outer Hebrides with: 13 Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) extending to 84,947ha (including one pSAC) under the provision of the „EC Habitats Directive‟ and 15 Special Protection Areas (SPA) extending to 90,475 ha under the provision of the „EC Birds Directive‟. There are 4 RAMSAR sites in the Outer Hebrides (Lewis Peatlands, Loch an Duin (N.Uist), North Uist Machair and Islands, South Uist Machair and Lochs) listed under the „International Convention on the Conservation of Wetlands of International Importance‟ extending to 71,329 ha. Loch Druidibeg in South Uist (1677 ha) is the only Biosphere reserve in the islands as designated by UNESCO under the „International Conservation Programme on Man and the Biosphere‟ (MAB). There are four National Nature Reserves (Loch Druidibeg; Monach Isles; North Rona and Sula Sgeir; St Kilda) extending to 3277 ha. Within the Outer Hebrides, 55 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (37,417 ha) have been notified by Scottish Natural Heritage for their special interests of flora, fauna, geology or geomorphologic interests. The islands are also host to 7 marine consultation areas (27,557 ha) as designated by the former Nature Conservancy Council (now SNH in Scotland). In addition to these nationally and internationally designated sites, a Local Nature Reserve was declared at Loch Stiapabhat in Lewis in 2005. This reserve was designated under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar in consultation with SNH, RSPB and local community groups. Loch Stiapabhat is renowned for attracting a great variety of migrant birds, being situated on the main flyway from and to the Arctic. No other „Lewis‟ loch has had a wider range of rarities recorded or possesses such a diversity of common wetland birds that can be so easily observed. Many other features in the landscape are of importance for the migration, dispersal and genetic exchange of plant and animal species. Existing problems (especially in designated areas) relate mainly to: the effective management of the natural heritage for nature conservation, and: protecting the sites from development pressures and changes in crofting and aquaculture practices. Specific development pressures include renewable energy developments; growth around the town of Stornoway; constrained water and waste water infrastructure; settlement expansion and infrastructure improvements. Coastal flooding and accelerated erosion due to changing climatic conditions are natural issues affecting the environment of the Outer Hebrides. The effects of the Local Development Plan on the Outer Hebrides biodiversity (of the areas most likely to be affected by it) have been considered as part of the assessment process.

Water The Outer Hebrides has a considerable freshwater resource with over 2000 lochs providing an estimated 15% of the UK's freshwater surface area, and an extensive indented coastline of fjardic sea lochs, lagoons and mudflats stretching over 2680 km. Separated from the mainland by the Minch, the Little Minch and the Sea of the Hebrides, with the North Atlantic Ocean along the western shores, the coastal waters surrounding these islands represent rich feeding grounds and migratory routes for a huge variety of marine life. As stated in the Geology section above, there is only one major aquifer in the Outer Hebrides, the Stornoway Beds and this has been classified as highly permeable. This formation is capable of yielding good quality groundwater. The ground water vulnerability map of Scotland classifies the „Lewisian‟ as weakly permeable, the „Stornoway Beds‟ as highly permeable and the „Machair Lands‟ as moderately permeable. The Outer Hebrides has a relatively high rainfall and large catchment areas, ensuring adequate supply for people, community services and industry in the area. There are 20 public drinking water supplies sourced mainly from surface water with the exception of two river extractions and one borehole and all supplies are treated to produce drinking water to national standard. 13 supplies receive full chemical treatment and serve 95% of the population. There are also 5 small membrane plants, one ultra filtration process supply and one bore hole. Water quality in coastal waters, seas and freshwater is generally high but locally there are waters polluted with effluents and other discharges from: the aquaculture industry (specifically fish farming and processing); sewage discharge and debris; other industry (such as harbour wastes/oil and yard spills) and waste water treatment plants. The Scottish Government National Planning Framework 2 seeks to promote sustainable rural development and indicates that the problems of rural peripherality are at their most acute in the Outer Hebrides. Historically several public wastewater systems in the Outer Hebrides had capacity issues and Scottish Water is seeking to address the situation on a prioritised basis across Scotland as funding becomes available. Investing in water supply and wastewater is a key Scottish Government priority, noting that the lack of capacity in water/waste infrastructure is a significant development constraint. The Comhairle is particularly keen to resolve infrastructure issues and has worked with Scottish Water to inform its future investment plans to enable development and allow for future growth priorities, as well as maintaining and enhancing the environmental quality. In recent years sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) have been adopted into large scale developments such as the Ionad Spòrs Leòdhais (infiltration device) and the Creed Park Recycling Centre and Newvalley housing development (permeable surface). In 2009, there was estimated to be 16 aquaculture production companies employing 178 fte. This resulted in the production of 22,500t Atlantic Salmon and 500t of Common Mussel. In terms of aquaculture processing, there were 5 companies employing 46 fte. Freshwater fisheries support over 260fte jobs with 7,500 visiting anglers reflecting expenditure in the sector of £5.6M (2000) The majority of coastline in the Outer Hebrides is considered to be „underdeveloped‟ except for Stornoway which is „developed‟ and the „isolated‟ stretches of: uninhabited islands; west coast Lewis to North Harris (Mealista to Husinis); Park area to Lewis (Loch Seaforth to Loch Sealg); and the east side of South Uist (Loch Sgiopoirt to Loch Boisdale). Proposals for development will be encouraged on developed coastline or within existing settlements. Estimations of „sea level change‟ commonly exhibit a high degree of short and long term variability, making the evaluation of overall trends difficult and subject to regular revisions. The SEPA Indicative River and Coastal Flood Map (Scotland) is an important strategic tool which helps to inform the Comhairle‟s planning decisions.

Soils The islands that make up the Outer Hebrides are composed almost entirely of pre-cambrian basement rocks, known collectively as Lewisian (the oldest exposed rock in Britain). Unaltered sedimentary rocks are limited to an area north and east by Stornoway and are mainly sandstones and conglomerates from Triassic times. Using the MLURI 1982 land classification map it can be ascertained that Classes 1-3 (land capable of producing a very wide to moderate range of crops) does not occur in the Outer Hebrides due to climatic constraints. There is adequate warmth and a sufficiently high potential soil moisture deficit for Class 3.2 to be attained at Stornoway and on Benbecula but exposure is so severe that the land is downgraded to Class 4 which therefore forms the best land of the area. However, crofting is the principal agricultural land use in this area and good crofting management can be relatively intensive (because of the small areas of land involved) and crop yields or crop ranges can be greater than those expected from farming. Class 4 land in the Outer Hebrides is marginal for the economic production of crops and is usually confined to types suitable for winter feeding to livestock. Year-to- year variability in the yield of crops is large with a high risk of poor weather interfering with harvests. There is a high proportion of undisturbed soils in the islands. The British Geological Society estimates that the rare sandy soil habitat of „Machair‟ accounts for 10% of land area in the Outer Hebrides while the Lewis Peatlands is one of the largest expanses of blanket bog in Europe (595 km sq of peatland in Lewis alone). The SNH Soil Erosion Map (developed by MLURI) estimates that the majority of land in the Outer Hebrides has a high to moderate risk of soil erosion in its organic soils (based on soil erosion by overland flow of water only). The Outer Hebrides currently recycles around 21% of its municipal waste. Current provision includes: a Waste Management Facility at Creed Park, near Stornoway, with processing equipment for organic waste (by Anaerobic Digestion) and a small Materials Recycling Facility for glass, plastics cans and paper and a Waste Transfer Station at Market Stance on Benbecula which compacts organic and residual waste and sorts bulky wastes before they are transported to Lewis for recycling or landfill disposal. It also has facilities to process dry recyclates, some of which are shipped directly to the mainland. There are also 54 recycling bring site facilities are located throughout the islands; one community recycling kerbside collection service operated by the voluntary sector; one kerbside recycling collection service run by the local community; and 4 household waste recycling centres. The Comhairle is currently converting the existing kerbside recycling system to an all new co- mingled service with the collection taking place on a four weekly cycle. This new service will be rolled out to all households covered by the kerbside system in addition to two trial rural routes; Around 23 operational mineral workings spread throughout the islands are identified in and safeguarded for extraction in Structure Plan policy ED8. These have been reviewed and updated in the proposed OHLDP. Land use and settlement patterns in the islands are distinctly different from Scotland in general and it is estimated that 77% of land area is in crofting tenure (approximately 6000 crofts). Crofting is intrinsic to the cultural and historical identity of the islands and its non intensive methods of farming actually promote biodiversity on fragile machair plains. Many of the designations on these lands (such as SSSIs) seek to promote the practice of crofting in order to sustain the habitat of many rare and important species. However, the total number of sheep and cattle in the islands is falling steadily as the practice of crofting diminishes.

Air and Climatic Factors Air quality in the Outer Hebrides is generally very good which is reflective of the islands low population density (9 persons per sq km), large expanses of undeveloped land and the lack of locations with significant traffic flow and congestion. There are no Air Quality Management Zones in the islands, as the presence of key pollutants in the atmosphere is relatively low and therefore National Air Quality Objectives are met. However the landfill sites at Bennadrove and Rueval have at times exceeded thresholds of Toluene and Methane emissions.

The dispersed and remote nature of settlements, infrequent public transport, adverse weather conditions and concentration of services and employment in Stornoway has led to the Outer Hebrides having above average car ownership. In 2001, there were 11,241 cars or vans in the islands with only 29% of households having no car (compared to a Scottish average of 34%). Car ownership is increasing and the islands in general have more cars per household than the Scottish average. The average distance travelled to place of work or study is 25.81km compared to a Scottish average of 12.58km and islanders are less likely to travel by bus, bike or on foot to work and more likely to travel by car. Many residents face multiple journey types to work, although the recent development of a number of strategic causeways and bridges, coupled with improvements to roads and transport services, has increased access and reduced travel times to many remote communities. However, despite these improvements, the percentage of roads in the Outer Hebrides that should be considered for maintenance treatment has increased from 36.1% in 2003/04 to 46.9% in 2009/10. A number of further transport issues persist, including: high fuel costs; single track on sections of the spinal route south of Tarbert, Harris as well as sections in Uist and Barra; over capacity car parking facilities in Stornoway and restrictions to transport services (e.g. daylight sailing). Policies encouraging renewable energy developments can help to increase the proportion of energy produced from renewable sources. The Outer Hebrides has been identified as having exceptionally high potential for generating renewable energy from wind and wave sources.

Population and Human Health In 2010, the National Records of Scotland (NRS) estimated the population of the Outer Hebrides to be 26,190. Lewis, the largest of the Islands was the most populous with around 18,557 residents, while the other five main island areas (Harris, North Uist, Benbecula, South Uist and Barra) each had populations ranging from 1,159 to 1,882. The only large „town‟ in the Outer Hebrides which can be described as having 'urban' characteristics is Stornoway, with approximately 5,530 residents. Almost 30% of the total population, nearly 8,000 people, live within the Greater Stornoway area encompassing Laxdale, Sandwick and Newmarket. The remaining population is scattered over 280 small townships spread throughout 11 inhabited island. The long term demographic trend is one of an ageing and declining population. Within the period of the two last censuses (1991-2001), the Outer Hebrides lost 10.5% of its population; the greatest decline of any local authority area in Scotland. Looking back further, the population can be seen to have declined by 43% over the last century (1901-2001). Demographic imbalance is a persistent concern for service providers in the Isles, affecting the future provision of education, housing and social care services. Future projections from NRS estimate that the islands are set to see a further decline of 4.1% over the next twenty five years to 25,136 residents in 2033. The 2008 projections predict a less severe decline in the population of the Outer Hebrides than was previously forecast in 2002 (-17%) and 2004 (-15%) and 2006 (-5.5%). The Outer Hebrides Migration Study, which was completed in February 2007, identified a number of further trends, including: a widening gender imbalance as more young women leave compared to men and fewer return; a shift in population towards larger settlements particularly Stornoway; a school roll which is declining faster than the population as a whole; more short stay or commuters moving to the islands; an increase in employers looking to employ overseas economic migrants; and an upturn in people choosing to live in the Outer Hebrides for quality of life reasons. The birth rate in the Outer Hebrides is generally one of the lowest in Scotland while the death rate is consistently the highest. The Outer Hebrides is projected to see a 23% decline in the number of annual births from 261 in 2008/09 to 201 in 2032/33; an improvement on previous 2006 based projections of -38%. Contrary to previous projections, the Outer Hebrides, on the whole, has experienced positive net migration in recent years (more people moving here than leaving), thus the anticipated population decline is due to more deaths than births (negative natural change), the result of a skewed age profile. Life expectancy for males is well below the national average at 73.5 years (2007-2009), a ranking of 29 out of all 32 Scottish areas, while for females it is much higher at

82 years (2007-2009), a ranking of 3. Life expectancy at birth has improved over the last ten years, but Scotland still has one of the lowest life expectancy rates in Western Europe. In 2010, the Outer Hebrides had the highest percentage of vacant homes (6.4%) and second highest percentage of holiday homes (6.9%). The Scottish House Condition Survey for 2007-09 showed that the Outer Hebrides has the highest level of fuel poverty of all the Local Authorities at 58%. In Scotland the figure is 28%. Approximately 40% of social rented accommodation in the islands does not comply with Scottish Housing Quality Standards, and approximately 10% of all occupied private sector dwellings are BTS (below tolerable standards). There were 43 Housing Association Development Completions in 2009/10 and projected figure of 43 in 2009/2010. In the private housing sector there were 72 new starts and 107 completions in 2009, a lot less than in the previous year. Although the population is projected to decline long term, decreasing household size will mean that the number of actual „households‟ in the islands is projected to increase in the near future, with a projection of 13,400 households in 2033. Escalating property prices, a unique land tenure system, a legacy of empty and second houses and increasing demand for housing within key areas (such as Stornoway and the surround) has lead to the high number of applications on the social housing waiting list. There were 594 people on the Hebridean Housing Partnership 1st waiting list and 162 on the transfer list (as at December 2010). The Outer Hebrides is part of the Gaelic heartland and has a rich and diverse Hebridean culture with more Gaelic speakers than any other local authority area in Scotland (in 2001, 72% of the population had some Gaelic language ability compared to only 1.9% for Scotland). The Outer Hebrides has one of the lowest crime rates in Scotland at 245 per 10,000 of the population in 2009/10, compared to a Scottish average of 651 per 10,000. Accompanying a reduction in crime was a detection rate of 71% across Group 1-5 crimes in comparison to the Scottish average of 49%. In 1997/98 Comhairle nan Eilean Siar recorded a peak of 26 noise complaints, falling to zero complaints from 2004-2006. A total of 3 complaints were received in 2009/10. Much of the economic and social activity is generated from within the islands but it relies heavily on connections with the mainland for essential supplies and the export of goods. In 2003, Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) was estimated to be £263.02m (66% of the UK equivalent) with an external trade deficit of £163.4m; island households were estimated to spend £100.1m alone on imported goods that year. A declining and ageing population can affect „health‟ in a number of ways particularly influencing the need for major investment in public service infrastructure, such as: public water supplies; waste water treatment works; waste management facilities; safer roads; better transport links between the islands and along the „spinal route‟, and; community facilities such as health care and education availability within the islands. The adopted Outer Hebrides Core Paths Plan provides the public with a system of paths which is sufficient for the purpose of giving reasonable access throughout the Outer Hebrides. The Core Path Network is just that – it provides a basic framework of routes sufficient for the purpose of “giving the public reasonable access throughout their area”. These routes will link into, and support, wider networks of other paths. These paths provide benefits for both local residents and visitors in terms of promoting access for health; encouraging responsible access to historical, archaeological and natural heritage sites; and economic benefits in terms of the advantages to sustainable tourism development. In Stornoway, Lews Castle Grounds are unique in the Outer Hebrides in that they provide access to a „parkland‟ environment in which trees are a significant feature. The grounds are an important resource and are managed by the Stornoway Trust. According to the 2003 Scottish Health Survey, the Outer Hebrides has the lowest percentage of residents in Scotland achieving recommended levels of physical exercise at 28%. Although the area has outstanding natural environment, human health can be adversely affected by rural

poverty, caused by a range of factors including lack of affordable housing, long term unemployment, isolation from main service centres and difficulties in travelling to a range of health and educational facilities. Rural poverty also exacerbates the effects of inequality and social exclusion which have implications for human health.

Material Assets and Cultural Heritage Designations . Conservation Areas - Stornoway and Gearrannan in Lewis; Ruisgarry, Berneray in North Uist; Howmore in South Uist; (Local Development Plan context map) . 465 Scheduled Ancient Monuments - (individual entities; 213 actual legal entities but some designations cover multiple monuments); http://www.cne-siar.gov.uk/archaeology . 274 Listed Buildings* - http://data.historic-scotland.gov.uk/pls/htmldb/f?p=2000:10:0 *some buildings have multiple listings e.g gatepiers The Outer Hebrides has an exceptional cultural heritage of archaeological sites and features many buildings and areas of outstanding architectural and amenity value. There are four designated Conservation Areas in the islands, (Stornoway, Lewis; Ruisgarry, North Uist; Howmore, South Uist, and; Gearrannan, Lewis). Approval for a Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) for Stornoway has been secured through Heritage Lottery Fund and Historic Scotland funding. The £2.2m project is focussed on an area of the town centre/Lews Castle grounds which is part of the Conservation Area. In addition to building repairs grant scheme and public realm projects, the programme includes the Town Hall (critical) project which will see it brought back into full use. There is one nationally important „Historic Garden and Designated Landscape‟ on the inventory compiled by Historic Scotland and Scottish Natural Heritage and this is the Lews Castle Grounds by Stornoway. There are 274 listed buildings scattered throughout the islands, approximately 20% of which are classified „at risk‟ and are largely composed of dilapidated croft/thatch houses and historic estate/operational buildings. Some buildings have multiple listings e.g. gatepiers. Listed Buildings in the Outer Hebrides are made up of: Islands Category A Category B Category C Total Lewis 6 88 42 136 Harris 3 27 14 44 Barra 2 4 6 12 North Uist 4 21 8 33 South Uist 4 34 11 49 Totals 19 174 81 274

There is a vast resource of archaeological and other historic monuments found throughout the Outer Hebrides. Over 13,000 sites are recorded on the Sites and Monuments Record, including amongst others: standing stones; brochs; wheelhouses; coastal fortifications; castles; churches; chambered burial cairns and long houses. There are 213 Scheduled Ancient Monuments (SAMs) within the islands, covering 465 single monuments (a Scheduled Ancient Monument may consist of two or more identifiable monuments covered by the one designation). Evidence of archaeological remains stretching back as far as the Mesolithic period (c.7000bc) can be found within the Outer Hebrides (inc. Neolithic, Bronze, Iron, Viking, Medieval, post Medieval). As much of the land area of the Outer Hebrides is undeveloped and has not been surveyed, the potential for archaeological interest in these areas remains significant. This includes large areas below high tide mark where rising sea levels throughout pre-history have concealed large amounts of settlement evidence; in addition to the multitude of known coastal shipwrecks. The relatively high proportion of Scheduled Ancient Monuments (SAMs) reflects the islands‟ historical importance in Scotland.

Crofting communities are generally dispersed and remote from large settlements / services and there is a fairly strong network of arts, cultural and community facilities to support them. The Local Development Plan supports the development of community facilities which in turn help to support the population of these communities. The Local Development Plan will seek to protect all material heritage and cultural assets. If it was not implemented, it is likely that local, regional and potentially national and international important archaeological resources would remain unknown and unvisited.

Landscape Designations . 3 National Scenic Area - covering over one-third of the Outer Hebrides land area; South Lewis, Harris and North Uist; South Uist Machair; St Kilda (119454 ha in total); (diagram 4) . 1 Designed Landscape & Historic Garden - (Lews Castle Grounds, Stornoway); The landscape of the Outer Hebrides is a product of the interaction of humanity and the natural environment over the 8,000 years of human occupation in the islands. Little sign is now left of the original woodland cover of the islands, and the open boggy moor, which now characterises large areas, is the product of systematic clearance and grazing during past millennia. The Landscape Character Assessment of the Western Isles (J.Richards, SNH, 1998) identifies 11 major landscape character types within the Islands, including some that are rare in Scotland or particularly unique and distinctive to the Outer Hebrides. Peat bog is the most common habitat in the islands, forming characteristic smooth blanket bogs studded with numerous water bodies. At higher altitudes, the peatlands give way to montane areas which support a limited range of plants and animal species. On the western windblown coasts lies the flat and fertile coastal plains known as „machair‟ - the machair habitat of the Outer Hebrides is considered „rare‟ in terms of the bird and plant life it sustains. The traditional grazing and low intensity cropping of the machair areas creates a mosaic of habitats, ranging from distinctive patterns of cropped and fallow land on the drier machair, to wet meadows on the edge of the lochs. One habitat that is notable for its near absence is native woodland, although the island did at one time have a discontinuous native tree cover (although there was probably never the extensive tree cover that existed on the Scottish mainland). The Outer Hebrides also includes areas of wild land character (e.g. remoter mountain areas). The landscapes of the Outer Hebrides taken together are uniquely „Hebridean‟ and help to give this area and its community, a sense of place and identity. There are three designated National Scenic Areas in the islands, comprising of South Lewis, Harris and North Uist NSA; South Uist Machair NSA and St Kilda NSA (diagram 3). NSAs are Scotland‟s only national landscape designation. The designated areas have been selected for their special qualities of landscape and scenery. The islands have one designated Historic Designed Landscape in the Lews Castle Grounds as classified by Historic Scotland and SNH. The coastline of the Outer Hebrides stretches 2687 km at the high water mark and has an impressive and dramatic range of coastal landscapes, such as machair plains, inter-tidal mud and sand flats, saline lagoons, fjordic sea lochs, cliffs and sea stacs. For planning purposes it is identified as developed, underdeveloped or isolated. It is estimated that over two thirds of the Outer Hebrides is in crofting tenure (approximately over 6,000 crofts). Crofting townships traditionally form linear settlement patterns of long narrow strips of land called „crofts‟, where low intensity farming is practiced and sheep / cattle may be grazed. As an agricultural activity, crofting is in decline. Pressure for housing and a buoyant housing market have meant that an increasing number of sites have been de-crofted for housing in the last few years. The total number of part croft de-crofting has trebled in the period from 2004 – 2007/08.

Inter-relationship between these factors The Outer Hebrides has a unique and distinctive environment where a complex and variable inter- relationship between environmental factors (as described above) exists. Sparse but distinctive settlement patterns intersperse large areas of undeveloped land (e.g. upland, moorland and coastal machair plains) which in turn are shaped by the varied coastal geomorphology and inland freshwater resources. There is a long history of human settlement in the islands and many archaeological features of the past (although relatively under-exploited) are still visible in the landscape today. Population decline threatens the sustainability of remote communities, as numbers fall and services become untenable. In turn, a reduction in the use of traditional methods of working the land threatens fragile habitats that, in part, support the unique biodiversity of the area. In contrast, there is pressure on land for development (particularly for housing) in the service, employment and retail centre of Stornoway. Pressures to sustain a falling population, diversify the economy and protect the natural environment ensure a balance is continually sought between the differing objectives.