COMMISSIONED REPORT

Commissioned Report No. 120

New housing, settlement expansion and the natural heritage

(ROAME No. F04AA501)

For further information on this report please contact:

Alan Fay or Richard Ferguson Scottish Natural Heritage Scottish Natural Heritage 17 Rubislaw Terrace Battleby ABERDEEN Redgorton AB10 1XE PERTH PH1 3EW [email protected] [email protected] Telephone: 01224 642863 Telephone: 01738 444177

This report should be quoted as:

Land Use Consultants (2005). New housing, settlement expansion and the natural heritage. Scottish Natural Heritage Commissioned Report No. 120 (ROAME No. F04AA501).

This report, or any part of it, should not be reproduced without the permission of Scottish Natural Heritage. This permission will not be withheld unreasonably. The views expressed by the author(s) of this report should not be taken as the views and policies of Scottish Natural Heritage.

© Scottish Natural Heritage 2006.

COMMISSIONED REPORT Summary

New housing, settlement expansion and the natural heritage

Commissioned Report No. 120 (ROAME No. F04AA501) Contractor: Land Use Consultants Year of publication: 2006

Background

Housing developments can have positive and negative impacts on natural heritage interests. This report provides a review of the current debate about sustainable housing patterns and their implications for the natural heritage, and presents guidance on how to work with the planning system to secure positive outcomes for the natural heritage of Scotland.

Main findings l The planning system provides an effective framework to influence land use planning and manage the location and quality of new housing developments through planning policies and strategies. l Historically, planning policies considered the natural heritage as a constraint to development, so opportunities to enhance local environments and overcome problems of fragmentation and isolation of valuable environmental resources have been missed. l Current policy practice has recognised the value of the wider natural environment, but opportunities for achieving better integration of residential developments with the landscape, achieving biodiversity gains and improving sustainable access and open space provision have not always been maximised. l Sustainable housing requires a more integrated approach to development and the natural environment. This needs to take account of: landscape character; opportunities to protect and enhance biodiversity; and provision for open space, access and recreation. l It is important that these principles should be reflected in development plan policies. Supplementary planning guidance will also help to secure the implementation of sustainable housing development.

For further information on this project contact: Alan Fay, Scottish Natural Heritage, 17 Rubislaw Terrace, Aberdeen AB10 1XE. Tel: 01224 642863 or Richard Ferguson, Scottish Natural Heritage, Battleby, Redgorton, Perth PH1 3EW. Tel: 01738 444177

For further information on the SNH Research & Technical Support Programme contact: The Advisory Services Co-ordination Group, Scottish Natural Heritage, 2 Anderson Place, Edinburgh EH6 5NP. Tel: 0131–446 2400 or [email protected]

Scottish Natural Heritage Commissioned Report No. 120 (ROAME No. F04AA501)

CONTENTS

1. Introduction 1

2. Planning Policy and Processes and New Housing Developments 5 Planning policy Landscape policies Biodiversity policies Access and recreation policies Proposed changes to the Scottish Planning System Development plans Strategic environmental assessment Supplementary planning guidance and masterplans Development control Implementation

3. Principles for New Housing Developments and Guidance 33 Landscape Biodiversity Access and recreation

4. Types of New Housing Development and Guidance 53 Brownfield housing Peripheral housing Planned settlement expansion New settlements Small settlement expansion Housing in the countryside Urban design and new housing

5. Conclusion 75

TABLES Table 4.1 Urban design and natural heritage 73

FIGURES Figure 2.1 Structure plan process and consultation opportunities 11 Figure 2.2 Local plan process and consultation opportunities 14 Figure 3.1 Key stages of landscape character assessment 37 Figure 3.2 Landscape sensitivity assessment 38 Figure 3.3 Landscape capacity assessment 38 Figure 5.1 Summary of central lessons 76

APPENDICES Appendix 1 Key stakeholder consultees 79

Scottish Natural Heritage Commissioned Report No. 120 (ROAME No. F04AA501)

1. INTRODUCTION

This guidance should be used by SNH staff when working with local authorities and developers, to successfully target natural heritage issues associated with housing developments.

This report provides a review of the current difficult to secure protection and enhancement debate about sustainable housing patterns and in light of the range of considerations that affect the implications for natural heritage and presents decisions to locate and develop new housing guidance on how to work with the planning schemes, such as infrastructure and access to system to secure positive outcomes for the natural services considerations. heritage of Scotland. The development planning system provides The guidance is designed for use by SNH area an effective framework to influence land use officers and presents the key principles for planning and manage the location of new natural heritage in the context of new housing housing developments through development plan developments and when and how to get policies, including the protection of European, involved with local planning authorities to secure nationally and internationally important sites and beneficial outcomes for natural heritage. the protection and enhancement of other features of natural heritage value. Throughout the guidance, examples of best practice are set out to illustrate the types of New housing and settlement developments can solutions available. make positive contributions to natural heritage, and to national objectives for sustainable New housing and settlement expansion development and economic prosperity. It is important however, to secure protection of not Despite a falling population, the changing nature only designated sites, but the overall natural of household type in Scotland continues to place environment, through the provision of informed considerable pressure on existing settlements to planning policy and by the implementation of expand in order to secure an adequate supply of informed development control decisions. affordable homes. In the SNH Natural Heritage Futures Settlements Prospectus, concerns are Developing sustainably in the broadest raised in relation to the effects of urban sprawl, in sense means achieving development to meet particular affecting the Country’s six designated present needs whilst securing the ability of green belts and creating pressure on towns within future generations to meet their own (World commuting distance of the main employment Commission on Environment and Development centres. The prospectus identifies a number of 1987). It is often the case that when developing trends in settlement patterns, including: strategic policies and identifying sustainable • higher density housing developments; locations for new housing expansion, there is • settlement consolidation through the re-use of a tendency to focus on sustainable economies, brownfield land; transport and building design, overlooking the • expansion onto greenfield sites; important role and value of natural heritage. • settlement amalgamation; While designated areas are protected, indeed • growth of smaller rural or suburban isolated, for the most part from these types settlements particularly within commuting of development, opportunities for protection, distance of urban areas; and restoration and enhancement of non-designated, • more houses in the countryside. yet important natural heritage features can be missed, to the detriment of the scheme and the The pressures for growth and expansion can, and environment. do, impact on the natural heritage and it can be

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Residential development should therefore aim to Guideline 5: Shared benefits - decisions about achieve a holistic approach taking into account development need to look for a more equitable sustainable: distribution of costs and benefits (material and non material). • economies; • transport; SNH Policy Statement No 02/01 • energy; • communities; • landscapes; • biodiversity; and • access and recreation. Study objectives

Specifically in natural heritage terms, sustainable This study’s objectives are to: approaches to residential development • review appropriate literature to summarise should be well informed, establishing baseline the current debate on sustainable housing understanding of the natural environment. This patterns, with a particular emphasis on their will help to establish what action to take and why, environmental/natural heritage implications; namely to: • review a selection of recent development plans • protect; and housing capacity studies to identify a • restore; and or range of spatial housing strategies being taken • enhance. forward in Scotland; • identify the implications and opportunities for the natural heritage of these different Additional Guidance: Sustainable approaches, identifying the positives and Development and the Natural Heritage negatives of each; and SNH considers that all social, cultural and • provide a framework for guidance which SNH economic activities need to take place within staff would use in considering the implications agreed environmental constraints, and due of development plans’ proposals, masterplans weight needs to be given to the long-term for housing developments, housing capacity stewardship of the environment. It also studies and other strategic documents. recognises the importance of creating and maintaining high quality natural environments for Methodology economic development and quality of life. SNH has established five guidelines for sustainable This study has been divided into two stages, the development as it relates to the natural heritage. first identified and reviewed relevant literature, current development plans, recent and current Guideline 1: Sustainable Use - non-renewable housing capacity studies and identified the resources should be used wisely and sparingly, at a rate that does not restrict the options for future implications (positive and negative) for the generations. natural heritage associated with different housing strategies. It was also informed by key Guideline 2: Carrying capacity - renewable stakeholder consultation with representatives from resources should be used within the limits of their area offices of SNH and also from a number of capacity for regeneration. other relevant key stakeholder organisations (see Appendix 1). Guideline 3: Environmental Quality - the quality of the natural heritage as a whole should be The second stage of the study has drawn on maintained and improved this baseline information to develop practical Guideline 4: The Precautionary Principle - in guidelines to assist SNH staff, working with local situations of great complexity or uncertainty the authorities and developers, to successfully target precautionary principle should be applied. natural heritage issues associated with housing developments.

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3 Scottish Natural Heritage Commissioned Report No. 120 (ROAME No. F04AA501)

1 INTRODUCTION

2 PLANNING POLICY AND PROCESSES > Landscape AND NEW HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS Biodiversity Access and recreation Structure plans Local plans Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Supplementary Planning Guidance Masterplans Development control Implementation

3 PRINCIPLES > Landscape • Issues and impacts •Principles and action •Landscape character assessment •Townscape character assessment •Landscape sensitivity •Landscape capacity •Landscape guidelines • Benefits for housing development •Types of landscape opportunities Biodiversity • Issues and impacts •Principles and action • Baseline conditions • Constraints mapping • Implementation • Site management plans • Benefits for housing development •Types of ecological opportunities Access and recreation • Issues and impacts •Principles and action • Baseline conditions • Needs and desires •Potential connections • Benefits for housing development •Types of access opportunities

4 TYPES OF HOUSING DEVELOPMENT > Brownfield housing Peripheral housing Planned settlement expansion New settlements Small settlement expansion Housing in the countryside

5 CONCLUSIONS

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2. PLANNING POLICY AND PROCESSES AND NEW HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS

Planning policy What this means is that where a developer can demonstrate that a proposal complies with The Scottish planning system aims to promote the local planning policy and or with the relevant right type of sustainable development in the right material considerations, e.g. national policy and place and SPP1, The Planning System (Scottish supplementary planning guidance, the proposal Executive 2002) notes that the primary objectives can be granted planning permission, subject to are: the approval of local council members. • to set the land use framework for promoting sustainable economic If natural heritage objectives are not written development; into planning policy and do not reflect national • to encourage and support regeneration; policy, it becomes very difficult to secure genuine and benefits for the natural heritage. In order to • to maintain and enhance the quality of the support your proposals and recommendations natural heritage and built environment. therefore, always use national policy as a reference when commenting on development National Planning policies recognise the plan policies, supplementary planning guidance role of the environment in helping to achieve and planning applications. this. However, a review of Scottish structure plan policies carried out to inform this study Landscape policies concluded that in many cases, policies for the natural environment can tend to focus on the role SPP1 The Planning System (Scottish Executive of the environment in terms of creating attractive 2002) states that design is a material locations, attracting tourists and supporting consideration in the determination of a planning agriculture and do not fully recognise the wider application and the Policy Statement for Scotland value and importance of the Country’s natural Designing Places, (Scottish Executive 2001) heritage. stresses the importance the Scottish Executive places on good design. Nonetheless, national planning policies provide considerable scope to support natural SPP3 Planning for Housing (Scottish Executive heritage and the potential for contributing to 2003 c) states that: achieving policy objectives across Scotland through the development plan structure. This ‘….housing is the largest single urban land section provides an overview of these relevant use [and that] it is a key factor in defining the policies and should be used to support any character of our cities, towns and villages. representations made to local planning Achieving quality is therefore important.’ authorities in relation to development plan policies and development proposals and when The policy document highlights the importance negotiating with developers. of respecting the settings of existing towns and villages and of creating quality residential Remember: “in making any determination (of a environments. It also notes the contribution ! planning application) under the planning Acts, landscape design can make to environmental regard is to be had to the development plan, the quality and identifies the role of planning determination shall be made in accordance with authorities in maintaining the effectiveness of the plan unless material considerations indicate existing greenbelts, and the need to review green otherwise”.Section 25 of the Town and Country belt boundaries as part of long-term sustainable Planning (Scotland) Act 1997. settlement strategies.

Effectively integrating landscape considerations into the planning system is supported in order to help inform the delivery of the housing land

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and achieve ‘quality residential environments’, SPP 15 Rural Development (Scottish Executive guiding ‘development to the right place’. The 2005 c) supports the continued growth of small policy advocates a proactive approach to scale rural housing, advocating clusters and planning for residential areas supporting the groups and notes at paragraph 21 that fit and integration of the aspects of strategic locational design are important planning considerations. guidance and detailed site design. PAN 44 Fitting New Housing into the Landscape In particular the following issues summarised (Scottish Office 1994) sets out advice on the from SPP3 (Scottish Executive 2003 c) should shape, layout and form of the development be developed from a sound understanding of and its impact on the surrounding area. Well existing landscape and visual character: designed schemes should respect both the local • Design, Layout and Architecture: environment and the landscape setting. consideration needs to be given to the environmental impact of housing, with the PAN 72 Housing in the Countryside (Scottish overall design of development being fully Executive 2005) supersedes PAN 36 and places addressed. In addition Planning Authorities a very clear emphasis on the importance of should take a proactive approach to design and quality, taking a lead for the Scottish providing design guidance to inform Executive’s policy statement Designing Places. developers. Policies in the development The PAN sets out key design principles for plan should …make clear where local promoting rural housing that “respects Scottish distinctiveness is to be maintained, and landscapes and buildings traditions”. The PAN where there are opportunities for more recognises the opportunities for conversion, innovative architectural approaches. rehabilitation, small scale infilling, new groups of • Energy Efficient Housing: in the preparation dwellings and notes that single houses need to of a design brief appropriate for larger be planned to sensitively reflect their locality. schemes, energy efficiency is an important part of good design, for example, through Guidance is set out for achieving the right siting and orientation. locations and the right designs looking at • Form of Development: highlights that landscape, layout and access and scale, material priority has been given to car travel with and details. Overall, the advice note sets out housing layout dominated by roads and key messages to secure appropriate scale of car parks, at the expense of pedestrian, development in rural areas, the need for clear disabled and cycle access. Good layout policy frameworks and the need to ensure that design should seek to incorporate safe new housing contributes to ‘enhancing’ local streets and a welcoming environment, areas, making a positive contribution to them. where roads standards should serve as a guide and starting point, but should not PAN 73 Rural Diversification (Scottish Executive dominate the layout. 2005 b) aims to support diversification in rural • Landscape and Open Space: highlights that areas and recognises the role that new housing landscape should be integrated early into plays in economic regeneration in rural areas. the design development of the layout. To It is noted that in some locations new housing attain a high standard of landscape design, may be appropriate to complement business existing mature trees, natural features, proposals, however rural housing should not be areas of open space should be respected seen as a form of rural diversification in itself. as part of the layout development. Where such housing is proposed it should still be • Density: good design can be used to located in sustainable locations. ensure the efficient use of land, by achieving densities of development Circular 24/1985 Green Belts, states that appropriate to particular locations and green belts should maintain identity of towns by sites, without overcrowding congestion or establishing a clear definition of their physical loss of residential amenity.

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boundaries and preventing coalescence, and Housing developments are noted to have the maintain the landscape setting of towns. This potential to enhance a site’s wildlife value circular is set to change under the emerging new through retention, creation or management of policy guidance from the Scottish Executive. natural features and wildlife habitats and well- designed sustainable urban drainage systems Biodiversity policies (SUDS) can also add to the natural heritage interest of a housing development, as well as its NPPG14 for Natural Heritage (Scottish Office amenity and character. 1998 a) sets out the role of the planning system in ensuring that land requirements for housing Access and recreation policies and other development activities are met in ways that do not erode environmental capital, NPPG11 for Sport, Physical Recreation and while acknowledging that development and the Open Space (Scottish Office 1996) encompasses natural heritage are not incompatible. The policy all the land use implications of sport and document describes the role of the planning physical recreation, taking account of the need system in safeguarding sites of national and to maintain the quality of the environment and international importance and identifies that noting that the provision of opportunities for sport planning authorities should seek to prevent and recreation near to residential areas has an further fragmentation or isolation of habitats. important role to play in achieving sustainable development. Furthermore, NPPG14 advises planning authorities to identify opportunities to restore The policy document also outlines the habitat links that have been broken and requirement that councils, under the Countryside importantly notes the contribution made by (Scotland) Act 1967, “assert, protect and keep non-designated sites to environmental quality, open and free from obstruction or encroachment of value for attracting investment and providing any public right of way...”(Section 46). important links between the designated sites. Research is currently underway at the Scottish The recent Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act Executive into minimum standards for open space 2004 provides a considerable backing to NPPG and this will be used to inform a review of this 14, stating that all public bodies operating in policy guidance. The review is due to start late in Scotland are obliged to further the conservation 2005 and will involve a consultation opportunity of biodiversity, and to take due consideration to influence policy at a national level. of the recently launched Scottish Biodiversity Strategy (Scottish Executive 2004). NPPG14 Natural Heritage (Scottish Office 1998 a) notes that good provision for open air SPP3 Planning for Housing notes that: recreation and access to the natural heritage are important, alongside the role of open space in “the environmental impact of housing needs and around cities. to be given much greater importance, from land allocation through to the preparation of NPPG17 Planning and Transport (Scottish development briefs and design statements for Executive 1999) sets out policy for more planning applications (para. 10); sustainable transport options to support, amongst others, the natural environment. The overarching The policy document also sets out that new aim of the guidance is to promote development developments should respect and where in sustainable locations, i.e. those accessible by appropriate enhance existing vegetation and all modes of transport, and to encourage walking other natural features and mature trees should and cycling. be retained wherever possible. Also, replanting should be undertaken where development Pedestrians should be given priority over other involves their loss.

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modes to make movement on foot as convenient According to the principles set out in SNH and as safe as practicable, while safe cycling policy documents in relation to housing networks are a priority. In terms of housing therefore, emphasis should be on identifying developments, planning authorities are also opportunities and securing the best design of advised to seek opportunities to help redress the housing, understanding of natural heritage, impact of traffic on the environment. providing open space and promoting community involvement. In doing this, the strategic PAN 65 Planning for Open Space (Scottish approach is recommended, influencing statutory Executive 2003 b) notes that open spaces should plans and strategies and supporting baseline be well located, designed and managed and that studies. they should be adaptable and multi-functional, contributing to flood control and environmental This section provides a general introduction to education. the planning policy process, securing planning permission and developing new housing in Planning processes Scotland and provides an overview of the role of SNH and its area offices in relation to new SNH area officers will tend to get involved in housing developments, from the strategic to the influencing particular housing proposals only site specific scale. where there is a natural heritage designation at risk of impact. For this reason, how policies for Additional Guidance: natural heritage and housing are established SNH and the Town and Country Planning locally is key to achieving sustainable new System. settlements. Nonetheless, opportunities to influence housing proposals do exist at all stages This SNH policy statement notes that natural of the process and it is a matter of how issues are heritage may be found everywhere and that it identified and prioritised and how well an area is not confined to designated areas, or to the office works with the local planning authority. special, the vulnerable or the rare. SNH expects the planning system to contribute to the care, Additional Guidance: understanding, enjoyment and sustainable use of Natural Heritage in and Around the natural heritage. This includes: Settlements, A Framework for Action. • protecting special natural heritage areas from developments which may significantly This document describes SNH’s overall aims for damage them; the natural heritage in and around settlements. • contributing to a more environmentally It sets out a policy framework for pursuing the sustainable approach to management and organisation’s goals, based on four themes. maintenance of natural processes and Each theme is elaborated in terms of a range ecological systems and biodiversity; of specific activities, between them relevant to a • ensuring that the location, siting, scale and host of existing and potential partners. design of all new development respects and • Theme 1 looks at securing good quality where possible enhances the natural beauty design that promotes the protection and and amenity of an area and the essential conservation of the natural heritage, and character of its landscape; and understanding what is there; • enriching people’s lives by providing them • Theme 2 considers access and open space; with opportunities to enjoy the natural • Theme 3 focuses on involvement, heritage, both close to where they live and understanding and education; and work and throughout the whole countryside. • Theme 4 focuses on the involvement of the community in the natural heritage. SNH policy is not to try to prevent change to SNH (1995) the natural heritage, but rather to avert the most significant adverse impacts and maximise

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any benefits. SNH will also be receptive to the authority areas and an additional four City opportunities that development can bring to care Region Plans for the cities of Glasgow, for and enhance the natural heritage. Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Dundee which will be simplified strategic planning documents. This The policy statement provides clarification will ultimately mean that local development with regard to how SNH should work with the plans will not be a detailed as the current local planning system, setting out statutory obligations, plans and planning authorities will need to for example where a development proposal use supplementary planning guidance more will affect a site designation and or where an frequently. National Parks will produce National issue will affect the natural heritage of Scotland. Park Plans that will provide the strategic context However the policy statement also notes that it is for the development plan. necessary to prioritise how the organisation gets Full details of the changes to the Scottish involved with the planning process and provides Planning system, based on the Review of Strategic an outline of protocols to help improve the Planning 2001, can be found at the Scottish effectiveness of working with planning authorities Executive Development Department website, in order to effectively manage casework. under the heading ‘Modernising Planning’: The organisation therefore prioritises certain roles http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Planning-Building/Planning over others as follows: Despite these changes, the following • advising local authorities on the content of development plan will remain of relevance. development plans; • contributing to other relevant statutory Development plans plans and strategies; • working in partnership to undertake Currently in Scotland the statutory development systematic assessments of natural plan is made up of structure plans and local heritage resources and to apply strategic plans, the function of which are to guide the environmental appraisal methodologies. future development of an area in a sustainable SNH Policy Statement No 02/05 manner. This system provides SNH with the opportunity to influence planning policy across Proposed changes to the Scottish Scotland. Scottish Planning Policy 1, the planning system Planning System (Scottish Executive 2002), notes that: It is important to be aware that the current system of development plans is undergoing change, “policies should make connections to related moving away from the two tier structure plan and projects and programmes which impact on local plan model towards a single development land and the environment, such as … Local plan system. Biodiversity Action Plans and access and regeneration strategies”. With the arrival of devolution, the Scottish Executive has been working towards overhauling NPPG 14 (Scottish Office 1998 a) notes that the entire planning system in Scotland, including the role of development plans in conserving and the framework for development plans. There enhancing the natural heritage and safeguarding is now a National Planning Framework and areas of natural heritage value is key in ensuring National Planning Guidance is being replaced environmental concerns are adequately by Scottish Planning Policy. Furthermore, the addressed through modifying the development Scottish Executive is working towards producing a proposal or attaching appropriate planning new planning act. conditions.

These changes will see the introduction of a development plan structure with single Local Development Plans for all local planning

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Additional Guidance: SNH Local Authorities Handbook, Issue 04, 2001.

This provides a detailed guide to the planning system, including development plans. The Handbook sets out the purpose of plans and explains their role in terms of influencing development and in determining planning applications. It identifies the relevant connections to natural heritage and provides a useful explanation of what natural heritage issues can and should be covered by structure and local plans, from national and international designations to important landscapes, areas of regional importance for their wildlife character, to the conservation and enhancement of biodiversity outwith designated areas and the identification of appropriate strategic opportunities for promoting enjoyment and understanding of the natural heritage.

Most significantly, the Handbook provides advice on procedures and content of structure plans and local plans, and sets out how SNH should work, through consultation, to achieve positive outcomes for natural heritage. In particular it notes that SNH should try to influence policies and proposals, issues and options, and recommends best procedures, including recommendations to meet with the planning authority to establish a working relationship.

SNH is in a strong position to encourage planning authorities to pursue and strengthen planning policies, through consultation, in order to achieve net gains for natural heritage through all development types, including residential. This represents a key part of planning process, and can have a knock-on impact at other stages in planning, including the content of supplementary planning guidance, master plans and ultimately development proposals.

It has been found, through SNH area office consultation, that good working relationships with councils can help ensure that SNH are involved at the scoping stage of the development plan preparation process and before the statutory consultation stage begins, helping to extend the opportunities for positive outcomes for natural heritage.

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Figure 2.1 Structure plan process and consultation opportunities

It is recommended that SNH area offices work to secure ongoing dialogue with planning authorities at a strategic level

Stage SNH Opportunity

Announcement of intention to prepare a Plan

Issues Paper Invitation to present views and > opinions to define issues and available policy options

Consultative Draft Plan Statutory Consultee - can make 4 week consultation > recommendations and objections

Finalised Plan to the Scottish Ministers

Deposit Plan – for the first 6 weeks Opportunity to Object with the Scottish Ministers >

Local Plan Inquiry Before approving the Scottish Minister SNH can make representations at such can choose to hold an EIP if more > an enquiry (Local Plan Inquiry) information required)

Plan approval

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Structure plans and housing land Structure plan guidance

SPP3 Planning for Housing (Scottish Executive Landscape: An overview of the National Scenic 2003 c) states that “development plans are Areas and local planning authority landscape the vehicle for assessing future housing land character will help to inform strategic decisions requirements”, to facilitate the sustainable about the location and scale of development that development of new ‘quality’ dwellings in a could be accommodated in different parts of the manner that provides for certainty to communities area without significant impacts on landscape and house builders. In order to set the context character. for local plans, Structure Plans need to indicate priorities for the location of major new investment Aim: to ensure that policies for areas of search by the public and private sectors, including for housing land take account of the landscape ‘green field’ housing development (McAllister, and that the relevant strategic landscape policies A. McMaster, R. Second Edition 1999). The are made applicable to housing developments. structure plan will not identify specific sites but sets out a framework that should be taken To achieve this , you should ask if the Structure forward through the Local Plan. Plan will consider the following points: • does the area include any national or local The structure plan carries out an assessment landscape designations (e.g. National Scenic of future housing land requirements over a Areas or Areas of Great Landscape Value)? minimum period of 10 years (SPP1) with SPP3 • does the SNH Landscape Character setting out a preference for a 20 year period. Assessment provide any guidance on the PAN 38 Housing Land (Scottish Executive relative sensitivity of different parts of the 2003 a) provides advice on the procedures for Structure Plan area? identifying land for housing and notes that “an • has a Landscape Character Assessment effective policy framework” should consider the (Chapter 3: Landscape, Transferring views of all relevant parties on the scale and Principles into Action) been carried out? general location of housing lands, including • to what extent are areas capable of SNH, who “will have important contributions accommodating additional housing to make on development constraints related to development? natural heritage and amenity”. • how might the character of these areas be affected by large, medium or small scale While PAN 38 (Scottish Executive 2003 a) does development? refer to constraints, SNH can also take the • are some parts of the Structure Plan area structure plan consultation as an opportunity more visually contained than others? to promote proactive policies to support the • would development in some parts of an area sustainable development of natural heritage, in have more significant visual impacts, for particular in relation to housing land which often example on views of key landmarks or from avoids the designated sites and applications key viewpoints, as a consequence of their are rarely subject to Environmental Impact prominence in the landscape? Assessment. • taking account of these considerations, how has a judgement been made regarding the In some cases, in addition to identifying demand implications for housing land? for housing and potential indicative locations, the • should the aim be to concentrate structure plan will be informed by environmental development in one area, or to split it and landscape capacity studies. These provide between different locations? a valuable baseline for future development, and • are the landscape and visual effects likely are an effective method of securing sustainable to be so great that an alternative approach, development of land. However, it is likely that in perhaps based on higher density brownfield time, such capacity studies will be carried out at development should be promoted? the local plan (local development plan) stage.

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• are there any issues or areas that should be Aim: To secure sustainable access and recreation explored in greater detail through the local opportunities through new housing policies. plan process? To achieve this, you should ask if policies: Biodiversity: The nature and location of sites • take account of the relevant access, designated for their biodiversity value may have recreation and open space strategies? implications for the location of new housing • set out how these should be taken into development. In most cases it will be appropriate account when identifying housing land to avoid development that would result in the allocations at local plan level? loss of these resources, or, as a consequence • set out what specific issues or opportunities of changes in drainage or disturbance, have an should be explored through the local plan indirect impact. process?

Aim: to ensure that Structure Plan policies for housing land take account of biodiversity interests.

To achieve this you should ask if the Structure Plan will consider the following points: • how are international, national and local biodiversity designations and UK BAP priority species to be addressed by the Structure Plan? • will consideration be given to how these designations and priority species might be affected directly or indirectly by new housing developments? • what LBAP habitats or species will have implications for the strategic location of new housing development? • will policies ensure that either: • these species and areas are avoided by housing developments or • housing developments will be used to enhance biodiversity?

Taking account of these questions, is it possible to draw any conclusions regarding: • the location or scale of new development in different parts of the Structure Plan area? • what specific issues or opportunities should be explored through the local plan process?

Access and Recreation: At a strategic level, Structure Plan policy should take into account access and recreation strategies where these exist, providing statutory backing for their policies and therefore securing consideration of their objectives through development.

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Figure 2.2 Local plan process and consultation opportunities

It is recommended that SNH area offices work to secure ongoing dialogue with planning authorities at a local level

Stage SNH Opportunity

Statutory notice: a notice will be Raise issues to be covered in the local published in local newspapers plan advising that a new or replacement plan is to be prepared.

Survey and research: the local Inform survey and research planning authority will carry out > extensive surveys and research.

Preparation of a draft plan available for public comment and a period is set for > Comment on draft plan receiving comments.

Finalised Plan: There is a period of six weeks following its publication for Comment on Finalised Plan making objections.

Public inquiry: if objections to the final plan cannot be resolved, the local SNH can make representations at an planning authority will organise a > inquiry public inquiry.

Council decide whether or not to modify the plan

Adoption of the Plan by the Council

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Local plans and housing land Local plan guidance

Local Plans allocate specific sites for housing Landscape: While some types of landscape land and are required to provide sufficient (e.g. lightly settled, upland areas) might only effective land for at least five years at all times be capable of accommodating a small amount by the carrying out of a Housing Land Audit. of development, others (e.g. more urbanised, Planning authorities should demonstrate that: lowland areas), might be less sensitive to larger scale development. A finer grain assessment of “their housing land allocations are feasible and landscape is necessary at the local plan stage in realistic, offer a coherent strategy to meet short order to draw out important local variations in and longer-term needs in an environmentally landscape character (see Chapter 3 Landscape acceptable manner, and are capable of being Principles). implemented”. Aim: to ensure that housing land allocations and The local plan can set out a requirement for policies reflect the landscape character of the the preparation of a masterplan to secure the local area in terms of location, scale, form and appropriate development of a particular site or intervisibility and to maximise the extent to which sites. However, this is not always a requirement new development fits the local landscape taking for housing land sites. The result is that not all account of landform, land-cover and the patterns sites will be developed to a standard that gives of existing settlements. full and detailed consideration to the local landscape, natural environment and access and To achieve this you should ask if the local plan recreation opportunities, given the practical will consider the following points: constraints at development control level and • does the SNH LCA provide sufficient detail pressures to secure development. to assist in the development of local plan housing policies? In addition to consulting on the content and type • should a more detailed local landscape of policies contained in local plans therefore, character assessment be required? This there is value in seeking to secure requirements would include: for supplementary planning guidance and • the identification of local landscape masterplanning for housing land allocations, character areas (LLCAs) with an analysis identified by SNH, as being potentially of settlement patterns and vernacular vulnerable, or with value for natural heritage. (the consideration of vernacular should extend beyond issues of building The Falkirk and The Clackmannanshire/Stirling design and materials to include typical Structure Plans locations, orientation, massing and In the Falkirk Structure Plan, the potential to create links issues such as boundary treatment and between designated areas is set out in policy Env. 6 landscaping); which supports the need for enhancement of the natural • identify vernacular styles of settlement, environment. including architectural style, building In the Clackmannanshire and Stirling Structure Plan (2002), materials, the scale of buildings, their objectives are set out to protect and enhance biodiversity location in relation to the landform, and distinctiveness of the natural and built environment. roads and other buildings, and the Policy is set out to ensure that all development proposals treatment of walls, hedges and fences are considered in the light of the recommendations and together with gardens etc. findings of the LBAP and an ecological appraisal is required where there is potential for an adverse impact upon local • an analysis of intervisibility, including biodiversity. views from key viewpoints or towards key landmarks. This can take the form of map analysis allied to site survey, or by carrying out GIS based intervisibility

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analysis; Aim: to ensure that housing policies conserve • the identification of areas with higher and enhance the biodiversity of the area. and lower sensitivities to development, leading to the identification of variations This should be reflected in general housing in the capacity to accommodate policies and by specific housing proposals different scales of development (e.g. including identified growth areas or peripheral large growth areas, urban expansion, housing land releases. To achieve this the local village expansion, groups of houses, and plan should consider the following: individual houses in the countryside); • explore the potential role of Green Belt How will policies be informed? designations in protecting the setting • by the mapping of biodiversity sites including of towns and cities and in maintaining designated areas (distinguishing between the physical, visual and perceptual international, national and local sites), separation of other settlements. LBAP information (including the distribution • will the local landscape character of priority habitats and species) and any assessment be used to inform supplementary additional information such as that from planning guidance and master plans about: phase 1 habitats surveys? • site layout, densities and the need for • by using constraints mapping to identify green space? areas of highest and lowest biodiversity • building design, materials and scales? interest, and areas where appropriate • treatment of site boundaries, internal development could be used to enhance landscapes, road corridors, gateways biodiversity? etc. so that the development is tied into • by the identification of areas of lower the surrounding landscape context? biodiversity interest where development • will all relevant landscape designations be would normally have a lower impact on addressed by landscape policy, making links flora and fauna and where there might to housing policies? be an emphasis on habitat creation or • will there be a requirement for supplementary enhancement? landscape guidance for local landscape • by consideration of the ways in which areas designated for housing? housing development of different scales, • will there be a requirement that the results and in different locations could contribute to of the Landscape Character Assessment be biodiversity objectives? For example by: taken into account at the development stage • avoiding areas of higher biodiversity to inform master planning and the detailed interest; design process for all housing proposals? • incorporating existing biodiversity features into developments; This information will help ensure that landscape • creating new habitats, particularly where issues are reflected in the process of developing they contribute to habitat networks; Local Plan housing policies, identifying specific • compensating for any habitats lost. locations for housing development, and defining the ‘design’ criteria that should be reflected in Policies: policy and built into supplementary planning • will the conservation of habitats and species guidance. of international, national or local importance be set out in policy? Biodiversity: While recognising European, • will the local plan identify preferred areas national and local designations for nature for new housing development that takes into conservation, local plan policies should also be account the LBAP? informed by LBAPs and set out policies that aim • will the plan set out a requirement for to conserve and enhance biodiversity at all levels the provision of supplementary planning and by all housing development types. guidance on habitat conservation,

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enhancement, creation and compensation? Aim: to ensure that new housing developments • will the plan set out a requirement that new link into and enhance existing networks of housing development incorporates and footpaths and cycle routes and that they include enhances existing habitats, achieving a areas of high quality and functional open space. net gain in biodiversity, and creating new habitats, particularly where this reflects To achieve this you should ask if the local plan LBAP priorities and contributes to habitat will consider the following: networks? • will the local plan identify existing access • where the local plan prioritises the routes (including core paths, rights of way, redevelopment of brownfield sites, will there local path networks and longer distance be a requirement for the consideration routes) in areas under consideration for of existing biodiversity value of the site, housing development. (This information may and the potential for habitat creation and be available from the Scottish Paths Record enhancement, particularly where this ties into or the local access strategy, where one exists. the surrounding area? Under the terms of access legislation, local authorities are now also required to prepare Access and Recreation: Local plan policies Core Path Plans which should comprise many should reflect the importance of access (walking, of the area’s most important paths)? cycling and horse riding) for sustainable local • will the local plan review the local access transport, recreation, tourism, local economic strategy to identify links between housing development and in the promotion of healthier policy and local access priorities, and to lifestyles. New housing developments should determine whether there are any local therefore achieve links into existing access access projects to which development could networks and open spaces, providing new contribute? residents with opportunities to walk, cycle or •a requirement for an analysis of the ways ride. Developments should provide open space in which different potential housing sites within a site and be permeable, maintaining could affect existing access and open space existing access and where appropriate creating provision? new routes. This is particularly important on the •a requirement for an analysis of the likely urban fringe where new development would sit access and open space needs of different between an existing settlement structure and the potential housing sites, taking account of surrounding countryside. routes through the site and the need to provide links to facilities such as schools, Green Spaces, New Places open spaces, shops and other community facilities? In the emerging Aberdeen Local Plan ‘Green Spaces, New •a requirement for development proposals Places’, access and open space have in fact been given priority, with the over all vision for physical development to identify ways in which existing access being: provision should be maintained and new access provision created as a result of “to protect and enhance the unique countryside areas housing development? of the city so they can be enjoyed by current and future generations. Through (the creation of) a network of green •a requirement for high quality and functional spaces and develop along the transport corridors, everyone open space provision within housing can enjoy the peace and tranquility of countryside pursuits. proposals, linked, where possible, to All this would be within easy access of the city centre with existing open space provision and or the its cultural attractions and City Buzz. Core Paths Plans open countryside (for example coinciding are being developed to improve access and movement developing along the transport corridors will open up many with habitat and access networks, or more opportunities for local people to enjoy the open accommodating SUDS)? space”. •a requirement to identify links between access and open space provision and the landscape and biodiversity, for example

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developing SUDS as part of open space provision that supports on site biodiversity?

A Character Assessment of Oxford City in its Stonehaven Draft Capacity Study Landscape Setting

The North East Scotland Together, Aberdeen and Land Use Consultants (2002)The Countryside Agency, Aberdeenshire Structure Plan 2001-2016 recognises in partnership with Oxford City Council commissioned a Stonehaven as one of the key settlements with potential Character Assessment of the whole of Oxford City and to contribute to a sustainable future for the Structure Plan its setting, in recognition of the importance of the city’s Area. As a consequence a study has been carried out to landscape and townscape and the changes that it faces. establish the long-term framework for the expansion of the The assessment involved a systematic study taking a town from its existing stock of 4,100 dwellings in 2001 to holistic approach which considered historic, cultural and approximately 6,000. architectural associations, open places, wildlife and natural habitats and perceptual characteristics that together create The study gives priority to identifying a ‘green solution’ that the very special sense of place that is Oxford. will contribute to sustainable development and sets out a list of key assumptions and land requirements. This includes The character based approach can help in accommodating the requirement for the expansion of community woodland necessary change without sacrificing local character and and a requirement for a total of 16 hectares of open space ensure that future change in and around Oxford leads to the and the need to use the natural potential of the landscape enhancement of the character of the City and its setting. wherever possible. The study considered the main influences on the The study recognises the importance of sense of place to the contemporary landscape of Oxford, including its broader area and how this will provide the foundation for the future landscape setting within the County, the topographic, prosperity of the settlement, based on the value of its historic geological and ecological conditions, human influences and core, sea frontage, coastal setting and location within its issues relating to the management of future change. The ‘bowl’ of hills and its green corridors radiating from the illustration from the study below shows landscape character central core, which could form the basis of the open space areas combined with key viewpoints towards the city. framework.

The study proceeds to identify suitable areas for new development by using a sieve technique to precluded areas from development according to a set of absolute constraints. Amongst the absolute constraints were the sea frontage, the town’s coastal setting within its bowl of hills, the town’s green spaces and the town’s backbone of existing parkland/ public and open space and green corridors radiating from the central core.

A ‘Goal Achievement Matrix’ was then developed, based on the principles of sustainable development to assess the relative merits of the remaining parcels of land. The Matrix sets out criteria based on climate, energy, resources, social issues and biodiversity, and applies scores to each locality tested. Criteria include, potential for passive solar gain, ease of providing public transport/pedestrian and cycle routes, availability of services, loss of natural and built resources (including quality of biodiversity lost), balance of community, sense of place and contribution to the open space strategy.

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Strategic environmental assessment potential environmental impacts of development schemes that would not otherwise be subject Since July 2004, the European Directive for to environmental impact assessment. This is Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) of particular value in housing terms where in has been incorporated into Scottish law. SEA most cases even large-scale schemes can be of strategic policy documents requires that developed with out detailed assessment of the development plans be assessed for the potential likely environmental impacts. environmental impacts of their policies before approval/adoption. SEA checklist

The process of SEA involves the examination At SEA, it is worth asking if the SEA has identified of objectives, policies and proposals of a plan the relevant issues in relation to: in relation to wider environmental aims and • landscape, and whether policies are fully identifies the likely consequences and ways to informed by character and capacity studies? prevent or reduce the significant effects of the • biodiversity, and whether policies are plan in question on the environment. informed by national and international designations, LBAP and for local plan David Tyldesley and Associates (2003) identify policies, constraints assessments? and the potential benefits of assessing a development • access and recreation: do planning policies plan, which are: take into account existing access networks • clarifying the plan’s environmental aims and and opportunities and do policies require objectives; adequate consideration of community needs • identifying aspects of the plan which may be in relation to access and recreation? inconsistent or in conflict with the planning authority’s wider environmental aims; Supplementary planning guidance and • increasing the plan’s sensitivity to master plans environmental issues, particularly outwith designated environments; Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) • helping to choose between policy options can be effectively used to achieve particular and alternative locational strategies; objectives through land use planning to secure • explicitly considering the possible an overall better quality development than would environmental consequences of policies and otherwise be achieved under the provisions of a proposals; development plan. The Scottish Executive’s Policy • considering whether additional measures are Statement for Scotland, Designing Places, notes: needed to prevent, reduce or off-set adverse “that an important function of the (development) environmental effects; plan is to provide the basis for more detailed • improving people’s ability to participate in guidance on how its policies should be plan making by showing how environmental implemented in specific areas and sites. issues have been taken into account; Unless the plan is supported by well conceived • ensuring that all stakeholders can engage supplementary planning guidance, it is likely to in the process of helping to achieve a plan have little effect on what is actually built”. more in accord with the environmental aims of sustainable development; Such guidance is noted by SPP1 (Scottish • helping to prevent avoidable environmental Executive 2002) as useful where there is a damage; and need for an urgent policy response to an • influencing subsequent development emerging issue or the level of detail provided proposals. by such guidance would be inappropriate for a development plan. To qualify as supplementary In relation to new settlements, SEA will extend planning guidance, and hence be most the requirement for detailed consideration of effective, it must be consistent with the relevant

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development plan, prepared in consultation Development briefs with relevant organisations and communities and finally approved by the council (Scottish Designing Places describes development briefs, Executive 2001). as supplementary planning guidance “on how planning and design policies should be SPG should be developed in the light of available implemented on a specific site of significant size information about a site and its context in order or sensitivity”. The level of detail can vary, but to secure a successful development. For this should aim to set out the main planning and reason, full baseline survey work, as described in design principles. Importantly, Designing Places the principles section, should be a requirement. states that; “a development brief… should form the basis for dialogue between planners and The guidance can take a range of forms, developers rather than a prescriptive substitute including local authority development briefs, for it”. design guides and master plans and SPP1 stipulates that both the public and interest groups Checklist should be involved in preparing them, providing • have SNH been invited to comment on and an opportunity for SNH to be involved in their inform the content of the development brief development and influence their content. for a housing site? • does the brief set out the key principles for While this type of guidance does not carry the development in the local landscape context? same weight as a statutory planning document, • does the brief set out a requirement for a it does hold considerable value as a potential landscape capacity study for the site and its material consideration, where, under Section 25 surrounding landscape? of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act • does the brief set out the key characteristics 1997: of local biodiversity? • does the brief set out a requirement for the “in making any determination (of a planning potential developer to identify the baseline application) under the planning Acts, regard characteristics of the site’s biodiversity is to be had to the development plan, the and establish an action plan to secure net determination shall be made in accordance with biodiversity gain? the plan unless material considerations indicate • does the brief identify the local access otherwise”. networks and key local community facilities that should be accessible from the site? The SNH Local Authorities Handbook (SNH 2004), sets out an introduction to informal plans and strategies, including supplementary Craigmarloch, Cumbernauld planning guidance and identifies that while North Lanarkshire Council produced a development brief for councils are not obliged to consult with SNH, an area of land partly in ownership of the Council, known it is considered to be good practice for them to as Craigmarloch, identified by the former Cumbernauld do so where natural heritage interests may be Development Corporation as an area suitable for affected. Advice is given as to the approximate comprehensive development to create a village community. A concept plan set out a vision for a village community times for consultation. However, due to the with a clearly identifiable sense of identify, with integrated absence of specific consultation criteria, there vernacular design that was used to define the content of the are no guarantees that SNH will be consulted. It development briefs. Part of the vision included the need for is therefore advantageous for SNH area offices a village green and a village pond to create focal points within the village.Developers responded constructively to to have established working relationships with the design requirements and have successfully marketed the the relevant planning authorities and their area based on its strong identity. strategic planning teams in order to increase the opportunities for consultation and partnership working.

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Development brief guidance may be appropriate to focus on a number of key viewpoints or views from publicly The aspects identified under each of the topic accessible areas such as transport corridors headings here can and should be combined or open space? under a single development brief for housing • determine the way in which development sites. should sit within the structure of the landscape and should visually interact with Landscape: A good development will fit its surrounding areas. (This should include context by reflecting vernacular patterns of the identification of any key viewpoints or settlement and tying into the surrounding vistas)? structure of the landscape. Careful consideration • identify the extent to which the historic is necessary in relation to issues of intervisibility. pattern of development in the area can While it is often possible to screen development be reflected in the development including using new planting or by making use of the local reflecting different aspects of vernacular? topography, development of appropriate quality • is the need for landscape enhancement in the correct location should not need to be measures identified including new planting hidden. A development brief can be used to set and measures to integrate the development out these and other principles for landscape, within the wider landscape? taking into account local characteristics from • are ways of reflecting vernacular within baseline surveys. the settlement form, design and materials identified? Aim: to ensure that the development brief for any • is the treatment of gateways, corridors given housing development sets out the guiding and undeveloped areas within the site and framework for a development that will reflect the between the site and any existing urban area landscape character of the local area in terms considered? and of layout, building scale, design, materials and • is the potential to contribute to local and massing, the treatment of boundaries and the regional identity considered? internal landscape of the site. Biodiversity: The development brief should Key points to consider when considering highlight the importance of conserving and the content of a development brief, and in enhancing the biodiversity of the site and the reviewing one submitted in support of a planning area around it. It should identify any existing application: habitat features that should be conserved • does the development brief consider the within the site. It should also set out criteria local landscape character assessment used to guide habitat creation or enhancement and to inform the relevant local plan? the possible need for off-site compensation • has a site specific landscape character measures. assessment been carried out, considering the landscape beyond the boundaries of the Aim: to encourage development that secures site, to identify those landscape features that net biodiversity gains by integrating practical should be retained or enhanced? solutions for biodiversity into the housing scheme. • has a map the area of the site been prepared identifying the range of landscape Key points to consider when considering features that are to be retained? the content of a development brief, and in • does it set out the principles for the way reviewing one submitted in support of a planning in which development will tied into the application: surrounding landscape including; • does the development brief take account of • determine the extent to which development habitats that are already present on or near should be intervisible with surrounding areas, the site? and associated issues of screening, boundary • does the development brief take into account treatment and building height and colour. It

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habitats that are prioritised within the LBAP? • does the brief set out the principles for high • does the development brief establish the quality functional and safe open space needs for habitat conservation, enhancement provision within the development, and the and creation? potential requirement for links to open space • are principles set out that will ensure that networks in existing settlements? the proposal will achieve a net gain in biodiversity? Master plans • does the development brief take into account habitats that can contribute to open space A master plan, often developed in response to within or around the site? a development brief, or a requirement set out • habitat conservation, enhancement or in a development plan, provides a detailed creation should be provide for habitat explanation of how a site will be developed, corridors linking the open countryside with using illustrations and setting out an explanation open spaces within the urban area? of how the scheme will achieve a specified vision, • will habitats be integrated with site features and implementation, including costs, phasing such as gardens and SUDS? and timing. • will on site and adjoining watercourses, field boundaries, woodlands, and other linear A master plan may be prepared by a planning features such as transport corridors, canals authority or alternatively, by a potential developer and paths be used to provide the framework in response to a requirement from the council. In for habitat corridors? this case, a master plan would be supplementary to a planning application and form an important Access and Recreation: Development briefs can pre-application negotiation tool. be used to set out how proposed development sites should be developed in order to integrate Master plans are frequently prepared for housing sustainable access and recreation. schemes and provide an excellent opportunity to achieve detailed site information to inform road Aim: to ensure that a housing development site, and housing layouts and the ultimate scheme when developed, will be fully integrated into design. Landscape and ecological capacity the local access network and has proper access studies can be prepared to inform the final to open space and recreation facilities to meet outcome of a master plan. the needs of future residents and the existing neighbouring community. Checklist Key points to consider when considering • has the master plan been informed firstly by the content of a development brief, and in the local landscape character assessment, reviewing one submitted in support of a planning where there is one, and secondly, by a application: landscape capacity study to inform the • have existing elements of the path network landscape treatment of the site? that connect with, or pass through the • does the proposed development integrate development site been identified? with the landscape or is it designed to hide in • does the brief identify how to maintain access the landscape, or has little concession been through the site (of particular importance made to the needs of the landscape? where new development will occupy a • has the master plan been informed by location between the urban area and the LBAP policies and by a baseline study of open countryside)? biodiversity on site and adjacent to the • does the brief identify how to provide safe site, to understand the ways in which all access to schools, shops, open spaces and ecological receptors function within the site village and town centre facilities, whether and its surrounding environment and to they are located within the development site establish an understanding of their inter- on in the existing urban area?

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connectivity? settlements, or should it? • establish the desired biodiversity ‘outputs’ • does the proposed range of building types, of the scheme – conservation, restoration, designs and materials reflect the pattern of strengthening, rebuilding? local buildings, or should it? • does the master plan integrate fully • will the development contribute to local biodiversity into the proposal to achieve net distinctiveness? biodiversity gains, for example, translocating • does the master plan include proposals for vulnerable/protected species, installing of boundaries within and around the site? bat boxes etc.? • will boundary treatments contribute to local • does the master plan incorporate integrated or regional distinctiveness? and sustainable access into the scheme? • will the site gateway(s) and corridors make a positive landscape contribution to the site Master plan guidance and the surrounding landscape? • does the master plan show how the Landscape: A good quality development will be development will be integrated with the visually integrated with the existing landscape. surrounding pattern of settlement? A master plan will set out in detail how the • will the development be prominent as a principles for landscape will be developed on consequence of its location or the design, site. materials or colours of the buildings? • what landscape mitigation measures, Aim: to ensure that a master plan fully including boundary treatments are considers the issues relating to landscape proposed? character and potential visual impacts of a housing development and secure the proper Biodiversity: A master plan document will clearly implementation of principles for development on set out how on and off site biodiversity can be the ground. managed and enhanced on site and the methods that will be used to achieve this. Key points to consider when considering the content of a master plan, and in reviewing one Aim: to secure net biodiversity gains by submitted in support of a planning application: conserving existing habitats and undertaking • does the proposed layout and building appropriate forms of habitat enhancement, form respond to the underlying landform creation and compensation. and to key landscape features on the site in the surrounding area as set out by existing Key issues to consider during the process of landscape character and capacity studies? master planning or in reviewing a master plan • does the master plan identify and respond to submitted in support of an application include: key characteristic landscape features within • has the master plan been informed by a the site and the surrounding area? baseline survey of on site and adjoining • are important features retained within the habitats and species? site, or reflected in the layout? • does the master plan take fully into account • do landscape enhancements reflect the any relevant local authority supplementary landscape character of the surrounding planning guidance? area? • does it prioritise the conservation, • will the development affect the visual setting enhancement or creation of habitats in of key landmarks, or the outlook from key accordance with the LBAP? viewpoints in the local landscape? • does it identify habitat opportunities • does the proposed pattern of development associated with open space and access (scale, layout, road network, open spaces, networks, or with SUDS or transport massing etc.) reflect the pattern of local infrastructure? • does the master plan conserve, enhance or

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create habitats within the context of wider Open Space: habitat networks across the site and linking • what open space provision has been into neighbouring habitat areas? identified by the master plan? • does the master plan provide information • how do this respond to the local context on future monitoring and management of (landscape, network of open spaces, habitat measures? shortfalls in quantity or type of open space)? • will open space facilities provide for the Access and Recreation: Similarly, a master needs of the future residents, including plan should set out in detail how access play facilities for children and toddlers and and recreation principles will be applied on meeting areas for teenagers and adults? site, including provision for the long-term • is open space provision designed in order to maintenance. maximise passive surveillance? • does the master plan make provision for Aim: to include provision for access and open the long-term maintenance of open space space needs of a development’s residents and to provision on site? maintain, and where possible enhance, existing • has provision been made to ensure that access and open space provision, reflecting the any maintenance responsibilities of future objectives of the Local Access and Open Space residents will be clearly set out in sale Strategies. contracts?

Key issues to consider during the process of master planning or in reviewing a master plan submitted in support of an application should include:

Access: • does the master plan take account of the relevant local strategies? • does the master plan include a path network to meet the needs of people travelling on foot or by bike to access community facilities including schools, shopping, employment and recreational opportunities? • how does the proposed path network connect with existing routes in surrounding areas? • how will the master plan affect existing patterns of access? • will existing formal or informal access across the site to other areas be affected? If so, what modifications are required to maintain such access? • are access routes through the development designed to minimise impacts on amenity, using passive supervision? • how will access features be designed and maintained in the long-term? • does the local access provision comply with the local roads authority’s standards to secure long-term maintenance?

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Marchfield masterplan Riem, Bavaria, Germany

The Dumfries and Galloway Structure Plan identified the Until 1992, Munich’s east central district of Riem was home need for 1,350 new house sites for Dumfries between 1998 to Bavaria’s major metropolitan airport. The airport’s and 2004 with an additional 900 needed from 2004 to relatively small size and close proximity to residential areas 2009. eventually forced its relocation. This provided a site with an area of roughly 2.2 square miles for development. The One major site at Marchfield/Summerfield/Fountainbleau planning for the development of the site began in 1990 with area, northeast of Dumfries has been identified under for a target completion date of 2013. the allocation of 220 housing units. The Council prepared a development brief for the site and developers will be Planning efforts focused on furthering the old European required to prepare a master plan to address: City structure, which recognises the need for and value in • landuse and phasing; proximity of work and home, open space, compact design, • setting, landscape and planting plan; energy efficiency and multi modal transportation. Planning • sustainable urban drainage scheme; team members devised several sets of guidelines for creating • foul drainage; an ecological urban setting as well as an economically • access and transport; sound and easily accessible business park and convention • site facilities; centre. • open space and sport/recreation areas; • biodiversity; and The most important goal for the master plan has been to • design. create an attractive, multi functioning, and largely self- sufficient city district nestled between the existing city of The site allocation is justified on the basis that it is accessible Munich and the rural region surrounding it. This is achieved from the town centre and forms a logical extension of the through the following planning strategies: existing urban edge of Dumfries, contained by the by-pass. The justification also takes into account the scale of the Identity and self-awareness: Riem will have its own identity area and the undulating nature of the site that will help to and character, giving the residents who live and work there integrate development into the landscape. In its response a sense of place and community. to the Finalised Plan, SNH noted some reservations about the accommodation of the biodiversity interests on the Ecological land use planning and smart growth: The adjacent Scottish Wildlife Trust Nature Reserve within district will develop according to ecological principles, Marchfield area. The consultation response noted that and environmental planning aspects will include maximum changes to the hydrological regime and wildlife corridor infiltration and reuse of rainwater/stormwater, and green links to the surrounding countryside were a concern. As a space providing a range of recreation opportunities consequence, SNH asked that the proposed master plan including walking trails, forests, promenades, a sledding hill take into account the various outstanding issues with regard and swimming lake. to the nature reserve. Complete infrastructure: All necessary infrastructure and conveniences will be integrated to foster togetherness and a sense of community in Riem’s residents.

The ideas for variety and quality also apply to the surrounding open spaces, and a family friendly green space concept was designed that includes everything from private vegetable gardens to a spacious 500 acre landscaped park integrated with an adventure playground. (source: Weissbach, A. and Bauernsmidt, T. (2001) A systematic approach for creating an ecological urban environment From abandoned airport to Liveable Community, http://www.brownfields2002.org/proceedings2001/CV-04- 02.pdf)

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Additional Guidance: topics, provides guidance on how development Designing Places A Policy Statement for can be carried out in accordance with the Scotland development plan.

Designing Places sets out the policy context Design codes – likely to be part of or associated for important areas of planning policy, design with a development brief or a master plan which guidance, professional practices, and education sets out the design principles that the code and training. The document notes that thinking elaborates. about sustainability focuses in particular on Scottish Executive (2001) promoting greener lifestyles, energy efficiency, mixed uses, biodiversity, transport and water quality. Development control

The document identifies the use of a framework The development control stage in the planning for design that can work at any scale of project. process is where a developer makes an There are a number of distinct stages: application to a planning authority under the 1. Context appraisal: What do we understand requirements of the Town and Country Planning about the place and its setting? (Scotland) 1997 Act. A developer can apply 2. Policy review: What policies, guidance and for either outline consent or full consent and regulations apply to this area or site? in order to be acceptable, the application 3. Vision statement: What sort of place do we must be in keeping with the provisions of the want this to become? development plan unless there are other material 4. Feasibility appraisal: What use or uses are considerations of relevance. realistic and achievable in view of legal, economic and market conditions? Outline consent is most often applied for to 5. Planning and design principles: On what identify whether or not the principle of a proposal planning and design principles should is acceptable in planning terms at a particular development be based? location and it is not necessary to provide a 6. The development process: What processes considerable level of detail at this stage. Where should be followed in developing the place? the principle is accepted, additional details of the application can be submitted to the planning The document identifies the following tools for authority, known as reserved matters, in order to planning and urban design guidance: achieve consent for the development.

Urban design frameworks – for areas where On the other hand an application for full consent there is a particular need to control, guide and can be made, in which case, full details of the promote change. proposal are submitted to the planning authority in the first instance. Development briefs – guidance on how planning and design policies should be implemented on a It is often the case that prior to submitting a specific site of significant size or sensitivity. planning application, a developer will enter into pre-planning discussions with the local Master plans – for sites where a degree of planning authority before submitting in order to certainty is possible, explains how a site or achieve clarification regarding the acceptability series of sites will be developed, describing and of proposals. This is particularly common in the illustrating the proposed urban form in three case where a supplementary planning guidance dimensions. or master planning has relevance to the site/ proposal. Design guides – for sensitive areas or on specific SNH area offices tend to get involved at this

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stage in the planning process when the proposal guidance and any master plan document? will affect a designated site. However, they are • what mitigation measures are proposed? less likely to be consulted for proposals for new • can a Section 75 agreement be made to housing developments on allocated sites, in secure additional landscape improvements particular where there has been no strategic on or off site? capacity assessment or master planning exercise. It can therefore be difficult to assert an influence In general terms, always consider the following on a proposal at this stage, in particular where points: SNH is not involved in pre planning discussions. • does the proposed layout and building form respond to the underlying landform and to The SNH Local Authorities Handbook provides key landscape features on the site in the clear guidance for SNH officers in relation surrounding area? to how to consult at the planning application • does the proposal identify and respond to stage, and Appendix 5 provides guidance as to key characteristic landscape features within the appropriate contents for SNH responses to the site and the surrounding area? consultations about planning applications. • are important features retained within the site, or reflected in the layout? ! It is crucial that any discussions with regard to • do landscape enhancements reflect the achieving natural heritage gain are written into character of the surrounding area? the terms of a planning consent so as to secure • does the proposed pattern of development their implementation. (scale, layout, road network, open spaces, massing etc.) reflect the pattern of local settlement, or should it? Development control guidance • will the development contribute to local or regional distinctiveness? Landscape: It should be emphasised that a good • does the proposed range of building types, quality development will be visually integrated designs and materials reflect the pattern of into the landscape and there should be no need local buildings, or should it? to hide it with screening. • does the scheme include proposals for high quality gateways and boundaries within and Aim: to ensure that a planning proposal has around the site? considered fully issues relating to landscape • will the proposal integrate with the character and potential visual impacts. surrounding pattern of settlement or will it be prominent as a consequence of its location While the range of issues will vary according or the design, materials or colours of the the scale of the development and its location, buildings, if so should, and how can, this be key points to consider in considering and mitigated? commenting on a planning applications include • will the development affect the visual setting the following: of key landmarks, or the outlook from key • does the proposal comply with development viewpoints? plan policies and requirements for compliance with supplementary planning Biodiversity: Securing positive outcomes for guidance or preparation of a master plan? biodiversity at the application stage should not • where development plan policies do not only focus on designations, but target an overall fully address the needs of sensitive and positive outcome through development. sustainable development in landscape terms, does the proposal comply with the relevant Aim: to secure net biodiversity gains by national planning policy and guidance? conserving existing habitats and undertaking • do the proposed conditions secure appropriate forms of habitat enhancement, compliance with supplementary planning creation and compensation.

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Key issues to consider when responding to Key points to consider when responding to a planning applications include: planning application include: • does the proposal comply with development • does the proposal comply with development plan policies and requirements for plan policies and requirements for compliance with supplementary planning compliance with supplementary planning guidance or preparation of a master plan? guidance or preparation of a master plan? • where development plan policies do not • where development plan policies do not fully address the needs of sensitive and fully address the needs of sustainable access sustainable development in ecological terms, and open space provision does the proposal does the proposal comply with the relevant comply with the relevant national planning national planning policy and guidance? policy and guidance? • do the proposed conditions secure • do the proposed conditions secure compliance with supplementary planning compliance with supplementary planning guidance and any master plan document? guidance and any master plan document? • what mitigation measures are proposed • what access and open space measures are to secure, conservation, restoration, proposed, will these promote their safe and strengthening and or rebuilding in the sustainable use, discouraging anti-social context of wider habitat networks across the behaviour? site and in neighbouring areas? • can a Section 75 agreement be made to • can the developer be required to provide secure additional access and open space information to future residents about on site improvements off site? and neighbouring biodiversity, to encourage stewardship? In general terms, does the proposal: • can a Section 75 agreement be made to secure additional improvements to Access biodiversity on or off site? • include a path network that will meet the • is the developer required to make provisions needs of residents travelling on foot or by for the long-term management of the site bike? biodiversity? • provide safe functional access to community facilities including schools, shopping In general terms, does the proposal: and employment as well as facilitating • identify habitats on or near the development recreational activity? site? • affect existing formal or informal access • prioritise the habitats in accordance with the across the site to other areas? If so, what LBAP? modifications are required to maintain such • identify habitat opportunities associated with access routes in a safe and sustainable open space and access networks, or with manner? SUDS or transport infrastructure? • specify how access will be managed and maintained in the long-term? Access and Recreation: Provision for transport • address these through planning conditions or and road safety on site can often mean that agreements? roads and parking provision take priority over more sustainable access features. Open Space • propose open space provision as part of the Aim: to include provision for sustainable scheme? access and open space needs of residents, and • respond to the local context (landscape, maintain, if not enhance, existing access and network of open spaces, shortfalls in quantity open space provision reflecting the objectives of or type of open space)? the Local Access and Open Space Strategies. • specify how open space facilities will be

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managed and maintained in the future? Less cost intensive solutions for long term • address these issues through planning management and enhancement should be conditions or agreements? promoted, aiming to take advantage of residents’ willingness to secure a good living environment. Housing development implementation For example the provision of information sheets about the value of the local natural heritage and Less is written about implementation and explaining the various natural heritage initiatives aftercare of housing schemes in Scotland. The that have been implemented as part of that statutory structure for ensuring that planning scheme, may be an effective way of achieving conditions attached to permissions are complied ownership and consequently care and protection with is covered by planning enforcement, a by residents. power given to local authorities to control breaches of planning controls. However, it Checklist is often the case that planning authorities do • are planning conditions being implemented? not have the adequate resources to effectively • is there a landscape management strategy? monitor the implementation of schemes granted • has a low maintenance/affordable planting permission, let alone take advantage of regime been designed for the scheme and enforcement powers where consents are not fully agreed with the planning authority (this complied with. Similarly, SNH area officers are is often agreed post consent, subject to unlikely to have the resources to follow up the condition of agreement with the planning implementation of schemes post consent. authority)? • has wildlife legislation been complied with? Nonetheless, there are ways of attempting • are efforts being made to manage on and to secure adequate long term care of sites off site biodiversity in a sustainable manner, to provide for the natural heritage; including for example, promoting resident ownership environmental monitoring during construction, and care? ecological management schemes, landscape • is there any site monitoring regime in place, maintenance and management and community if so, who is managing this? engagement. • is passive supervision of paths and open spaces working to deter anti-social The use of Section 75 agreements can be used behaviour or are requests for path closures to secure these where it can be proven that the and removal of play facilities indicative of a management proposals would actually make an need to consider alternative solutions? otherwise unacceptable scheme acceptable in planning terms. Implementation guidance

However, it is important to be aware that in all Landscape: Are planning conditions being met in other cases, it is up to the developer to take terms of: forward such initiatives and this may not always • retention of key landscape features? be economically viable from the developer’s • treatment of site boundaries and the use of perspective. The cost will in most cases be on or offsite planting? passed to either the local authority or to new • building design, materials and massing? residents through maintenance contracts. • treatment of internal open space, trees and This can be particularly difficult and it has been gardens? noted by the representative body of Scottish • ongoing maintenance of internal landscape house builders, Homes for Scotland, that it is very and any offsite works? difficult to get people to take responsibility for such initiatives and can ultimately lead to their Biodiversity: failure. • has wildlife legislation been complied with? • are planning conditions being met in terms

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of: conservation issues need to be considered while • conservation and management of any development is being built and highlights existing habitats on and offsite? the importance of sustainable management, and • habitat creation and management on presents a framework for achieving it once the and offsite? planning and construction phases are complete. • habitat compensation measures on and Finally it deals with the ongoing need to monitor offsite? the effects of a development, or progress towards • is there any local or community positive nature conservation objectives. involvement? Oxford, M. (2000) • is the scheme contributing to wider habitat networks?

Access and Recreation: Are planning conditions being met in terms of: • creation of access and open space networks within and adjacent to the site? • management, monitoring and maintenance of the access and open space networks?

Additional Guidance: Developing Naturally A Handbook for incorporating the Natural Environment into Planning and Development

The document is aimed at all participants in the planning process and sets out the information that should be considered and applied if acceptable standards are to be achieved for nature conservation in the development context. The aim is to identify and promote ways of incorporating nature conservation into the design and construction processes.

How the development process should consider nature conservation is set out and the document explains some of the key issues and policy directions for nature conservation that are relatively new to the planning and development process. It also emphasises the importance of good design that seeks environmentally sustainable solutions.

The document describes how the ecological impacts of a proposal may be predicted and assessed for their significance, and how to identify mitigation measures, and covers most of the nature conservation techniques which may be encountered in the planning and development process. It also describes why and how nature

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Scottish Natural Heritage Commissioned Report No. 120 (ROAME No. F04AA501)

3. PRINCIPLES FOR NEW HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS

Introduction and scale of development possible in the most appropriate location; and Landscape, biodiversity, and access and • the opportunities for natural heritage. recreation are all affected by the development of new housing and have the potential to secure Landscape protection and improvements if proposals are managed effectively through the development In recent years the increasing integration of planning process. It is often the case that landscape into the decision-making process individual aspects of the natural heritage achieve has helped to enhance the effective protection a degree of protection, and increasingly efforts of the Scottish landscape. The consideration are being made to support/enhance landscapes, of landscape issues at a variety of levels is improve access to the countryside and to support becoming an important tool supporting the local biodiversity action plans. overall aims of sustainable development.

However, despite the potential opportunities Issues and impacts associated with new offered by the planning system, it is not often the housing and settlements case that an integrated solution, that prioritises an overall beneficial outcome for natural In the past, the planning system has typically heritage, is pursued. This is often the case in supported the form and character of settlements relation to housing developments where land by identifying and, where appropriate, protecting allocated for housing in development plans will a settlement’s historic core and its setting by avoid areas with natural heritage designations designating conservation areas and green and as a consequence proposals are not belts respectively. These types of designations, subject to any type of environmental impact recognising areas of value, have effectively assessment. Furthermore, proposals for housing established a series of ‘rings’ within, or developments are subject to a wide range of adjacent to settlements, that require attention considerations, including road and service when considering the siting and design of provision, that tend to take priority over natural any proposal that would directly affect their heritage issues as they will fundamentally affect setting and character. However, this type of the economic feasibility of a proposal. protection is limited in scope as a control mechanism, protecting only certain landscape This chapter provides an overview of the key types identified to be of value. This often means issues affecting natural heritage in relation to that developments not affecting or outside new housing development. The natural heritage designated areas, where landscape is perceived impacts are presented and methods of avoiding, to be of lower value, achieve the minimal design reducing and mitigating these impacts discussed standards in landscape terms, often exactly where under the headings of: a high quality landscape design solution could • landscape, provide a significant improvement in landscape • biodiversity, and value, enhancing an area of low quality, for • access and recreation. example at Glasgow Green.

Each topic area section identifies: • the relevant issues and impacts associated with new housing developments; • the potential benefits for housing; • the principles for the sustainable development of new housing clusters and settlements; • transferring principles into action - the tools that can be applied to achieve the best type

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Glasgow Green Homes for the Future

The Homes for the Future project has an inner city location beside Glasgow Green. The site was previously made up of a number of derelict sites. A master plan was prepared for three phases to the year 2005 for the area covering two hectares of inner city brownfield land, mostly in the ownership of Glasgow City Council and the Glasgow Development Agency. The first phase of housing was completed in 1999 and represents a significant enhancement of the physical environment in the local area, reinforcing the urban fringe at Glasgow Green and creating a new and attractive living environment in a formerly blighted area of the city.

Historically there has been a connection between the settlement patterns and the environment, (ii) to provide countryside for recreation or e.g. aspect, shelter, availability of water and institutional purposes of various kinds; and topography. However, this has been lost over (iii) to maintain the landscape setting of time with the residential developments in many towns”. areas being independent of the surrounding landscape and the term ‘landscape’ coined Scottish Office (1996) NPPG11 Sport, Physical to represent detailed amenity landscaping. In Recreation and Open Space extends the reality, landscape relates to a complex interplay definition of the function of the green belt to also between the natural and cultural environments, cover the role of green belt in access and urban in both urban and rural contexts and should be regeneration. considered as such by all housing proposals. Scottish Office (1985) Circular 24/1985 notes At all scales of housing development, that: “structure plans should describe the inappropriately sited developments can have strategic context and general location for green a profound effect on the coherence and belts and set out the development control policies quality of a landscape’s and or settlement’s which apply to them. Local plans should define character and form. Often however, where the the precise boundaries of any green belt within wider landscape approach is considered, the the area covered by the plan. It is inappropriate, ‘solution’ will be to provide screening to hide however, for local plans to establish green development rather than taking a more informed belts unless the structure plan has provided approach to understanding the local landscape the strategic context for this”.The recent review and identifying how to contribute to it, using of greenbelt policy in Scotland (Hague et al landscape character and or capacity assessment. 2004) identified the importance of protecting landscapes and green environments close to towns, but noted that there are also concerns that Additional Guidance: green belts contribute to “town cramming” with a Green Belts and Coalescence loss of valuable urban open space. One particular tool used in planning of relevance to the development of new housing is green belt The review makes a number of recommendations policy. Green belts exist around towns and cities for green belts including protecting open and Circular 40/1960 explains the three main spaces and moving towards sustainable urban purposes of greenbelts: development.

“(i) to maintain the identity of towns by G. Hague, C, Kirk, K., Prior, A., Raemaekers, J., Smith, H, with establishing a clear definition of their physical Robinson, A., and Bushnell, R., (2004) boundaries and preventing coalescence;

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Scottish Office (1994) PAN 44 Fitting New have a finer grain landscape than others, while Housing Development into the Landscape cites some may be more influenced by the history of a number of characteristics of recent housing settlements development. developments that provides a useful summary of types of impacts encountered, from inappropriate While visibility in the landscape is not siting and poor quality design, related to a lack automatically a negative attribute, all other things of consideration of the baseline landscape: being equal the aim should be to avoid more • involves extensive land-take, with limited prominent locations or development in areas that landscape or green framework; would conflict with key views. • adversely affects the visual setting of existing towns and countryside; Landscape variations are likely to reflect • evolves as a sequence of phased variations in landform (e.g. hills versus valleys), developments related solely to market land use and land cover (e.g woodland, consideration often in the absence of any moorland or farmland) and settlement (e.g. a few overall design for the wider environment; farmsteads, large villages or towns). While the • often results in a mono-type and mono- aim should not be to hide development away, density layout lacking in variety of land-use development in a more prominent location is and building form; likely to have a larger landscape impact than • presents stark contrast to the urbanity which were it in a less prominent position. traditionally characterises Scottish towns; • contrasts markedly with the form, style, While the scale of housing development may be materials and general character of the significantly greater than that accommodated in established townscape creating significant the past, there is value in attempting to reflect visual intrusion at the edge of towns; similar influences in order to tie new development • are often characterised by standardised into existing settlement patterns and to the local suburban designs and layout with little landscape. diversity and lacking other uses to create focal points and landmarks. As a result they As for any type of development, the initial choice lack individuality and identity; of site is crucial to ensure impacts on landscape • have standard house types insensitive to character and visual amenity are kept to a individual locations; minimum, in particular in rural locations, where • use standard palette of materials often the relative simplicity of landscape character can transported over long distances and alien to emphasise new housing. the locality; • lack of evidence of success in the creation “In the countryside, inappropriate development, of place. There is often a lack of distinction however small, can have large impacts. Sensitive between public and private space and an location and design is needed to avoid urban absence of landmarks and distinguishing sprawl, ribbon development, new buildings on features. obtrusive sites, incongruous materials and house styles more characteristic of suburban than rural Principles for landscape and new areas” (Scottish Executive 2001). housing

Many landscapes contain distinctive and often historic patterns of settlement. While this may not preclude further housing development, it may have implications for scale, location and design. Most local planning authority areas include a combination of upland and lowland, and settled and unsettled areas. Some areas may

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Nonetheless, even the optimum preferred Landscape character assessment development site, can incur significant landscape and visual impacts where sensitive and good Landscape character assessment (Countryside quality design are overlooked. Commission 1987) is an effective practical tool, taking into account physical influences of Every site, natural or man-made, is to some geology and climate, ecological influences and degree unique, a connected web of things and human interaction, intervisibility and changes activities. That web imposes limitations and in land use and landform. It is now a widely offers possibilities (Lynch and Hack 1984). established and accepted tool and in 2002, the Countryside Agency and Scottish Natural A sustainable landscape approach to housing Heritage commissioned the latest Landscape development should therefore seek to consider Character Assessment Guidance for England and the existing settlement and proposed housing Scotland (Swanwick and Land Use Consultants holistically, taking account of all aspects of 2002). This guidance relates landscape the built form and landform. When looking at character assessment (LCA) to the national housing proposals, whether at strategic or site context and links it to evaluative methods. It specific level, it is therefore necessary to establish provides advice on assessment methodologies the landscape character and make a judgement applicable at different scales, and also explains as to whether areas are suitable for: the role of the landscape and the uses of LCA • conservation, in planning, and its application in developing • restoration, strategies for landscape creation, conservation, • strengthening, management and enhancement. It is available • rebuilding; and at: http://www.snh.org.uk/wwo/sharinggoodpractice/CCI/ • new build. cci/guidance/Main/Content.htm.

This information should then be used to inform The classification of the landscape is central to housing policies and proposals. the practice of landscape character assessment, and is…concerned with the process of dividing Transferring principles into action landscape into areas of distinct, recognisable and consistent common character and grouping The tools and processes of relevance to the areas of similar character together.’ Figure 3.1. landscape and visual impacts and opportunities below, is a simplified flow chart derived from the for protection, remediation and enhancement above guidance which describes the process and can be applied at all stages of the planning key stages of landscape character assessment . process, to influence policy, inform strategic planning guidance and master plans and to The existing suite of SNH Landscape Character inform detailed planning applications. Assessments provide guidance on the siting of development in the more rural landscape It is possible to incorporate a requirement for this and typically stop at the urban fringes. These wider consideration of landscape impacts and promote good practice in terms of analysis of opportunities into planning policy, in order to landscape character at a regional level and are secure consideration at all stages in the planning particularly useful in highlighting the types and process for new housing types. Provided below design implications of developments which have is an introduction the key tools that can be used the potential to cause significant impacts in the to inform development and its impact upon the rural landscape. In tandem with this process, landscape. and complimentary to the practice of LCA, the use of intervisibility assessment (developed from guidance in Topic Paper Six, Techniques and

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Figure 3.1 Key stages of landscape character assessment

STEP 1 Classification and Description > Characterisation STEP 2 Desk Study Stage 1 >>> > >>

STEP 3 Field Survey

STEP 4 Classification and Description Judgements

STEP 5 Deciding Approach to Judgements Stage 2

STEP 6 Making Judgements

Criteria for Judging Capacity and Sensitivity, Townscape character assessment Swanwick 2002) in urban fringe areas is useful in understanding settlement settings and the Urban or townscape characterisation is less surrounding rural landform and is used to inform studied and different from landscape character how different landscape character types and assessment in that it deals with the built areas relate to one another. environment. As for landscape assessment, townscape assessment can be applied at a range of scales, although typically it is used at the more detailed sub-regional or local scale (1:25,000 and 1:10,000) where differences in built morphology and housing styles are readily apparent.

With respect to urban fringe assessment, Topic Paper 7 Development and New Landscape Character , is due for release in May 2005. On publication, this paper is intended to broadly explore the role of landscape character assessment as a positive tool for setting visions and principles for sustainable development and new landscape character.

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Application of character assessments Landscape capacity assessment

Using landscape character assessment, a range Alternatively, the term Landscape Capacity should of judgements can be made to identify and or be used to describe the ability of a landscape inform: to accommodate change of a specific type e.g. • landscape capacity/sensitivity; housing. Different amounts of change can be • landscape strategies; and managed, although this has implications for • landscape guidelines. the complexity and timescale of the assessment. Capacity assessments require the consideration Landscape sensitivity assessment of landscape character, visual sensitivity and landscape value. The diagram below Landscape Sensitivity should be used to refer reflects current thinking on the order of how to to the inherent sensitivity of the landscape inform landscape capacity to accommodate irrespective of the development changes development. proposed. As illustrated below this primarily considers the sensitivity of the physical landscape Figure 3.3 Landscape capacity resources, for example hedgerows, and the assessment perceived character of these in order to form a judgement about their sensitivity to change. Landscape Character Sensitivity Figure 3.2 Landscape sensitivity assessment

Visual Sensitivity Landscape Character Sensitivity (incorporating quality/condition)

Landscape Value Judgement about quality and condition > > Landscape Capacity to Landscape capacity to accommodate specific accommodate development development

As the type of development is not known, Depending on the level of detail that is required, this approach is typically most effective at the landscape capacity studies, can be applicable strategic level, for example in the preparation at a range of assessment scales, from broader of regional landscape management strategies, regional levels, providing input to structure plans, where development zones could be identified. to a detailed site level in local plans, directing development around individual settlements or indeed to inform supplementary planning guidance and master planning at a site specific level.

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Landscape strategies

In order to provide justification for any landscape strategy, capacity and sensitivity need to be established. A strategy can then determine the need for: • conservation and maintenance of existing character; • enhancement of existing character through introduction of new features of alternative management; • restoration of character where appropriate to current land use; • creation of new landscape character; • combination of the above options, especially where regeneration activity is occurring, involving much development and landscape change. Stirling Major Growth Area Landscape strategies are typically based on The Clackmannanshire and Stirling Structure Plan the above objectives, and are linked into (Clackmannanshire Council and Stirling Council development planning policy by providing 2002) identified a projected demand for 2,500 new guidance on what is the preferred option for the homes and an area of search for a new settlement was management of a particular area or zone. identified, called Stirling’s Major Growth Area (MGA). SNH were involved in consultation with the Council and Landscape guidelines sponsored a landscape study to inform the decision making process. The study provided information on the Landscape guidelines should be developed in landscape and visual implications of different options advance of any development proposal and seek and identified significant variations in landscape character, caused by variations in the quality of the to protect existing key characteristics to reinforce landscape, the extent to which areas are visible, character where appropriate. They should be physical characteristics and the history of settlement informed by landscape character assessments and land use in the area. and capacity assessments. The study examined each of the development options and provided outline landscape design guidance to Guidelines would concentrate on the removal ensure that whichever site option was identified for or alteration of the negative characteristics, such development, the opportunities to maximise its positive as derelict mineral workings, or alteration and contribution in landscape terms would be realised. enhancement of character such as overgrown The Finalised Local Plan, Alteration 2: Stirling’s Major hedgerows to create or reinstate a landscape Growth Area, published in November 2004 identifies character, which has positive, attractive the Durieshill area for development. The key principles landscape features. for the new village address, amongst others: •a clear and integrated design concept to achieve a In the case of the Stirling Major Growth Area, distinctive Stirling village; • integration of historically successful approaches to a landscape study was commissioned by SNH, local streetscapes, open spaces, shopping, leisure looking at the existing landscape and historic and workplaces, with innovative and energy efficient built form to inform the allocation of land for modern design; a new settlement and to inform the design •a development that encourages safe walking and cycling to all local facilities; and guidance for the new settlement. •a place which respects, and promotes the enhancement of, the environment and its biodiversity.

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The benefits of landscaping for new housing can complement the existing urban housing developments form; • creation of character - where the existing The following examples set out the potential surrounding urban form is of poor quality, on-site benefits for the conservation and opportunities exist to create an innovative enhancement of landscape in association with and vibrant urban landscape, which new housing developments: establishes a sense of place and unique • provision of green ‘infrastructure’, such as identity; a network of paths and open spaces and a • rehabilitation and renewal - for many high quality natural landscape, providing former industrial and urban brownfield healthy living environments and space for sites, the landscape character is typified by social interaction; features of neglect and dereliction. Linked • creation of a sense of place and welcome; to the opportunity above, there can be an • promoting access to the countryside; opportunity for the creation of landscape • education benefits by providing opportunities character or the rehabilitation of existing to learn about the landscape on the landscape or townscape character. This can doorstep; either reflect the adjacent often historical • provision of attractive garden spaces; urban form, through road layout, scale and • pollution control - supporting air quality and type of housing and curtilage, or creation attenuating noise pollution, for example of distinctive high quality contemporary ‘trees can remove sulphur dioxide and landscapes; reduce particulates (in the air from cars) by • integration of open space - with careful up to 75%. Noise attenuation can be as consideration of the existing landscape much as 30dB per 100 meters’ (Town and character and existing value attached to Country Planning Association 2004); that landscape, opportunities arise for the • natural air conditioning, for example: ‘a effective incorporation of the open space single large tree can be equivalent to five that represents interesting and exciting room air conditioners and will supply enough places for recreation for the new community, oxygen for ten people’ (ibid); rather than ‘left-over’ voids. Coordinated • supporting biodiversity by providing suitable with related elements such as access routes, habitats for birds and bats; and habitat creation, microclimate audits and • provision of shade and shelter, through SUDS they can become an important part of, appropriate planting, from prevailing and valuable asset to, the community. weather conditions, for example, shelter from winds or shade from bright sunlight.

The opportunities for landscapes in housing developments

With the implementation of new housing, there will be landscape change and impacts on landscape character. However, where developed within an informed landscape framework, drawing on the practice and application of landscape assessment, a number of benefits can be achieved: • reinforcement of character - where a settlement or landscape has a relatively intact and strong vernacular housing character, carefully sited and designed

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Biodiversity Biodiversity issues and impacts associated with New Housing With regard to the incorporation of biodiversity into approaches to the sustainable development Existing mechanisms to manage the impacts of of new housing, the primary aims should be to: new housing development on biodiversity include • identify what key aspects characterise the national planning policy and advice, local local natural heritage features; Biodiversity Action Plans (LBAPs), conservation • understand the ways in which ecological initiatives and specific land use policies in receptors function within that site and its local plans. However, these policies tend to be surrounding environment; and fragmented and uncoordinated (CURE 2002) • protect, restore and enhance natural and consequently provide neither a consistent heritage within a proposed development. nor effective mechanism for the protection and promotion of biodiversity across the country.

Biodiversity by Design a Guide for In general, sites protected by nature Sustainable Communities. A Town and conservation designations achieve a good Country Planning Association ‘By Design’ degree of protection within the planning system. Guide. September 2004 However it is non-designated sites, with value This guide introduces the core design principles for biodiversity, that struggle to be properly for biodiversity by design and explores tools and incorporated into policy, and hence are often techniques for analysing a site and its context, under-valued during the design and evaluation of looking at the relationships with existing green development projects. networks. The guide also looks at how to develop a green infrastructure network into a master plan New housing and settlement developments can by integrating sensitive urban design principles, often have a number of unsustainable impacts on creating habitat networks, providing ecological biodiversity, including: services, such as air conditioning (mitigating the • loss of habitats and species to buildings and effects of heat islands) and pollution control, associated infrastructure; and creating connections with nature to improve • disturbance of habitats and species opportunities to experience natural heritage. during everyday operation of residential The guide then goes on to focus on detailed developments; design elements including opportunities for • predation and disturbance of birds, small urban ecology and explores how the long- mammals and reptiles by domestic cats and term management and stewardship of green dogs; infrastructure can be secured. It provides a • impacts on groundwater and surface water, valuable tool, identifying the value of ecology including altered patterns of drainage and to development, and presenting potential, often pollution; innovative, ways of integrating biodiversity • disturbance of species through light and into development schemes, through setting noise pollution. principles and by design. It presents the factors necessary to achieve an ecologically sustainable Unsustainable approaches to natural heritage development in the urban context and provides aspects of new housing and settlement a considerable amount of examples where developments are often attributed to a principles were implemented in practice, both in misconception that biodiversity issues will be the UK and elsewhere a restriction to development, and that they will be expensive or complicated to mitigate. This highlights a lack of understanding regarding the types of opportunities available to integrate biodiversity with development.

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Principles for biodiversity and new • low quality but in good condition: housing strengthening • low quality but in poor condition: rebuilding. “Working together, planners and developers should, through good design, aim to minimise This approach is dependent on defining the harm to nature conservation features and, condition of features, which in itself is a complex wherever possible, should actively seek to and often circumstance-specific issue, but is increase the abundance and diversity of wildlife similar to the ‘avoid, mitigate, compensate, and to ‘rebuild’ local ecological networks” enhance’ strategy proposed by ENTEC (2002) (Oxford 2004). and the more detailed, planning procedure approaches set out by Oxford (2000) to Ecological systems are complex networks of “enhance, restore, avoid, retain/incorporate, habitats and species populations. They need compensate, manage and monitor”. inter-linking corridors to allow inter- and intra- system movement of species. Settlements are Transferring principles into action also open systems where people and goods are continually circulating (Llelyn Davies et al 1999). The aim of all conservation, restoration and The same principles that guide communication enhancement is to generate a net gain in links within and between settlements can be biodiversity as an integral component of all new applied to ecosystems. housing developments. This should be pursued at all stages of the development planning This inter-connectivity means that it is important process, from strategic planning, to site-specific to consider, in addition to the conservation development. of designated sites, the role of the wider, non-designated habitat mosaic (or wider Establish the baseline conditions countryside) incorporate this into development masterplanning. However, all sites and Thorough field and desk-top surveys are locations will have an unique resource base necessary to identify the ecological receptors and development requirements. There cannot within an area, and how they inter-relate therefore be a standard check list for the with receptors further afield. This will include development process. However, the following statutorily protected sites and species, but also principles provide a guide: those considered important locally, through the • identification of the development area’s LBAP process and consultation with the local characteristic or important biodiversity Wildlife Trust and local experts. features; • identification of the desired biodiversity Geographical Information Systems (GIS) can ‘outputs’ of the scheme; be a useful tool in mapping large quantities • identification of the appropriate development of spatial data, enabling an appreciation of processes to achieve these aims. landscape-wide relationships between sites, habitats and species. Historical maps can In order to achieve these aims, CURE (2002) sometimes be used as a guide to what habitats or identifies a generic approach to assessing how ecological features originally existed in an area, natural heritage issues might be incorporated and how they related spatially to each other or within sustainable urban-fringe settlement were connected. planning, in terms of responding to the circumstances of the land in question. These are: This type of detailed survey should be carried out • high quality and in good condition: to inform development plan policies at a local conservation level, particularly where sites have been identified • high quality but in poor condition: for housing land, supplementary planning restoration guidance and site-specific proposals, whereas

42 Scottish Natural Heritage Commissioned Report No. 120 (ROAME No. F04AA501) ! LBAPs are a more appropriate tool to inform It is important to be aware of the restrictions structure plans. of European competition laws that restrict the ability of planning authorities to impose specific This information can be used strategically, to plan requirements about the use of materials in the location of traditional landscape ecology development, and clear and proper justification tools such as ‘green wedges’, wildlife corridors, will always be necessary. and wildlife networks. However, for these to be successful it is necessary to have a thorough understanding of what species will be able to use Adequate attention should be paid to wildlife these features, and how. legislation during construction, particularly for European protected species such as Constraints Mapping bats, otters and great crested newt, but also nationally protected species (breeding birds Constraints mapping should be used to identify and their nests, reptiles, badger and so on). development no-go areas (such as a presumption The Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004. against development in statutorily designated has introduced new penalties for ‘reckless’ sites), and those areas where development could disturbance of such species, which will strengthen occur without compromising the ecological legal cases against developers who contravene integrity of the area. In this way, unsustainable this legislation. ecological aspects of a development can be ‘designed out’ at a very early stage. Defining Post-development site management what may be lost as part of the development plans process will also assist with establishing what the ecological outputs of the project must be in order Site management plans are useful for ensuring to maintain the sustainability principles. that the original objectives of a project continue to be delivered for the scheme’s entire lifetime, While there are always other constraints that and if the acceptability of a development will influence the development of a housing site, depends on securing these objectives, failure of features to be conserved, restored, enhanced or long term monitoring and maintenance will make connected should be identified, taking account the development unacceptable. A management of nationally and locally important biodiversity plan for a sustainable settlement might cover features. A rationale for these actions must be a range of issues to ensure that all the socio- clearly stated. economic and environmental aspirations of the site are met, and biodiversity will form one aspect Implementation of that plan.

The materials and techniques used in Ecological management plans tend to be wide- construction can often significantly compromise reaching in their content, and can cover some or the ecological sustainability of a scheme. all of the following: Although the use of more ‘natural’ materials in • targets for habitats and species on the site; developments, such as wood, has become more • how the targets will be monitored; fashionable, this should be sourced locally from • action to be taken if targets are not met; sustainably managed woodlands. Specifications • management regimes for habitats and for construction materials and techniques will be species (including frequency, timing, set out at the planning consent stage. methodology, personnel, etc.); • how ecological aspirations will be incorporated with other outputs of the scheme (recreational, residential, industrial, etc.); • funding.

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The benefits of incorporating Opportunities for ecology from new biodiversity into housing design housing developments

Integrating biodiversity into new housing The following examples set out potential developments can have a range of potential opportunities for the conservation and benefits for the scheme and its future inhabitants. enhancement of biodiversity on sites proposed These include: for housing developments. Some of these are • provision of green ‘infrastructure’, such as accompanied by examples of where they have a network of paths and open spaces and a been implemented: high quality natural landscape, providing healthy living environments and space for * Creation of Wildlife Corridors: opportunities social interaction; are provided for wildlife to pass from garden • education benefits by providing opportunities to garden to other urban habitats and or the to learn about natural heritage on the countryside, avoiding the need for animals to doorstep, whether from open space cross roads or separating/isolating habitats opportunities for play to awareness of wildlife from one another. through the provision of bird boxes and pond areas; * SUDS: are now commonplace in new • opportunities to develop sense of community developments. However, according to through initiatives to support local SEPA, for the majority of schemes adopted, biodiversity; no ecological benefits are achieved. • provision of biodiverse gardens; SUDS such as filter drains and permeable • flood prevention; surfaces do offset pollution run-off and • maintenance of water quality by helping to contribute to managing flooding but they manage local wildlife resources, e.g. wetland do not contribute to enhancing a site’s habitats can be used for the storage and biodiversity. Habitat creation opportunities cleaning of ‘grey’ water; and do exist however, where settlements ponds, pest control, by providing suitable attenuation ponds or swales are used. environments for birds and bats whose diet includes garden pests. The implementation of SUDS schemes can prove ! difficult in housing developments where there may be potential for accidents. It is necessary to identify responsibility for such schemes and East Dunfermline expansion often this will fall to the local planning authority The Dunfermline East Expansion (DEX) area was identified or residents. In order to reduce the risk of liability, in the 1994 Fife Structure Plan to accommodate the open attenuation ponds should be designed with town’s expansion needs over a 20 year period. The former Fife Regional and Dunfermline District Councils child safety in mind, as in the East Dunfermline along with Fife Enterprise commissioned consultants to Expansion scheme. produce a master plan for the area. A key consideration of the masterplan was drainage, where the site has potential to affect four watercourses to the south and west, passing through developed areas subject to flooding. Working with SEPA, a series of ponds have been created to attenuate the forward flow of surface water and to help improve its quality prior to discharge to the main water-courses. The attenuation ponds also provide significant amenity features within the developed areas enhancing ecological benefits as the vegetation becomes established.

The concerns over the safety of having ponds so close ! to housing areas were mitigated by the use of shallow sloping sides, barrier planting, fencing and natural surveillance.

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• Habitat Creation: wetland and scrub • Environmental Education: provision of areas, log and rock piles and green roofs information materials for new householders - supportive of amphibians, reptiles, insects, is a simple way of sharing the information, birds, butterflies and other invertebrates, gathered about a site at assessment stage, supporting a wider diverse ecosystem. The with new residents. Developers can be simple introduction of new native plants or encouraged to produce an information seeds also can help to build up new habitats booklet about key features of interest for birds and bats, while enhancing the or initiatives implemented on the site, natural appearance of a site. Native species explaining their value and how to respect are more likely to survive and support other these. This booklet could be made available native species on the site and in the wider to new residents on the sale of properties. landscape. • Fencing: to protect important wildlife • Habitat Creation: introduction of bird boxes species in areas adjacent to new housing and bat boxes/roosts –can help replace developments from predation by domestic any habitats lost to construction and can animals, or similarly, to protect existing promote wildlife diversity on a site. It is and new planting from damage by wildlife, worth noting that bats do not tend to cause a e.g. the use of deer fences around a new a smell or make noise and their droppings turn housing development in Applecross, Wester to dust rather than leave solid remains like Ross. mice (English Nature 2003). Also, bats and birds can provide a valuable and natural • Ground/Soil: careful management of soils method of pest control. during development to retain soil integrity and potentially enhance quality to support • Maintaining/Avoiding Existing Habitat growth and survival of new species and Features: instead of removing features and habitats. replacing them with new species, often not native, or difficult to mange, it can be more • Translocation: use as a last resort to rescue effective to identify existing features and important habitats that would otherwise retain and or enhance these, either on site or be lost to development. For example, a in the surrounding landscape. new housing development at Carnbroe in North Lanarkshire, has implemented the • Habitat Management: construction and translocation of orchids within the site to a Long-term - management plans can be more suitable/sustainable green area. implemented to secure existing habitats, in particular during the disruptive construction phase. Similarly, once complete, there can be significant value achieved from long- term habitat management. For residential areas, there is potential to achieve this firstly through the introduction of low maintenance planting and secondly as part of the overall site maintenance scheme. Opportunities also exist to engage local residents in management schemes, promoting stewardship. For example through the use of incentives such as offering free membership of a local wildlife trust for new residents.

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Viikki District, Helsinki 1994

In 1994 the Finnish Ministry for the Environment, the Finnish Association of Architects and the Technology Development Centre of Finland (Tekes), initiated the Viikki Ecological Neighbourhood north of Helsinki with an objective to introduce urban experimental housing development in accordance with the principles of sustainable development.

The winning master plan for the scheme introduced a finger like system of alternating building and open spaces, which will be used for play, composting, SUDS and gardening. Existing local plan policy requirements Site Layout for ecological construction influenced the scheme’s principles.

The settlement will eventually accommodate 13,000 new inhabitants and 6,000 jobs and all of the residential areas are linked to the large surrounding park landscapes. The Latokartamo area has been used as a test area for ecological residential development. The site promotes water savings, maintains variety in the eco system, uses non-toxic materials with a long life, promotes involvement of inhabitants in the protection of the environment and finds solutions to exclude cars and prioritise public transport. Gardening Spaces integrated with housing Source: www.hel.fi/ksv/english/projects/viikki

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Access and recreation authorities in Scotland, including a requirement to identify a ‘core path network’ within three In an urban context, ensuring that all new years of enactment (February 2005). These core developments are accessible by pedestrians and path networks will be identified through public cyclists and have an adequate supply of useful consultation and must be shown to fulfil the open space, of value for active and passive needs of all users. recreation, has become a key strategic objective of planning policy. Provision of sustainable Local authorities will have a statutory obligation access and open space can contribute to the to: ‘…do anything they consider appropriate for wider objectives for: the purposes of maintaining a core path and • health; keeping a core path free from obstruction or • social inclusion; encroachment’. • land management; and • economic development. This could have significant impacts on development proposals if they are likely to Whilst the relevance of each of these subjects obstruct or remove a core path and will provide is likely to vary from site to site, they all have valuable opportunities for the consideration of potentially significant value for residential access in the future. development and it is important that the opportunities for, and benefits of, access and Accompanying the Land Reform Act, further open space are considered throughout the support for increasing the profile of access within planning process to secure accessible and Scotland has come from Travel Choices for integrated residential developments in Scotland. Scotland: The Scottish Integrated Transport White Paper (Scottish Executive 1998). This outlines an Key issues and impacts for access integrated approach to transport provision at the and recreation and new housing national level and recognises the direct relevance developments that transport issues have to many other policy agendas such as the environment, health, In recent years the most significant piece of education and wealth creation. legislation relating to access has been the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 which came into The White Paper outlines a framework for the force in February 2005. The Act gives everyone introduction of a number of policies providing the right of responsible access across open land support for walking and cycling and includes and water in Scotland. raising awareness of walking issues and the creation of safer cycling opportunities. It While this right of access does not apply to the also provides an opportunity for integrating curtilage of houses, in most cases, the right sustainable access into new housing of responsible access will apply in any open developments, securing links to existing or land around new housing developments and potential routes and networks. consequently, the creation of links between new residential development and access to open space or the countryside should be pursued.

Most local authorities in Scotland have developed Access Strategies, which provide a strategic framework for the development of access across each Council area. These strategy documents currently have advisory status only. However, the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 places a number of responsibilities on local

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residential developments provide a valuable Sherwood Energy Village landscape structure for a scheme, the opportunity to promote net gains in biodiversity and a focus Sherwood Energy Village is on the site of the former for community interaction. Ollerton Colliery in the East Midlands which was a working mine until March 1994. The site comprises industry, commerce, housing, education, recreation, New housing can have significant impacts on tourism and leisure. In 1995 a concept plan was access and recreation including: drawn up to show how the site could look and the idea • existing ‘informal’ spaces or areas which of Sherwood Energy Village was born with open space may not be formally recognised or and access as central themes for the Village. These included: maintained but are locally important for activities such as dog walking can be lost, Central Park this can be particularly relevant in the case of 1.8 acres of landscaped open space located centrally brownfield sites and in urban fringe areas; in the site, to provide a focal point. It will be accessed via the main pedestrian entrance to the site, or by the • without careful design, residential amenity many other foot and cycle paths throughout the Energy can be affected by poorly designed routes Village. and open spaces; and • new housing developments adjacent to The Arena existing path routes can lead to demands The Arena is an area located to the edge of the site of about 20 acres in size. It is surrounded by mature trees for path closures where the uses are and is designated for leisure and recreational activities. incompatible as a consequence of poor Incorporated within the Arena is a wetlands area, design, leading to conflicts between established to encourage different forms of wildlife. residential amenity and anti-social The Energy Trail behaviour. The Energy Trail will pass through the Village and include a range of different plants, sculptures and Principles for access and recreation and examples of stand alone renewable energy features. new housing

The Design Statement also provides for the integration of the Village with the existing communities of Ollerton Provision of access to community facilities, the Village and New Ollerton through extensive road and countryside (where possible) and open space are footpath links, bringing all local facilities within easy key elements that should be considered when reach of the proposed new housing. helping to develop a safe and sustainable new Source: www.sherwoodenergyvillage.co.uk residential area. Open, accessible residential areas are likely to be ‘healthier’ and suffer less from problems of isolation. This concept links closely to the guidance set out in ‘The In relation to recreation and open space Promotion of Physical Activity in Scotland’, provision, the open space agenda has also (Health Education Board Scotland 1997) the grown in importance, with the publication of strategic statement of the Health Education Board PAN 65 in 2003 for Planning and Open Space Scotland (now Health Scotland) which highlights (Scottish Executive 2003 b) and the establishment the importance of exercise because of its role in of Greenspace Scotland, which is, amongst the prevention of coronary heart disease, stroke others, working with local authorities to secure and vascular disease as well as general well the creation of open space strategies. being. Residential developments provide a significant At a basic level, access is about being able opportunity to create high quality open spaces, to move safely by foot or bicycle between the however care has to be taken to secure these home and a given destination (e.g. parks, whilst avoiding the pit falls that are associated school, work, shops, doctors etc). Whilst the with them, such as anti-social behaviour and types of destination may vary from settlement or lack of maintenance. Open spaces within to settlement (depending on size, location and

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type), the principle that the population should be It is important to remember that residential able to gain access to local services and outdoor developments are particularly sensitive to loss ! activities by means other than car, remains true. of amenity as a result of path networks. This is especially true where paths encourage non- Whilst the new access legislation gives a right resident pedestrian traffic through a site or paths of responsible access across open land, it is are provided to the side and rear of dwellings. likely that the majority of the population will still To avoid this loss of amenity, paths should be predominantly use designated paths and routes. designed in order to promote natural surveillance, Therefore it is important that consideration is i.e. to the front of dwellings rather than to the side given to connections to access networks from or rear. This can be achieved while still creating new developments. important links to external routes and networks for residents. A Review of Peripheral Housing Developments and their impacts on the Natural Heritage, Similarly, open space provision within a scheme ENTEC (2002) outlines four principles to should aim to achieve the following principles: be considered by SNH and local planning • provide a sense of welcome and place; authorities to ‘safeguard and improve access’. • contribute to the landscape structure of These are: a scheme and its surrounding landscape • retain existing networks of footpaths, context; bridleways and tracks and well used open • contribute to providing a healthy access areas, both within the site and to/ environment, with opportunities for play, from surrounding countryside; social interaction, and views onto green • where extinguishing of existing paths and areas, of proven value for mental health; and tracks cannot be avoided, ensure the • contribute to improving on site biodiversity. development is sufficiently permeable to allow through access with good linkages to Transferring principles into action open countryside. Where open access areas are lost, ensure that these are replaced on, To achieve the above principles through new and/or off-site; settlement development, a useful starting point • provide additional paths through and can be summarised as: around the development, giving particular •Retain; consideration to links to existing path • Enhance; networks and areas of publicly accessible •Replace; open space (e.g. there may be a requirement • Add new. for new footbridges over roads/railways to enable residents to access the countryside As a minimum, these should be the principles safely and easily); applied at all stages in the planning process, • and retain, create and manage land taking into account the potential benefits of each alongside new and retained paths in order to action within an area. For example, failure to enhance the setting and users’ enjoyment of provide proper links to an existing Safer Routes to them. School scheme may lead to even more children being driven to school. This has potential impacts on air quality, physical health and the sustainable transport agenda.

Establish the baseline conditions

A primary step in the development planning process, where identifying land for housing and developing sites should include the consideration

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of how access can be fully integrated. In simple A baseline assessment of open space facilities terms this can be done by looking at any existing can be informed by local open space data on paths and routes in the area (the Scottish strategies and should inform strategic policies, Paths Record is held by SNH and each local supplementary planning guidance, master authority’s access strategy could be used as a plans, right down to planning applications. Of starting point). particular importance however is supplementary planning guidance that can set out the detail of The analysis should also consider ‘trip open space standards and principles that can be generators’ such as parks, schools, shops or applied through all housing developments. places of employment within walking/cycling distance of the development. Identifying these Identify existing and likely resident key locations will help to identify where the key needs/desires access points are likely to be needed and where there may be a lack of permeability through a At the master planning and application stage given site. an analysis of possible residential needs should be undertaken, to identify the potential trip Any existing projects such as health walks, generators and open space requirements. Safer Routes to School schemes or other access This is likely to vary considerably from scheme projects should be identified and mapped in to scheme. The trip generators are likely relation to any potential site. In some cases there to be very different for an urban brownfield may be an opportunity to improve access into the development site compared to a suburban or countryside or onto an existing longer distance rural development. In urban areas consideration route such as a canal towpath. Information such may need to be given to creating links to cycle as this can be available from a range of sources, and access networks into urban centres and such as consultations for Local Plans and from the provision of amenity open space or links Access Officers. to existing facilities, while in suburban or rural areas greater consideration may be given to the The identification of baseline conditions should provision of more child friendly links between also identify any significant barriers to access housing, open spaces, the countryside and that may be present in an area. These could schools and the provision of safe play areas. include railway lines, major roads or large-scale industrial sites. Identify potential connections

This approach should be used when looking Permeability between urban and rural locations at strategic plans and also when considering into any new development is likely to be a key supplementary planning guidance, and site consideration. Any new development should specific development proposals including connect with the major trip generators and masterplans. existing access network as much as possible. For example, where possible, connections should be For open space provision, there is value in taking made to: into account the existing supply of open space • Safer Routes to School; provision in an area and the potential for making • existing path networks (e.g. woodlands); connections to existing spaces and enhancing • green networks or corridors; that provision rather than integrating a new and • parks; and existing important access routes separated facility within a scheme that duplicates such as canal towpaths or disused railways. existing provision. Similarly, where existing provision is limited in scale and quality, there may be scope for a development to contribute to improving wider community facilities as well as providing open space within the scheme.

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Benefits for new housing from access Adambrae Parks , Livingston and recreation Adambrae Parks is a suburban residential development in Livingston. The key feature Access and recreation solutions integrated into of the original masterplan was to build the new housing developments will be of value housing around a linear park which follows the for residential developments by providing route of a burn. This was used to develop a opportunities for health and education, enabling connected network of walkways and cycleways access to community resources. which provide easy access into the 390 houses in the scheme. Links were made to existing Residential areas with good quality access are bus stops, underpasses and an overbridge, less likely to experience isolation, social exclusion which have allowed Adambrae to be fully and the associated economic and health connected with public transport, the local retail problems. centre and Kirton Campus employment area. The access and recreation facilities formed The provision of high quality access and open the backbone to the scheme and have helped space facilities will contribute to ‘place making’, to maintain the viability of local shops and creating a sense of place and community. services. It has also led to favourable reactions from local people in residents surveys. Access networks and open space provision can be established in a manner that support on site and neighbouring biodiversity, providing wildlife corridors and similarly contributing to landscape structures integrated with the local landscape Additional Guidance: context. SNH, Paths for All (2004) Outdoor Access Strategies A Guide to Good PracticeThe Finally, the advantages of providing opportunities document sets out key process related features for access and recreation are now recognised as for preparing or reviewing an outdoor access major contributing factors in attracting buyers. strategy. Part of the process involves developing a vision and an action plan to identify key action Opportunities for access and recreation themes to address. This guidance stage of the from new housing process provides an important opportunity to access within new housing developments. New housing schemes can provide opportunities for existing access and recreational facilities through: • replacement, • extension or • improvement.

Improvement of existing local open space facilities can be achieved through the use of Section 75 Agreements where open space provision off site can compensate for reduced provision on site.

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4. TYPES OF NEW HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AND GUIDANCE

Introduction represented by up market schemes similar to that at Glasgow Harbour, Edinburgh Waterfront Despite a falling population, changing lifestyles and the former Royal Infirmary Site in Dundee, and household structures, and in particular or equally, by social/affordable housing schemes an increase in requirements for single person such as at Crown Street in the Gorbals. homes, mean that the demand for new homes in Scotland continues, and will continue, to rise. In many cases, brownfield land is prioritised for The trend is leading local planning authorities to high density residential development. However, facilitate an increase in housing land allocations it should not be assumed that all brownfield land and the development of a range of different is suitable or preferable. Experience from across housing types, including, high-density urban the UK often suggests that derelict land can brown field developments, middle density sometimes be of greater biodiversity interest than suburban housing, large scale urban expansions, some areas of intensively managed farmland. entire new settlements, and the expansion of existing small settlements and housing in the SPP 15 for Rural Development (2005), also notes open countryside. However, despite there being the potential of brownfield sites in rural areas, a plan led system for development in Scotland, including former brickworks and sawmills, as there are often cases where housing proposals suitable for conversion to residential use, with will be submitted to planning authorities for potential to achieve “net environmental benefit” consent outwith the designated areas, in (para 18). particular away from towns and cities and beyond the green belt. Natural heritage issues typically associated with these types of schemes include: Scottish Planning Policy (SSP) 3, Planning for • potential loss of important local landmarks Housing (2003), highlights that the efficient or elements of cultural heritage; use of land is an important planning aim. • potential landscape impacts where Higher density development should therefore brownfield land is located in an otherwise be promoted on sites in close proximity to rural location; transport nodes with lower densities becoming • potential loss of semi-natural habitats and more suitable away from large urban centres of species that have colonised the site and loss population. of wildlife corridors; and • loss of open space and informal access Densities in the simplest terms can range from routes. high-density developments, which tend to include flatted and terraced developments, to medium Opportunities on the other hand can include: density schemes, more popular in suburban/ • positive contribution to local landscape and urban fringe areas, to low-density schemes, more townscape; common in older suburban developments and in • use of existing site features to ensure the new rural areas. development sits comfortably with its wider urban landscape setting; The remainder of this chapter presents an • retention of the green belt; overview of the different settlement types and • concentration of development in existing presents guidance for securing the protection and urban areas; enhancement of natural heritage. • limited amount of land-take as a consequence of development; Brownfield housing developments • inclusion of existing natural heritage features, e.g. mature trees into the design to conserve City or town centre housing developments and enhance them as habitats; generally tend to be located on brownfield • creation of habitat corridors; (previously developed) land, and can be

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• provision of publicly accessible semi-natural key landmarks; open space; and • the treatment of boundaries; • use and extension of urban access networks • internal landscape proposals, for example, improved pedestrian access to particularly in terms of the way they the waterfront in Glasgow. relate to adjoining areas. • how will the landscape features Brownfield housing guidance established through the development be maintained in the long-term? Aims: to ensure that the existing natural heritage value of the brownfield site is recognised Biodiversity from the outset and reflected in the way that redevelopment proposals evolve. An equally Objectives should include: important aim will be to secure significant • identification and potential retention of landscape, biodiversity, access and open space important habitats or species that are present benefits. on the site; • creation of new habitats particularly where Landscape these contribute to wider habitat networks or support habitats species identified in the Objectives should include: LBAP. • identification and retention of important local landmarks or cultural elements associated This requires the following to be carried out: with the previous use of the site; • key principles for biodiversity and brownfield • development of proposals that reflect, development can be set out at the planning enhance and integrate with the surrounding policy stage, in particular requiring that all townscape or landscape. housing developments should actively seek to achieve net biodiversity gain; This requires the following to be carried out: • initial proposals for a brownfield site, • initial proposals for a brownfield site, whether identified through the Local Plan, whether identified through the Local Plan, supplementary planning guidance or by a supplementary planning guidance or by developer, should be informed by baseline developers, should include an assessment surveys of the biodiversity value of the site of the landscape and townscape character and an overview of the surrounding area and capacity of the site and its immediate in order to define opportunities for habitat context. This should provide an indication corridors and networks involving the site. of which (if any) features to retain, and help This information should be used to inform the define landscape and townscape design biodiversity objectives for the scheme. This principles to inform development of the is likely to highlight opportunities for habitat scheme; conservation, enhancement and creation, • pre-application discussions, together with and the establishment of any habitat the review of any master plan proposals or corridors or habitats linked to SUDS or other planning application should consider the infrastructure; extent to which these design principles have • pre-application discussions, together with the been reflected in the scheme. Depending review of any master plan proposals should on the location and context of the scheme, consider the extent to which these objectives issues to consider may include: have been reflected in the scheme: • scale, form of new buildings and their • biodiversity issues should be the subject relationship with neighbouring areas of of a management plan, setting out how townscape, open space or landscape; the proposal will be developed in the • the extent to which the development light of the site’s attributes in order to would affect key views or the setting of secure net biodiversity gains. This should

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include consideration of how habitats • pre-application discussions, together with within and adjacent to the site will be the review of any master plan proposals or monitored and managed once the planning application, should consider the scheme is complete; extent to which these design principles have • ask if the proposal achieve a net gain in been reflected in the scheme and ask: biodiversity? • are the functional and recreation access • ask if the site will secure and enhance needs of future residents on the site green corridor networks for wildlife? reflected in the scheme? • does the site link into and contribute to Access and recreation the wider network of paths and open spaces? Objectives should include: • have key opportunities for new access • enhancement of access and open space been incorporated in the scheme? opportunities, particularly within urban areas; • what provision is there for future • integration of the development site with management and maintenance of these surrounding access and open space facilities? networks. Peripheral housing This requires the following to be carried out: • planning policy should encourage all Peripheral housing developments tend to housing developments to consider existing be medium density estates of detached or sustainable access networks and access semi-detached units. Most urban areas in requirements of future residents; Scotland have seen a significant increase in the • initial proposals for the brownfield site, development of this type over the past 10 years. whether identified through the Local Plan, In terms of absolute numbers, it is likely that this supplementary planning guidance or by type of development will account for a significant developers, should include a review of share of the new housing over the coming existing access and open space provision decade, and where the need may become within the wider area around the site. The greatest to ensure that natural heritage issues are local authority Access Strategy may include fully reflected through the planning process. an audit of access routes (including longer distance routes) and will set objectives Natural heritage issues typically associated with for the area in question. An analysis of these types of schemes include: proposed land uses on the site, together • loss of rural and urban fringe landscapes on with land uses in the surrounding area, will the edge of settlements; help identify the need for new access routes • landscape and visual impacts associated with linking through the site and serving schools, new houses and elements such as boundary shops and other facilities. There may be treatment and screen planting, particularly opportunities to create new recreational where development is pushed in to more and access, for example along riversides or the more prominent locations; coast, bringing benefits for new residents, the • potential loss of historic settlement patterns existing population and visitors to the area. and local distinctiveness, resulting from Similarly, the council may have an Open incremental peripheral additions to the urban Space or Greenspace Strategy, identifying area; any deficiencies in the quantity, quality or • the direct loss of habitats, and the creation type of open space in the surrounding area. of additional barriers to species movements This review of information will help set access within and across the urban area; and open space objectives which should be • loss of informal and formal access to the reflected in the way that proposals for the countryside from the existing urban areas; site are developed; • risk of poor accessibility for people on foot

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or bike and dependence on cars and public Carnbroe, Coatbridge 2003 transport. North Lanarkshire Council worked with a housing developer to prepare a Design Statement for the Opportunities on the other hand can include: development of 250 dwellings on a site identified by • enhance degraded urban fringe landscapes; the Council for release from the greenbelt subject to the • retain and reflect existing landscape features; preparation of a design statement. In preparing the Design • reflect layouts and building designs that Statement, assessments were carried out for the site and adjacent environment covering landscape and biodiversity. reflect vernacular patterns in the surrounding These studies helped to inform the developer of the local area; context, potential landscape impacts, site visibility and • conservation of valuable habitat features and natural features. Informed by the baseline survey work, the the creation of new habitats; Design Statement set out the key design principles for the • creation of new access opportunities linking site including: • creation of green links to: through the site and between urban and rural • create distinctive landscape features, areas. • accommodate pedestrians and cyclists, • integrate the scheme with the countryside, • provide a strong shelter belt, • secure wildlife corridors, and • reinforce the rural edge to what is an urban fringe area; • enhancement of the ecological value of the nearby SINC; • retention of existing hedgerows and the shelterbelt of mature trees; • native species planted towards the countryside boundary were proposed as native; and • within the built up areas, more ornamental species were suggested to reflect the local tradition of designed landscapes.

Source: Barton Willmore Planning Partnership 2003.

The Design Statement also noted that the site would be subject to an ecological management plan, with specific details to be agreed following approval of the layout.

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Peripheral housing guidance form respond to the underlying landform and to key landscape features and Aim: to ensure that the existing natural heritage character on the site in the surrounding value of the development site is recognised from area? the outset and reflected in the way that proposals • does the proposal identify and respond evolve. An equally important aim will be to to key characteristic landscape features secure significant landscape, biodiversity, access within the site and the surrounding area? and open space benefits. • will important features be retained within the site, or reflected in the layout? Landscape • does the proposed pattern of development (scale, layout, road Objectives should include: network, open space, massing etc.) • identification and retention of any on site reflect the pattern of local settlement? features of value, including views; • will the development contribute to local • development of proposals that reflect, or regional distinctiveness? enhance and integrate both with the • does the proposed range of building surrounding townscape and rural landscape. types, designs and materials reflect the pattern of local buildings? This requires the following to be carried out: • does the scheme include proposals for • the identification of locations for peripheral boundaries within and around the site development should be carried out through and will these aspects contribute to local the local plan process. The use of a or regional distinctiveness? landscape character assessment and an • how are gateways, corridors and analysis of landscape sensitivity to guide the undeveloped areas within the site and development to appropriate locations, to between the site and any existing urban determine the scale of development that is area to be treated? appropriate in a given location. Townscape • how visible will the development appear analysis of settlement patterns and historic in the wider landscape? Will it be growth may also be valuable in determining integrated with the surrounding pattern appropriate urban fringe locations for of settlement or will it be prominent additional peripheral development; as a consequence of its location or • landscape character assessment should also the design, materials or colours of the be used to develop design guidance in terms buildings? of site layout, retention and enhancement of • will the development affect the visual existing landscape features, building design setting of key landmarks, or the outlook and materials and the need for landscape from key viewpoints? enhancement or treatment within the site or • what mitigation measures, including in off-site locations. The guidance should boundary treatment, are proposed? be endorsed by the local authority as • how can these issues be addressed supplementary planning guidance (such as through planning conditions or development briefs); agreements? •Pre-application discussions for specific sites • how will the landscape features and the review of the planning applications established through the development be should include consideration of the extent to maintained in the long-term? which the proposal reflects the results of the assessment and the objectives of the design Biodiversity guidance/development brief. Objectives should include: Points to consider at this stage include: • identification of existing habitats and species • does the proposed layout and building present on the site or in the surrounding

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housing development requirements for spaces, shortfalls in quantity or type of open access, taking into account areas identified space)? as housing land; • does the application specify how access and • supplementary planning guidance should be open space facilities will be managed and prepared and identify the following elements: maintained in the future? • existing elements of the path network • how can these issues be addressed through that connect with, or pass through planning conditions or agreements? development sites; • the requirement to maintain access Planned settlement expansion through the site, retaining links between the existing urban area and the The planned expansion of settlements relates countryside; to the growth of an urban area, allowed for in • the requirement to provide safe access development plans, beyond existing settlement on foot or by bike to schools, shops, boundaries or town envelopes, into adjoining open spaces and village and town centre areas or along identified growth corridors. facilities, whether they are located within Settlements such as Inverness are actively the development site or in the existing exploring options based on the creation of urban area; growth corridors focused on transport nodes. • the requirement for new high quality functional open space within the Natural heritage issues typically associated with development, and the potential these types of schemes include: requirement for links to open space • loss of rural landscapes adjacent to existing networks in existing settlements; settlements; • the need for pre-application discussions • landscape and visual impacts associated and planning consents to consider the with new houses and elements such as extent to which access and open space boundary treatment and screen planting, objectives set out in supplementary particularly where development is sited in planning guidance have been met. more prominent locations; • potential conflict with the area’s historic Points to consider at this stage include: settlement and local characteristics; • does the scheme maintain existing access • The direct loss of habitats including through the area, linking the existing urban woodland, hedgerows, wetland, grassland area with the open countryside? etc.; • does the scheme include a path network to • loss of informal and formal countryside safely meet the needs of people travelling access opportunities; on foot or by bike, facilitating access • risk of poor accessibility for people on foot to community facilities and recreational or bike and dependence on cars and public opportunities? transport. • does the proposed path network connect with • loss and fragmentation of habitats; the network in surrounding areas? If not, what measures are required to achieve this? Opportunities on the other hand can include: • how will the proposed development affect • enhancement of degraded landscapes, for existing patterns of access? example where mineral working or other • will existing formal or informal access across activities have taken place in the past; the site be affected? If so, what modifications • opportunities to retain and reflect existing are required to maintain such access? landscape features; • what open spaces are proposed as part of • enhancing ‘urban fringe’ landscapes; the scheme? • reflection of layouts and building designs • how do these open spaces respond to the that reflect vernacular patterns in the local context (landscape, network of open surrounding area;

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• conservation of valuable habitat features and Greater Copenhagen “The Finger Plan” the creation of new habitats; The main source of inspiration for the creators • creation of new access opportunities linking of the “Finger Plan” was probably Sir Patrick through the site and enabling access to the Abercrombie’s “Greater London Plan 1944”. countryside. The plan consisted of individual neighbourhood • incorporating wildlife corridors alongside key units with local shopping centres, schools, and landscape features in the new development; other everyday needed facilities. Larger shopping • use of intensively farmed land of limited centres would be located at nodal points where value for biodiversity instead of developing large roads would meet, and the main shopping brownfield sites of biodiversity value. centre would be located in the city core. The space in between neighbourhoods would remain undeveloped to allow parks for recreational activities. The development of the finger like pattern was based upon the existing structure of the radial S-train (local commuter train) lines.

The “Finger Plan” aimed to reinforce and regulate the development trends that had emerged when the S- trains came into use in the 1930s through the development of housing around the stations.The “Finger Plan” has been used as a framework for regional planning in the Copenhagen metropolitan area for over half a century, and throughout this period the spatial pattern as a whole has remained intact. This has included the well-designed public transport system that provided a skeleton for future development of the public transport system, and the retention of the green spaces between the fingers.

The main lesson to be learnt from this example of a settlement framework is that environmental policy should be based on consistent and sustainable land use plans and principles.

The implications of this approach for the natural heritage include the maintenance of a network of green space between settlements. This is a very strategic approach and provides a framework for natural heritage issues, but does not provide detail on how responses to local natural heritage issues are integrated into the wider framework. Source: www.inro.tno.nl/transland/cases_nonprio/copenhague.pdf

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Planned Settlement Expansion Guidance Points to consider at this stage include: • does the proposed layout and building form Aim: to ensure that the existing natural heritage respond to the underlying landform and to value of potential new housing sites is recognised key landscape features on the site in the from the outset and reflected in the way that surrounding area? development proposals evolve. An equally • does the proposal identify and respond to important aim will be to secure significant key characteristic landscape features within landscape, biodiversity, access and open space the site and the surrounding area? benefits. • are important features retained within the site, or reflected in the layout? Landscape • do landscape enhancements reflect the character of the surrounding area? Objectives should include: • does the proposed pattern of development • identification and retention of important site (scale, layout, road network, open features, landmarks or cultural elements; spaces, massing etc.) reflect the • development of proposals that reflect, pattern of local settlement and will the enhance and integrate with the surrounding development contribute to local or regional landscape. distinctiveness? • does the proposed range of building types, This requires the following to be carried out: designs and materials reflect the pattern of • The identification of locations for growth local buildings? areas should be carried out through the • does the scheme include proposals local plan process, though the principle for boundaries within and around may already have been established through the site and will these aspects of the the Structure Plan process. The use of a development contribute to local or regional landscape character assessment and an distinctiveness? analysis of landscape sensitivity should be • how are gateways, corridors and used to guide development to appropriate undeveloped areas within the site and locations and to determine the scale that is between the site and any existing urban area appropriate in a given location. Analysis of to be treated? settlement patterns and the pattern of historic • will the development be integrated with the growth may also be valuable in determining surrounding pattern of settlement or will it be appropriate locations; prominent as a consequence of its location •Landscape character assessment should or the design, materials or colours of the also be used to develop design guidance buildings? in terms of appropriate layouts, principles • will the development affect the visual setting for retention and enhancement of existing of key landmarks, or the outlook from key landscape features, building design viewpoints? principles and materials and the need for • what mitigation measures, including landscape enhancement or treatment within boundary treatments, are proposed? sites or in off-site locations. These criteria • how will the landscape features established should then be developed through site through the development be maintained in specific design statements or master plans; the long-term? • pre-application discussions and the review • how can these issues be addressed through of the planning applications should include planning conditions or agreements? consideration of the extent to which proposals reflect the results of the assessment and the objectives of the design brief.

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Biodiversity • does it prioritise the conservation, enhancement or creation of habitats in Objectives should include: accordance with the LBAP? • identification of existing habitats and species • does it identify habitat opportunities present on the site or in the surrounding associated with open space and access area; networks, or with SUDS or transport • habitat proposals that achieve a net infrastructure? biodiversity gain by conserving and • does the proposal conserve, enhance or enhancing existing habitats and creating new create habitats within the context of wider habitats as appropriate. habitat networks across the site and linking into neighbouring urban areas and the This requires the following actions: countryside? • the identification of suitable sites for • does the proposal provide information on peripheral housing development through the future monitoring and management of local plan process should include a baseline habitat measures? study to consider important biodiversity sites • is there a long-term management strategy? and the potential of new development in • how can these issues be addressed through different locations to contribute positively to planning conditions or agreements? biodiversity, including the creation of habitat networks and corridors; Access and recreation • supplementary planning guidance should be used to highlight the importance of Objectives should include: conserving and enhancing the biodiversity of • the maintenance/diversion and or an identified site and the area around it. It enhancement of any existing formal or should identify any existing habitat features, informal access routes through the site; and using constraints mapping, identify what • the creation of additional paths linking into should be conserved within the site. It should existing networks with the aim of meeting also set out criteria to guide habitat creation the needs of new residents and the existing or enhancement and the possible need for population and to facilitate safe access to off-site compensation. The supplementary facilities and recreational opportunities; planning guidance should highlight • the creation of high quality and functional opportunities to establish or connect with open space linked to habitat creation, existing habitat networks and corridors. recreation provision and the path network. • the LBAP should be used at all stages of the planning process to provide guidance on the This requires that the following information range of habitats that should be prioritised in should be identified: particular locations identified for settlement • establish baseline conditions of existing expansion. elements of the path network that connect • pre-application discussions and the review with, or pass through the development site; of planning applications should include • establish existing and likely residential needs consideration of the extent to which the for access and recreation; proposal reflects the results of baseline • identify potential connections. studies, constraints mapping and the objectives of the LBAP and supplementary Supplementary Planning Guidance should: planning guidance. • set out the requirement to maintain access through the site; Points to consider at this stage include: • require the provision of safe access on • does the planning application identify foot or by bike to schools, shops, open habitats present on or near the development spaces and village and town centre site? facilities, whether they are located within the

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development site or in the existing urban to grow. In Perth and Kinross Council for areas; example, options for new settlements to the north • require new high quality functional open and east of Perth have been examined. New space within the development, and links to settlements raise similar natural heritage issues open space networks in existing settlements. as large growth areas, though these can be exacerbated by virtue of scale or a where such a Pre-application discussions and applications settlement is centred on an existing village. should: • consider the extent to which access and open Natural heritage issues typically associated with space objectives set in the supplementary these types of scheme include: planning guidance have been met. • loss of rural landscapes; • landscape and visual impacts associated Points to consider at this stage include: with new houses and elements such as • does the scheme maintain existing access boundary treatment and screen planting, through the area that is safe and overlooked particularly where development is cited in (to avoid anti-social behaviour and requests more prominent locations; for closures)? • direct loss of habitats including woodland, • does the scheme include a safe path network hedgerows, wetland, grassland etc.; to meet the needs of people travelling • loss of informal and formal countryside on foot or by bike that provides access access; to community facilities and shopping or • habitat fragmentation and loss of employment areas as well as facilitating biodiversity; recreational activity? • significant impacts on existing small • does the proposed path network connect settlements, where a new settlement is with the network in surrounding areas? If developed around an existing village, with not, what measures are required to achieve particular implications for local historic this? character; • how will the proposed development affect • impact of domestic pets and people on existing patterns of access? nearby wildlife and biodiversity resources; • will existing formal or informal access across • risk of poor accessibility for people on foot the site be affected? If so, what modifications or bike and dependence on cars and public are required to maintain such access? transport. • what open spaces are proposed as part of the scheme? Opportunities on the other hand can include: • how do these respond to the local context • the new scheme can positively integrate with (landscape, network of open spaces, local landscape character; shortfalls in quantity or type of open space)? • enhancement of degraded landscapes, for • does the application specify how access and example where mineral working or other open space facilities will be managed and activities have taken place in the past; maintained in the future? • reflection of layouts and building designs • how can these issues be addressed through that reflect vernacular patterns in the planning conditions or agreements? surrounding area • new settlement development can New settlements protect greenbelt areas from unsuitable development; The scope for the establishment of new • identification of less sensitive sites both settlements as a means of accommodating new in landscape and biodiversity terms, residential development is becoming increasingly for example agricultural land with low relevant to planning and development in biodiversity value; Scotland, as pressure for new housing continues

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• incorporation of existing site features in the open countryside and maintain the green new development such as hedgerows, trees, link towards Holyrood Park. streams and ponds; •a strong woodland structure, planted at • conservation of valuable habitat features and the outset and centred on the ridge lines, the creation of new habitats; to enhance the landscape and its value for • creation of new access opportunities linking wildlife, and to mitigate the visual impact through the site; of new development. • linking in with existing access networks in the •a continuous, hierarchical system of paths wider countryside and developing links to key and cycleways to provide both through services within the site such as schools, shops access and circuits within the green and transport nodes. environment, to benefit both everyday travel and recreation.

Environmental Enhancement Action Plan for the South East Wedge Development Edinburgh South East Wedge A partnership called, the ‘South East Wedge The current 2004 Edinburgh and the Lothians Project Group’, has been established to Structure Plan allocated a significant area of ensure that the environmental potential of the Green Belt for new settlement in response to new development is maximised through the the demand for housing. The area known as integration of amenity, natural habitat and urban the Edinburgh South East Wedge is located drainage. The group comprises of representatives south of Craigmillar and extends to the City from Midlothian Council, City of Edinburgh Bypass in Midlothian. The South East Wedge Council, Scottish Environment Protection Agency will accommodate 4,000 new homes and 30 (SEPA), Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), and hectares of employment land. Scottish Water, with project management being provided by the Scottish Institute of Sustainable The SNH area office was involved in early Technology (SISTech). As well as promoting the consultation in this process and encouraged the use of Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems development of a masterplan to address habitat (SUDS) the group also recognises the importance protection and enhancement, landscaping, of linking this to the restoration of existing SUDS, provision of access and amenity facilities, culverted watercourses in the development area. etc. The group has produced an Environmental Enhancement Action Plan which provides a The development requirements of the Structure model framework and detailed design guidance Plan were for private housing development for the implementation of SUDS features and land for industrial and/or business and the enhancement of watercourses in the development, including a medi-park for hospital development. Central to these proposals is related business. The overall pattern of new a strategic overview of how SUDS features, communities proposed has been developed watercourses and other urban green spaces in around public transport proposals that will the proposed development could be linked to facilitate and encourage the use of more increase both accessibility and biodiversity. sustainable transport modes. In relation to the environment a landscape strategy has been defined for: •a continuous green wedge linking between settlements and out to surrounding areas, developed as a continuous park system although not necessarily all as public open space. This is intended to allow access to

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New settlements guidance Points to consider at this stage include: • does the proposed layout and building form Aims: The key aim should be to ensure that respond to the underlying landform and to the existing natural heritage value of the key landscape features on the site in the development site is recognised from the outset surrounding area? and reflected in the way that development • does the proposal identify and respond to proposals evolve. An equally important aim will key characteristic landscape features within be to secure significant landscape, biodiversity, the site and the surrounding area? Are access and open space benefits. important features retained within the site, or reflected in the layout? Do landscape Landscape enhancements reflect the character of the surrounding area? Objectives should include: • does the proposed pattern of development • identification and retention of important local (scale, layout, road network, open landmark or cultural elements associated spaces, massing etc.) respect and reflect with the previous use of the site; the pattern of local settlement? Will the • development of proposals that reflect, development contribute to local or regional enhance and integrate with the surrounding distinctiveness? landscape. • does the proposed range of building types, designs and materials reflect the pattern of This requires the following to be carried out: local buildings? • the identification of locations for new • does the scheme include proposals for settlements should be carried out through boundaries within and around the site and the local plan process, though the principle will these contribute to local or regional may already have been established through distinctiveness? the Structure Plan process. Landscape • how are gateways, corridors and character assessment and an analysis of undeveloped areas within the site and landscape sensitivity should be used to guide between the site and any existing urban area the development to appropriate locations, to to be treated? determine the scale of development that is • how visible will the development appear in appropriate in a given location. Analysis of the wider landscape? Will it integrated with settlement patterns and the pattern of historic the surrounding pattern of settlement or growth may also be valuable in determining will it be prominent as a consequence of its appropriate locations; location or the design, materials or colours • landscape character assessment should also of the buildings? be used to develop design guidance in terms • will the development affect the visual setting of site layout, retention and enhancement of of key landmarks, or the outlook from key existing landscape features, building design viewpoints? and materials and the need for landscape • what mitigation measures, including enhancement or treatment within the site or boundary treatment are proposed? in off-site locations. These criteria should • how can these issues be addressed through be reflected in supplementary planning planning conditions or agreements? guidance (such as development briefs) for • how will the landscape features established sites identified for this type of development; through the development be maintained in • pre-application discussions and the review the long-term? of planning applications should include consideration of the extent to which the proposal reflects the results of the assessment and the objectives of the design brief.

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Biodiversity enhancement or creation of habitats in accordance with the LBAP? Objectives should include: • does it identify habitat opportunities • identification of existing habitats and associated with greenspace and access species present on the site or in the networks, or with SUDS or transport surrounding area; infrastructure? • habitat proposals that achieve a net • does the proposal conserve, enhance or biodiversity gain by conserving and create habitats within the context of wider enhancing existing habitats and creating habitat networks across the site and linking new habitats as appropriate. into neighbouring urban areas and the countryside? This requires the following actions: • does the proposal provide information on • the identification of suitable sites for new future monitoring and management of settlements through the local plan process habitat measures? should include a baseline study to consider • is there a long-term management strategy? the important features for biodiversity • how can these issues be addressed through and the potential of new development in planning conditions or agreements? different locations to contribute positively to biodiversity, including the creation of habitat Access and recreation networks and corridors through the new settlement and linking with the surrounding Objectives should include: area; • the maintenance/diversion or enhancement • supplementary planning guidance should of any existing formal or informal access be used to highlight the importance of routes through the site; conserving and enhancing the biodiversity • the creation of additional paths networks of the site and the area around it. It should with the aim of meeting the needs of new identify, using constraints mapping, existing residents and the existing population and habitat features, that should be conserved to facilitate safe access to facilities and within the site. It should also set out criteria recreational opportunities; to guide habitat creation or enhancement • the creation of high quality and functional and the possible need for off-site open space linked to habitat creation, compensation. The supplementary planning recreation provision and the path network. guidance should highlight opportunities to establish or connect with existing habitat This requires that the development should networks and corridors. identify: • the LBAP should be used to provide • baseline conditions of existing elements of guidance on the range of habitats that the path network that connect with, or pass should be prioritised in a particular location. through the development site; • pre-application discussions and the review • existing and likely residential needs for of the planning application should include access and recreation; consideration of the extent to which the • potential connections. proposal reflects the results of the assessment and the objectives of the supplementary Supplementary Planning Guidance should: planning guidance. • set out the requirement to maintain access through the site; Points to consider at this stage include: • require the development of a safe and • does the planning application identify attractive network of routes for people on habitats present on or near the development foot and bike, including safe access to site? schools, shops, greenspaces and village and • does it prioritise the conservation, town centre facilities;

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• the requirement for new high quality or around a market street or square. Some functional greenspace within the settlements are laid out on a clear grid pattern, development. others include development set back from the main street and accessed by vennels (alleyways). Pre-application discussions and applications Crofting settlements, on the other hand, comprise should: a dispersed though regular pattern of houses, • consider the extent to which access and open cottages and farmsteads. While the temptation space objectives set in the development brief might be to fill undeveloped segments with new have been met. residential development, there is a risk that this could undermine the historic settlement form Points to consider at this stage include: unless undertaken in an informed way. • does the scheme maintain existing access through the area? Natural heritage issues typically associated with • does the scheme include a path network to these types of schemes include: meet the needs of people travelling on foot • dilution of historic settlement character, or by bike? Does this provide safe functional particularly where new development does not access to community facilities and shopping reflect historic settlement structure, or form, or employment areas as well as facilitating or where building and landscape designs recreational activity? and materials contrast with historic buildings; • does the proposed path network connect • wider landscape impacts resulting from with surrounding areas? If not, what incremental development on the edge of measures are required to achieve this? villages; • how will the proposed development affect • loss of habitats on the edge of villages; existing patterns of access? Will existing • loss of access routes or separation of formal or informal access across the site the historic village from the recreation be affected? If so, what modifications are opportunities in the open countryside; required to maintain such access? • predation by domestic animals; • what open spaces are proposed as part of • reduction of rural amenity due to an increase the scheme? How do these respond to the in the local traffic, affecting accessibility. local context (landscape, network of open spaces, shortfalls in quantity or type of open Opportunities on the other hand can include: spaces)? • maintenance of viable rural communities • does the application specify how access and and economies; open space facilities will be managed and • high quality and sensitive design; maintained in the future? • creation new opportunities for managed • how can these issues be addressed through countryside access; planning conditions or agreements? • conservation and restoration of historic landscape features; Small settlement expansion • enhancement of access to the countryside; • reinforcement of rural traditions and Small settlement expansion relates to the landscape features such as hedgerows. expansion of existing villages and smaller towns by the addition of comparatively large areas of new housing. Towns such as Comrie in Perthshire have undergone several phases of this type of growth since the 1970s.

Many villages have distinctive forms which may be linear, focused on either side of key river crossing, nucleated around a cross roads,

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Applecross, Wester Ross

In 2002, SNH and the Highland Council commissioned a landscape capacity assessment to help inform the allocation of housing land for the Replacement Local Plan for Wester Ross. This study looked at the landscape character of the study area, considering its scenic quality and landscape opportunities for suitable housing locations.

The objectives of the study were to evaluate the landscape capacity of existing settlements, and identify where future domestic scale development would be appropriate. The study was required to identify where development would be unsuitable for reasons of landscape quality or scenic quality and to advise on areas where planting or other landscape enhancement measures could be undertaken to create further opportunities for siting development in the long term. Before

A project for eight new affordable homes within a wooded area, including five new dwellings and further three within a B listed threshing barn and slaughter house were developed, taking account of the LCA. The scheme includes a landscaped courtyard, with informal parking, tree planting and the upgrading of the path to the village. According to the architect for the site, the Applecross area exists as “an oasis of trees in an otherwise barren highland landscape”. Integrating the scheme with the local woodland was therefore an important element of the design. A landscape architect was appointed to carry out an assessment of the trees and a deer fence was erected to protect the trees from any further damage. Source: Albyn Housing Association

After

Small settlement expansion guidance • development proposals that reflect, enhance and integrate with the surrounding rural Aims: The aim should be to encourage townscape and landscape. development that responds to the historic character of small settlements and their This requires the following to be carried out: landscape setting, whilst conserving and • village townscape appraisals, should analyse enhancing the biodiversity interest of the area the historic development and form of the together with the range of access opportunities settlement including its relationship with key for local people and visitors. The identification of landscape elements and be undertaken in locations for village expansion should be carried conjunction with local landscape character out through the local plan process. assessment and some intervisibility analysis. This information should be used to compare Landscape the relative merits of different development areas in terms of the townscape, landscape Objectives should include: and visual impact and identify capacity for • the identification of the most appropriate settlement expansion; sites for development taking account of rural • the village appraisal and landscape townscapes, landscape and intervisibility assessment should be used to inform local issues; plan policies and supplementary planning

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guidance that will identify typical building • how will the landscape features established forms, orientation, siting on plots, access, through the development be maintained in designs, roof pitches, materials and the long-term? boundaries. It will be often be difficult or uneconomic to mirror this historic pattern Biodiversity of development, however planning policies, and supplementary planning guidance can Objectives should include: helpfully identify key principles which can be • identification of existing habitats and species distilled from such an analysis; present on the site or in the surrounding • pre-application discussions and the review area; of planning applications should include • habitat proposals that achieve a net consideration of the extent to which the biodiversity gain by conserving and proposal reflects local plan policies and the enhancing existing habitats and creating new principles identified through the appraisals habitats as appropriate. and set out in supplementary planning guidance. This requires the following actions: • the identification of suitable sites for new Points to consider at this stage include: settlements through the local plan process • does the proposed layout and building should include a baseline study and form respond to the local settlement pattern constraints mapping, informed by the LBAP, together with the underlying landform, to identify what important biodiversity sites pattern of woodland cover and other should be avoided during the selection of key landscape features on the site in the sites for village expansion; surrounding area? • policies and supplementary planning • does the proposed pattern of development guidance should identify opportunities for (scale, layout, road network, open spaces, on-site habitat conservation, enhancement massing etc.) reflect the pattern of local or creation, and the potential to establish settlement? habitat corridors or networks through the • will the development contribute to local proposed housing sites; distinctiveness? • pre-application discussions and the review • does the proposed range of building types, of the planning application should include designs and materials reflect the pattern consideration of the extent to which the of local buildings? Does the scheme proposal reflects the results of the assessment include proposals for boundaries within and the objectives of the supplementary and around the site? Will these aspects planning guidance. of the development contribute to local distinctiveness? Points to consider at this stage include: • how visible will the development appear in • does the planning application identify the wider landscape? Will it integrated with habitats present on or near the the surrounding pattern of settlement or development site? will it be prominent as a consequence of its • does it prioritise the conservation, location or the design, materials or colours enhancement or creation of habitats in of the buildings? accordance with the LBAP? • will the development affect the visual setting • does it identify habitat opportunities of key landmarks, or the outlook from key associated with greenspace and access viewpoints? networks, or with SUDS or transport • what mitigation measures, including infrastructure? boundary treatment are proposed? • does the proposal conserve, enhance or • how can these issues be addressed through create habitats within the context of wider planning conditions or agreements? habitat networks across the site and

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linking into neighbouring urban areas • this should include consideration of the way and the countryside? in which and open space facilities will be • does the proposal provide information managed and maintained in the future and on future monitoring and management the potential role of planning conditions and of habitat measures? agreements in ensuring these objectives are • is there a long-term management realised. strategy? • how can these issues be addressed Housing in the countryside through planning conditions or agreements? There is considerable pressure for housing in the countryside, with prices rising and, in areas Access and recreation close to larger settlements, there is a growing trend for existing dwellings to be extended or Objectives should include: even replaced by larger buildings. There has • the maintenance of any existing formal or been some interest in promoting more flexible informal access routes through the site, live/work schemes to provide housing that linking the existing village with the open supports rural economic activity and the newly countryside; published SPP15 Planning for Rural Development • the creation of additional paths linking into (Scottish Executive 2005 c) actively supports the existing networks with the aim of meeting continuing growth of households in rural areas the needs of new residents and the existing stating that: population and to facilitate safe access to facilities and recreational opportunities; “rural Scotland needs to become more confident • where appropriate, the creation of high and forward looking both accepting change and quality and functional open space linked to benefiting from it, providing for people who want habitat creation and the path network. to continue to live and work there and welcoming newcomers”. This requires the following actions: • establish baseline conditions of existing SPP15 notes support for the development of elements of the path network that connect small scale rural housing developments, such with, or pass through the development site; as clusters and groups in close proximity to • establish existing and likely residential needs settlements. In West Lothian the concept of for access and recreation; lowland crofting was introduced as means of • identify potential connections. regenerating an environmentally despoiled • preparation of supplementary planning landscape, similarly the Loch Tummel national guidance for the development site, which scenic area study highlighted the demand for identifies: small holding type development, which allowed • the requirement to maintain access through people to remain within the community and the site, retaining links between the existing combine some level of farming with other sources village and the countryside of employment. • the requirement to provide safe access on foot or by bike to schools, shops, open Natural heritage issues typically associated with spaces and village centre facilities; these types of schemes include: • the potential requirement for new high • the landscape impact of sporadic or quality open space within the development. incremental housing development; • pre-application discussions and the review • potential habitat loss and disturbance from of the planning application should consider unplanned development; the extent to which access and open space • high reliance on the private car; objectives set in the development brief have • landscape degradation, in particular where been met. one off housing proliferates across an otherwise rural area.

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Opportunities on the other hand can, where building traditions? managed through local plan policies and • does the scheme include proposals for supplementary planning guidance, include: boundaries within and around the site that • supporting people to live and work in will make a positive contribution to local rural areas, maintaining traditional land distinctiveness? management practices and their benefits for • how visible will the development appear in biodiversity; the wider landscape? • promotion of high quality design in rural • will it be prominent as a consequence of its locations; location or the design, materials or colours • landscape integration; and of the buildings? • enhancement/maintenance of biodiversity • will the development affect the visual setting through agricultural diversification in place of key landmarks, or the outlook from key of intensification. viewpoints? • what mitigation measures, including Housing in the countryside guidance boundary treatment are proposed? • how can these issues be addressed through Aim: The aim should be to ensure that individual planning conditions or agreements? houses in the countryside do not result in unacceptable landscape or biodiversity impacts. Biodiversity

Landscape Objectives should include: • identification of existing habitats and species Objective: present on the site or in the surrounding • creation of informed policies that identify area; where housing in the countryside is • habitat proposals that achieve a net acceptable, supplemented by planning biodiversity gain by conserving and guidance; enhancing existing habitats and creating new • that development proposals reflect, enhance habitats as appropriate. and integrate with their surrounding landscape. This requires the following: • local plan policies and supplementary This requires the following: planning guidance should identify • that proposals are guided by local plan opportunities for on-site habitat policies and informed by supplementary conservation, enhancement or creation, and planning guidance; the potential to establish habitat corridors • pre-application discussions and the review or networks through any one off proposed of planning applications should include housing sites; consideration of the extent to which the •pre-application discussions and the review proposal reflects local plan policies and the of planning applications should include principles set out in supplementary planning consideration of the extent to which a guidance. proposal reflects the policy and guidance.

Points to consider at this stage include: Points to consider at this stage include: • does the proposed layout and building form • does the planning application identify respond to the local landform, patterns of habitats present on or near the development woodland cover and other key landscape site? features in the surrounding area? • does it prioritise the conservation, • will the development contribute to local enhancement or creation of habitats in distinctiveness? accordance with the LBAP? • does the building type, reflect the local • does the proposal conserve, enhance or

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create habitats within the context of wider through the planning system, and is widely habitat networks across the site? recognised as a powerful tool to achieve high • how can these issues be addressed through quality developments. In Scotland, the Scottish planning conditions or agreements? Executive’s policy statement ‘Designing Places’ (Scottish Executive 2001) provides policy support Access and recreation for urban design, supplemented by this statement in SPP1 (Scottish Executive 2002). Objective: • the maintenance of any existing formal or “The architectural design, siting and setting informal access routes through the site, of development in its surroundings are valid linking the existing village with the open concerns of the planning system. The drive for countryside; quality should not focus solely on buildings. This requires the following: It should also be concerned with the way that • preparation of supplementary planning buildings, old and new, work together and create guidance by the local planning authority for the spaces and sense of place that have such an the development of one off dwellings; influence on the quality of life for communities”. • the requirement to provide safe access on foot or by bike to schools, shops, open Design is a material consideration, and an spaces and village centre facilities. application for planning permission can be refused on design grounds. To support this Application Stage however, it is critical that development plans • establish baseline conditions of existing set out clear design principles and guidance elements of the path network that connect frameworks, either directly through policy with, or pass through the development site; or using supplementary planning guidance • identify potential connections; (Chapter 4). This should be based on the local • this should include consideration of the characteristics of an area. potential role of planning conditions and agreements in ensuring supplementary The key aims of urban design in achieving a planning guidance objectives are realised. quality development, as set out in Designing Places, relate to the creation of: • identity; Urban design and new housing • safe and pleasant spaces; • ease of movement; When creating a design for a new settlement • sense of welcome; development, a developer is faced with a • adaptability; and requirement to establish the architectural building • good use of resources. blocks that create the dwelling units. However, in order to create a successful place, it is necessary Each principle has a value in terms of how to to achieve a level of integration of that scheme integrate natural heritage into a housing scheme. with its site and its surrounding landscape. For example, in creating identity, or a sense of This consideration of a site, its layout and its place, the characteristics of the landscape context landscape is commonly referred to as urban and natural features are central to retaining design. and improving this quality. Similarly the use of existing topography and tree planting can According to the Commission for Architecture be used effectively to provide shelter for new and Built Environment urban design is about buildings from the elements. “creating the right conditions to make places work”. Good urban design can be achieved

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Table 4.1 Urban design and natural heritage

Principle Natural Heritage Opportunities

Identity and Sense of Place Integration with natural landscape Retention of natural features on site Provision of high quality open space

Safe and Pleasant Place Development of on site landscaping Provision of safe access to the countryside Protection of residential amenity Protection of wildlife from predation

Ease of Movement Creation of safe pedestrian corridors through a site Opportunities to influence the impact of roads

Sense of Welcome Protection of views to the wider landscape Provision of high quality site landscaping

Adaptability Provision for biodiversity on the site to adapt and thrive Provision of a robust landscape that can develop and strengthen over time

Good Use of Resources Minimising building energy use to secure long term sustainability Provision of SUDS Protection of existing waterways, access routes etc. Provision for habitat protection and creation

Designing Places (Scottish Executive 2001) provides a useful introduction to the full meaning of these principles at page 30.

Additional Guidance: Sustainable Settlements: A guide for planners, designers and developers

The document sets out environmental principles developments such as refuges, corridors, relating to; energy in transport, energy in hedgerows, stepping stones, green buildings buildings, carbon fixing, biodiversity, air and and water habitats. The guidance highlights the water, land and minerals and the local human importance of landscape considerations through environment. local identity and sets out a summary checklist for the appraisal of development projects in relation In relation to travel and transport this includes to the initial topic areas. The document also supporting walking and cycling opportunities, includes more detailed sections on planning for and locating services so that they are open space, and the needs of pedestrians and accessible. In biodiversity terms the document cyclists. sets out guidance on protecting habitats and Barton, Hugh; Davis, Geoff; Guise, Richard, (1995) incorporating features for biodiversity into

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Scottish Natural Heritage Commissioned Report No. 120 (ROAME No. F04AA501)

5. CONCLUSION

The development planning system provides to secure a more holistic and sustainable an effective framework to influence land use approach to development. The guidance has planning and manage the location and quality of demonstrated the policy context that supports new housing developments through development requirements for natural heritage policies and plan policies, including the protection of improvements to schemes and sets out the nationally and internationally important sites relevant tools that will help secure the best such as SSSIs and National Scenic Areas as well outcomes for the natural heritage. as the protection and enhancement of the wider countryside and natural heritage of Scotland To summarise, the central lessons from this identified by landscape character assessments, guidance are presented in Figure 5.1: LBAPs, Access Strategies and Open Space Strategies.

Historically planning policies focused on the natural heritage as a constraint to development, focussing on sites designated for their importance. This approach however missed considerable opportunities to enhance local environments and overcome problems of fragmentation and isolation of valuable environmental resources, often resulting in housing developments sitting uncomfortably in the local landscape and environment, to the detriment of the landscape, biodiversity and the community.

However, as the planning system evolves, the value of the wider natural environment is being recognised and integrated into planning policy. Nonetheless, in residential developments, the opportunities for achieving better integration with the landscape, achieving biodiversity gains and improving sustainable access and open space provision, are not always maximised. While there has been considerable research into the principles for natural heritage management, and a wide variety of tools are available for integrating the natural heritage with housing development, the focus of sustainable planning tends to be on sustainable building design. While this guidance is important, particularly in the light of climate change, there is considerable scope to extend knowledge and to promote a more integrated approach to housing development and the natural environment.

This guidance document has identified which natural heritage issues are relevant to housing developments and has discussed how these can be addressed through the planning system

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Figure 5.1 Summary of central lessons

It is recommended that SNH area offices work to secure ongoing dialogue with planning authorities at a local level

What to do How to do it When applicable

Establish an Use character and Inform Development understanding of the capacity assessments, > Plan Policies natural heritage baseline studies and Inform SPG consider local strategies Planning applications

Make a judgement to: Apply baseline Inform Development protect, restore and or research to inform > Plan Policies enhance judgements and Inform SPG recommendations Planning applications

Identify holistic Use guidance and SPG sustainable solutions following examples of Planning applications best practice, > be creative! Use national and local policy to justify recommendations

Secure long-term Use planning Planning consent stage management of conditions and S75 > solutions identified planning agreements

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Landscape • identify how to achieve benefits, at policy, guidance and development level. The primary aim for landscape in relation to sustainable new housing developments is Access and recreation to ensure that the key principles of national planning policy and advice are taken on Access and recreation are important board to support local landscape character considerations in the development of new and environmental quality. In relation to new housing schemes, potentially offering health, housing developments, proposals tend to fall social, economic and transport benefits for outwith existing landscape considerations such residents and adjoining communities. as NSAs and green belt allocations, meaning that assessments are rare and resulting housing Since every development will have different schemes can be poorly integrated into the ground conditions, impacts and influences, it is landscape and historical urban contexts. important that access and recreation planning are undertaken on a site by site basis, with the A more integrated approach to the consideration overall strategic principles providing a clear of landscape issues through the planning process framework to secure consistent benefits across is required and importantly is supported through Scotland. national planning policy. Awareness of local strategies for access, Biodiversity recreation and open space and how to achieve objectives of these using the planning system is The primary aim for biodiversity in terms of new central to achieving benefits for natural heritage housing should be to identify the key biodiversity in housing developments. Partnership working characteristics of a local authority area and or will help to achieve an understanding of the a site and identify a sustainable approach to associated issues of transport requirements, the implementation of the housing proposals. maintenance issues and anti-social behaviour, Through national planning policy and the new and consequently contribute to achieving the Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act, there is most effective solution at policy and application a strong national commitment to maintaining levels. biological biodiversity and further its conservation and this can be taken forward through housing development at all scales and in all locations.

The role of Local Biodiversity Action Plans and local initiatives to protect biodiversity should not be overlooked as a tool to achieving gains for biodiversity as they provide an invaluable structure to implement national and local commitments to biodiversity, with a long-term outlook.

With regard to the incorporation of biodiversity into the sustainable development of new housing, the primary aims should be to: • identify what key aspects characterise the local natural heritage features; • to understand the ways in which the relevant ecological receptors function within that site and its surrounding environment; and

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Overview

The most effective long-term opportunity for SNH to achieve sustainable new housing developments in terms of natural heritage is to influence development plan policy to secure the protection, restoration and enhancement not only of designated sites but for all areas of value, or potential value, for natural heritage.

In particular, the use of supplementary planning guidance will become a more effective tool to achieve the level of detail and influence not possible at development plan level. The move towards an increase in the use of such guidance is an opportunity that should be embraced by SNH, and through effective partnership working with local authorities, used to raise the profile of the natural heritage and its associated vulnerabilities and opportunities in housing developments.

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APPENDIX 1

Sustainable new housing and settlement expansion and the natural heritage

SNH Area Office Name

Northern Isles Gail Churchill

West Highland Mary Gibson

Forth and Borders Niall Corbet

Dumfries and Galloway Tim Dawson

Strathclyde and Ayrshire Maggie Botham

Argyll and Striling Zoe Kemp

Western Isles Mary Harman

Other Key Stakeholder Organisations Name

Scottish Executive, Development Steve Dowel Department Planning Unit

Communities Scotland David Nicol

Homes for Scotland Alan Lundmark

SEPA Neil Deasley

RSPB Catherine Quigley

79 Scottish Natural Heritage Commissioned Report No. 120 (ROAME No. F04AA501)

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