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Strategic Environmental Assessment: Environmental Report Version 4 Post-Examinaon Economy, Planning & February 2017 Employability Services

Fife Local Development Plan

Strategic Environmental Assessment: Environmental Report Version 4

Post-Examination (February 2017)

Contents

Non-Technical Summary ...... 4 Table 1: SEA activities to date ...... 5 1. Introduction – Summary of Consultation and Policy Context ...... 10 Table 2: Development planning hierarchy in Fife ...... 13 Table 3: Relationship between other Plans, Programmes and Strategies ...... 14 2. SEA Themes and Objectives ...... 16 Table 4: SEA themes and objectives ...... 16 3. Environmental baseline, evolution of the environment without the Plan and current environmental issues ...... 20 Table 5: Evolution of the environment in the absence of FIFEplan ...... 32 Table 6: Environmental Issues and problems ...... 35 4. Assessment Methodology ...... 41 Table 7: Site assessment methodology by SEA theme ...... 43 5. Assessment of Strategy and Sites ...... 48 Table 8: Assessment of Fife-wide strategy ...... 50 Table 9: West Villages area: Site Assessment Scoring by SEA Theme ...... 55 Table 10: Dunfermline area: Site Assessment Scoring by SEA Theme ...... 59 Table 11: Ore & Upper Leven Valleys area: Site Assessment Scoring by SEA Theme ...... 62 Table 12: Kirkcaldy area: Site Assessment Scoring by SEA Theme ...... 65 Table 13: Levenmouth area: Site Assessment Scoring by SEA Theme ...... 67 Table 14: Cupar, Howe of Fife & Tay Coast area: Site Assessment Scoring by SEA Theme...... 69 Table 15: Tay Bridgehead area: Site Assessment Scoring by SEA Theme ...... 71 Table 16: St Andrews area: Site Assessment Scoring by SEA Theme ...... 72 Table 17: East Neuk area: Site Assessment Scoring by SEA Theme ...... 74 Table 18: Site Assessment Outcomes by SEA Theme ...... 75 6. Policy Assessment ...... 79 7. Cumulative and synergistic impacts ...... 88 8. Conclusions ...... 89 9. Monitoring Framework ...... 92 Table 19: Monitoring framework ...... 92

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Contents

Annex 1: The Plan Context (no changes from Environmental Report Version 3 ) Annex 2: Schedule of Relevant International, National and Regional Policies and Strategies Annex 3: Site Assessment Mapping (no changes from Environmental Report Version 3 ) Annex 4: Environmental Report Version 3 - Representations and Fife Council Responses Annex 5: Assessment of Additional Sites Annex 6: Extract summary of Fife Local Biodiversity Action Plan Priority Habitats and Species Annex 7: Screening of Examination Report Recommendations Annex 8: Updated Site Assessments (selected sites) Annex 9: Post-mitigation scoring of Candidate Sites included in the plan: Settlement Totals

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Non-Technical Summary

Non-Technical Summary

Key Facts

Fife Council Responsible authority

FIFEplan, Fife Local Development Plan Title of plan

Statutory requirement under the Town and Country Planning Mandate for the plan (Scotland) Act 1997

Land use planning Subject

Period covered 2016 – 2026 5 yearly reviews Frequency

As shown on map Plan area

To guide development within the plan area and to form the basis for an action plan to secure investment in infrastructure for Purpose of plan the area. Identify sites for new developments and set out policies that guide decision making on planning applications.

Development Plan Team Kingdom House Kingdom Avenue Contact point Glenrothes Tel: 03451 555 555,471680 [email protected]

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Non-Technical Summary

Table 1: SEA activities to date

SEA Action/Activity When carried out Screening: to determine whether the Plan is likely to have significant environmental effects Not required, FIFEplan is a qualifying programme under Section 5(3) Scoping: Scoping sets out sufficient information on the Fife Council Main Issues Report to enable the Consultation Authorities 28 September 2012 to 2 November (i.e. Historic Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage and Scottish Environment Protection Agency) and others to form a view on 2012 the scope, level of detail and consultation period that would be appropriate;

Publication and submission of Environmental Report Version 1 and FIFEplan Main Issue Report to SEA Gateway. Published 14 January 2013 to the 10 March 2013. for consultation from the 14 January 2013, and available to view at www.fifedirect.org.uk/fifeplan.

Hard copies were available to view in all libraries and at Enterprise, Planning & Protective Services, Kingdom House, Kingdom Avenue, Glenrothes, KY5 5LY during normal opening times. Comments could be made online at www.fifedirect.org.uk/fifeplan, to be received by the 10 March 2013. Publication and submission of Environmental Report Version 2 and FIFEplan Preferred Strategy and Site 9 December 2013 to 5 February 2014 Assessments to SEA Gateway. Published for consultation from the 9 December 2013 to the 5 February 2014, and available

to view at www.fifedirect.org.uk/fifeplan . Hard copies were available to view in all Fife Libraries and at Enterprise Planning & Protective Services , Kingdom House, Kingdom Avenue , Glenrothes KY5 5LY during normal opening hours. Comments could be made online at: www.fifedirect.org.uk/fifeplan, up until the close of the consultation on 5 February 2014. Publication and submission of Environmental Report Version 3 and FIFEplan Proposed Plan to SEA Gateway. 27 October 2014 Published for consultation on 27 October 2014 and available to view at www.fifedirect.org.uk/fifeplan. Available to view in all libraries and at Enterprise, Planning & Protective Services, Kingdom House, Kingdom Avenue, Glenrothes, KY5 5LY during normal opening times. Comments could be made online at the consultation website accessed through www.fifedirect.org.uk/fifeplan. Consult SEA Gateway and publish Post-Examination Environmental Report Version 4. December 2016 to February 2017

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Non-Technical Summary

Introduction

The Examination Report for the Fife Local Development Plan (Proposed Plan) was published on 18 November 2016. The Report made a number of recommendations for modifications to the Proposed Plan. This version of the Environmental Report provides an update to assess the impact of the changes recommended by the Examination Reporters. Additional updates to the Environmental Report are made to reflect the responses to the representations received for Environmental Report 3 at the Proposed Plan stage, and other minor circumstantial changes.

Environmental Report version 3 was prepared alongside the Proposed Plan, and consulted on at the same time. Fife Council’s responses to the representations received to Environmental Report version 3 were approved by Fife Council’s Executive Committee on 23 June 2015. These can be viewed in Annex 4.

Sections of the Report that have been updated since Environmental Report 3 have been highlighted in blue text.

Environmental Baseline

Section 3 of this report sets out the environmental characteristics of Fife and the main environmental issues that need to be addressed. These are set out in Table 6.

Assessment Methodology

To assist in judging the impacts of the sites those have been considered for the proposed local development plan, and their likely overall effects, a methodology that used a scoring mechanism has been used.

This stage of the Strategic Environmental Assessment looks at:

• the development strategy for Fife; • the local area strategies; • the new plan policies; and • the new sites that are proposed for development

Assessment of Strategy & Sites

Fife-wide Strategy A summary of the beneficial and adverse impacts of the strategy for Fife is provided. This summarises the impacts of the strategy as a whole and each of the policies in relation to each of the SEA themes. Table 8 summarises the assessment of the Fife wide strategy, and highlights the potential for negative impacts on a number of the SEA themes. However, in the main, these can be addressed and mitigated as set out above.

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Non-Technical Summary

Local Strategies An assessment of sites informed the assessment of the local area strategies. This looks at the combined impact of proposed development sites in each of the defined strategy areas, and identifies any significant environmental impacts arising.

Tables 9 to 17, and the accompanying summaries, set out the assessments for the strategy areas. Site Assessments Constraints mapping was used to assess sites against identified SEA themes.

Habitat Network , Natural Heritage Land Classification Geological Resources Information Topography

Heat Mapping , Landscape Green Network Environmental Risk & Constraints Settlement Information Flooding and Water Environment Built Heritage Recycling Adopted Local Plan Proposals & Designations

A visual indication of the anticipated impacts of the strategies and the potential development sites against the assessment themes is provided by scoring, where negative numbers indicate negative impacts and positive numbers indicate positive impacts. A higher number indicates a greater envisaged impact. An example of each of how each of the themes were mapped, together with the list of themes and layers and the buffers used, is included at Annex 3. The information is drawn from existing published information and centred on each of the candidate sites for assessment purposes. For each theme an appropriate buffer zone was identified based on the theme being assessed in order to assess the potential for off-site impacts and considerations to be taken into account.

Scoring for each theme has been weighted to reflect the significance of the anticipated impact and the potential to mitigate any issues highlighted.

The assessment identifies that, overall, preferred sites scored better than those that were not supported. It also highlights by SEA theme potential cumulative issues to be addressed.

Policy Assessment

The policies have also been assessed against the SEA themes and objectives. The policies have been subject of consultation and discussion with the Key Agencies throughout their preparation. The identified need for changes to policies, to mitigate negative impacts against the SEA themes and objectives has been incorporated.

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Non-Technical Summary

Conclusions

The main findings of the assessment of the Fife-wide Strategy, Area Strategies, Proposed Sites and Policies are set out below, highlighting for each SEA theme the potential significant effects identified through the assessment, and the consequential mitigation:

o Biodiversity, nature conservation: The assessment highlighted that there was potential for impacts on natural heritage features in part to designated sites but to a greater extent to non-designated features e.g. priority habitats such as woodland and wetland. This was particularly notable in the assessment of the candidate sites. It has been possible to mitigate against potential impacts, particularly through site selection and detailed site developer requirements. The inclusion of Green Network Priorities in the developer requirements is likely to have positive effects on this SEA theme, for example, through improving habitat connectivity. Through Habitats Regulations Appraisal, and related mitigation incorporated into the Proposed Plan, there will be no adverse effect on the integrity of a Natura 2000 site.

o Water quality, flooding: New development could potentially impact on water quality and flooding. However, there has been a variety of mitigation in the plan and its preparation (for example: through site selection; detailed site developer requirements that will ensure Flood Risk Assessments and other site specific measures such as buffers to water bodies are undertaken; and, through the policies of the plan). With this mitigation negative impacts are not likely to be significant and in many cases there are likely to be positive impacts.

o Energy Use & Energy Production: There is reasonable potential for new development in Fife to contribute to heat networks or to deliver renewable energy schemes. The potential for new development sites to contribute has been considered through site assessments, and these assessments have informed site selection. Policy 11 ‘Low Carbon Fife’ will help to ensure that future development proposals contribute towards reducing energy use and increasing low carbon energy production.

o Air pollution, noise, dust, hazardous installations: There is unlikely to be a significant negative impact in respect of air pollution, noise and dust as well as hazardous installations/sites subject to environmental licensing. There are positive impacts in relation to proposed changes of use that would result in an improvement to the local environment through the cessation of an existing use.

o Waste: New development will create waste irrespective of location. However, overall, the impact of the plan in relation to amounts of waste generation is expected to be neutral.

o Soil, mineral resources/ Brownfield land, contaminated land: A significant number of the sites in the plan are underlain by mineral resources or in close proximity to minerals. Most of the additional new sites involve greenfield land, and a number of these are prime-agricultural land. Very few have carbon rich soils. The loss of valuable soils and minerals has been mitigated to an extent by policies assisting their protection, choice of development allocations, and policies to promote use of brownfield land, which will minimise need for greenfield land and in some cases will

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Non-Technical Summary

involve removal or treatment of contamination. There is expected to be a minor residual impact for this SEA theme but this is not considered to be significant in view of the remaining quantity of these resources in Fife.

o Landscape: Most sites were considered to have landscape impacts to some degree. In some cases there are opportunities to create new edges and gateways to enhance existing poor settlement edges. Sensitive design and layout will be important in mitigating negative impacts and the Green Network Priorities and other developer requirements will help to minimise potential negative impacts and where possible secure positive impacts. The chosen site selection and policies of the plan should help to avoid significant impacts on Fife’s landscapes and townscapes.

o Settlements: There are opportunities for new development that integrates with and supports existing settlements. Loss of greenspace either formal or informal is likely to have a negative impact on the surrounding area, however, new greenspaces and green infrastructure are expected to be provided on site to mitigate this loss in line with Development Plan policies.

o Historic Environment: Fife has significant and varied historic environment assets. These are widespread throughout the local authority area, and as a result there was potential for some of the additional new sites in the plan to impact on these assets. However, it has been possible to mitigate against potential impacts through site selection and developer requirements where issues were identified. Policy 14 ‘Built and Heritage Environment’ provides protection for a wide range of heritage assets whether statutorily protected or not, and other policies in the plan such as Policy 8 ‘Houses in the Countryside’ may assist in securing the renovation of buildings with conservation value otherwise at risk of falling into disrepair.

The above conclusions incorporate the findings of the updated assessment carried out for the recommended modifications to the Plan set out in the Examination Report. It is considered that the modifications will not create any significant environmental effects.

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Introduction – Summary of Consultation and Policy Context

1. Introduction – Summary of Consultation and Policy Context

FIFEplan, the Proposed Plan was submitted to the Scottish Ministers on 7 August 2015. The Examination Report for the Proposed Plan was published on 18 November 2016. The Report made a number of recommendations for modifications to the Proposed Plan. This version of the Environmental Report provides an update to assess the impact of the changes recommended by the Examination Reporters. Additional updates to the Environmental Report are made to reflect the responses to the representations received for Environmental Report 3 at the Proposed Plan stage.

The Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005. The Act requires an SEA to be carried out on certain plans and programmes prepared by public authorities that are envisaged to have a likely significant environmental effect. FIFEplan is a plan that is envisaged to have a significant environmental effect on the area to which it relates.

The Environmental Report of the FIFEplan has been prepared in four versions:

• Environmental Report version 1 – initial assessment prepared for the Main Issues Report. Report was subject to public consultation and submitted to the Gateway; • Environmental Report version 2 – assessment of the Preferred Strategy and Site Assessments. This was the first full assessment under the Regulations; • Environmental Report version 3 – an update of version 2, to assess the decisions made for the Proposed Plan and the cumulative assessment of the policies and proposals; • Environmental Report version 4 (this report) – the final update to incorporate any changes recommended by the Reporters. This update also addresses comments raised at the version 3 consultation.

Strategic Environmental Assessment plays an important role in ensuring the sustainability of development. The process is a means to judge the likely impact of a public plan on the environment and to seek ways to minimise that effect, if it is likely to be significant. SEA therefore aims to offer greater protection to the environment by ensuring bodies preparing plans consider and address the likely significant environmental effects.

Consultation

Fife Council has undertaken significant consultation on the LDP Strategic Environmental Assessment throughout the last 4 years through versions 1, 2 and 3 of the Environmental Report. This has given those with an interest in the plan an early and effective opportunity to contribute and participate in its preparation.

Context

SESplan provides the strategic planning context for South Fife. The FIFEplan Main Issues report set out a preferred approach of meeting an annual requirement across the SESplan part of Fife. Since the FIFEplan Main Issues Report was published significant changes to the SESplan Strategic Development Plan led to a significant increase in the levels of new housing to be provided for across the SESplan area. This was addressed by the Development Strategy consultation.

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Introduction – Summary of Consultation and Policy Context

TAYplan provides the strategic planning context for North Fife. It focuses new development on towns which contain, or have the best access to, services i.e. schools, shops and public transport. It identifies how much land should be provided for housing over the next 20 years.

Assessment has been carried out on the FIFEwide strategy, the Area strategies and the policies in the proposed plan, and detailed site assessments have been carried out on all the proposed development sites. The site assessment information and the SEA assessment link together to identify the mitigation required for sites.

These assessments have been revisited in light of the recommended modifications arising from the Examination of the plan, and the findings incorporated into this version of the Environmental Report.

Key public agencies have been involved in the preparation of the additional stage, including Transport Scotland, the Tactran and SEStran regional transport partnerships, Scottish Water, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, the Health and Safety Executive, Scottish Natural Heritage, and Historic Scotland. Fife Council’s own different Service interests were also involved in developing the issues.

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Introduction – Summary of Consultation and Policy Context

Components of FIFEplan Proposed Local Development Plan

Fife Wide Strategy The Fife Spatial strategy combines the strategic direction given by both SESplan and TAYplan. It is a statement if how Fife should develop over the 10 years to 2026, framed by the National Planning Framework as well as SESplan and TAYplan.

Local Strategies There are nine Local Area Strategies. They highlight the strategy for each local area and the distribution of the proposed development sites.

Individual Proposed Sites Individual proposed sites are identified in the settlement plans. The settlement tables indicate the proposed use and the requirements for development to take place.

Planning Policies The Local Development Plan has 15 policies. Policy 1 is a ‘gateway’ policy and provides the development principles against which development proposals will be determined. 14 supporting policies provide greater policy information on specific subjects.

Relationship between FIFEplan and other Plans, Programmes and Strategies

FIFEplan, Local Development Plan is influenced by International, European, National and Local Plans, Policies and Strategies. These must be taken into account in the Local Development Plan. Annex 1 of this Environmental Report sets out the framework for FIFEplan provided by the Strategic Development Plans TAYplan and SESplan. Annex 2 provides a schedule of international, national and regional policies and strategies relevant to FIFEplan.

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Introduction – Summary of Consultation and Policy Context

Table 2: Development planning hierarchy in Fife

LEVEL OF PLAN SCOPE OF PREPARED BY SCRUTINY BY APPROVED BY PLAN National Planning National Scottish Government Scottish Parliament Scottish Ministers Framework developments & large public works (e.g. Forth Scottish Planning crossing) Policy Strategic Region-wide SESplan – the Strategic Development Plan examination by Development Plan issues (e.g. Planning Authority for Edinburgh and the Scottish Scottish Ministers Transport, South-East; Government housing land, TAYplan – the Strategic Development Directorate for employment Planning Authority for Dundee, Angus, Planning & land) Perth & Kinross, and North Fife. Environmental Appeals Local Development Site specific Fife Council Plan examination by Fife Council Plan policies and the Scottish proposals Government Directorate for Planning & Environmental Appeals Supplementary E.g. Fife Council, SESplan, TAYplan Fife Council Fife Council, SESplan, planning guidance Development committees TAYplan briefs & master plans with more detail than it is appropriate to include in a local development plan

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Introduction – Summary of Consultation and Policy Context

Table 3: Relationship between other Plans, Programmes and Strategies

Town and Country Planning Other UK or Scottish legislation or (Scotland) Act 1997, Chapter 8 as strategies: amended by Flood Risk management (Scotland)

Act 2009 Planning etc. (Scotland) Act 2006 Scottish Government’s Land Use National Planning Framework 3

Strategy, (NPF3) Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 Scottish Soil Frameworks. Scottish Planning Policy (SPP)

Adopted Mid Fife Local Plan 2011 Adopted St. Andrews & East Fife Local Plan 2012 Approved TAYplan Strategic FIFEPLAN Adopted Dunfermline & West Fife Development Plan 2012– 032 LOCAL DEVELOPMENT Local Plan 2012 2006 – 2026 Adopted Fife Minerals Local Plan Approved SESplan Strategic PLAN 2004; Fife Minerals Local Plan Development Plan June 2013 Alteration 2011. (2013 – 2032)

Other non-Council Plans, Policies Fife Council’s Plans, Programmes and Strategies, e.g. and Strategies, e.g. • Single Outcome Agreement • • Scottish Water Strategic Fife’s Community Plan 2011 – 2020 asset capacity and • Council Plan 2012 - 2017 development plan • Zero Waste Plan for Fife 2010–2020 • SEPA guidance on the • Local Transport Strategy for Fife 2006–2026 EC Water Framework • Fife Economic Strategy 2009-2020 Directive • Shoreline Management Plan. • Council's Climate Change Adaptation Framework

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Introduction – Summary of Consultation and Policy Context

National environmental protection objectives

A summary of all relevant international, national and regional legislation and policy is provided within Annex 2 of this Environmental Report. The principal national level planning strategy and policy framework is provided for by the National Planning Framework 3 for Scotland and Scottish Planning Policy. Both were published 23 June 2014.

The National Marine Plan for Scotland (2015) , builds on existing management regimes to provide one framework for all the activity which takes place in Scottish waters. The Plan sets out Scottish Ministers’ objectives for the seas and national policies for sustainable development.

International environmental protection requirements

The Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act requires that specific consideration is given to the potential impact of a Plan on the integrity of EU designated nature conservation sites.

Under the terms of the EU Habitats Directive the Council is also required to determine whether or not the provisions of the Plan are likely to have a significant effect and if so, ascertain whether that effect will be adverse on the integrity of any of the designated European Sites in Fife. If it is concluded that a policy or proposal might have a significant impact the Council is required to undertake an ‘Appropriate Assessment.’ The purpose of such an assessment is to establish whether the policy or proposal should be removed or whether adequate mitigation can be put in place to prevent any adverse impact on the designated site.

A Habitats Regulations Appraisal has been prepared to assess the potential impact of the Local Development Plan on designated European Sites in Fife. This considers the recommendations from the Examination Report as part of the Appraisal of the whole plan.

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Section 2: SEA Themes and Objectives

2. SEA Themes and Objectives

Schedule 3 of the Act includes a list of environmental factors which must be taken into account in the SEA. This SEA groups these factors into ‘themes’ which assists in relating them to the potential strategic impacts of the Plan. The relationship between the environmental themes and the criteria of the Act is set out in Table 4. Table 4 also sets out the SEA objectives relating to each SEA theme.

The use of themes is designed to ensure that the significant impacts of the particular Plan under consideration are effectively assessed. The framework relates the criteria listed in the Act to the analytic framework generally used in drawing up Local Development plans under the Town and Country Planning Act (Scotland) 1997.

Table 4: SEA themes and objectives SEA theme (Environmental SEA Objectives Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005 Schedule 3 reference)

Biodiversity, general nature • To ensure no adverse impacts on the maintenance of any population of European protected species at conservation favourable conservation status in their natural range. (Biodiversity, fauna, flora) • To protect designated nature conservation sites, Natura 2000, Special Areas of Conservation Area, Special Protection Areas and SSSIs. • To protect and enhance the Fife Local Biodiversity Action Plan Priority Habitats and Species. Extract appended at Annex 6. • To protect and enhance local biodiversity and geodiversity sites, individually and in combination with other sites. • To protect and enhance the wider environment, including trees and woodland, grassland, moorland, heathland, wetlands and watercourses, to achieve overall benefits for biodiversity, complementing the site protection system. • To protect and enhance landscape features of value to flora and fauna. • To protect and enhance habitat connectivity and green networks including urban open space.

Energy use • To minimise need for the use of private cars, ensure proposed development is well located in relation to the (Climatic factors) public transport network, cycling and walking routes. The development of the Green Networks will support active travel in providing alternatives to car use. • To promote well located development capable of being served by renewable energy generation and District Heating schemes.

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Section 2: SEA Themes and Objectives

SEA theme (Environmental SEA Objectives Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005 Schedule 3 reference) • To promote the use of low carbon technologies and the generation of renewable energy. • To reduce traffic congestion, maintain air quality and keep pollution below AQM thresholds. • To promote active travel through the provision of cycleway and footpath networks. • To reduce the causes of climate change.

Energy production • To promote acceptable forms of renewable energy production in appropriate locations. (Climatic factors, material assets) • To promote well located development capable of being served by renewable energy generation and District Heating schemes. • To promote the use of low carbon technologies and the generation of renewable energy.

Air pollution, noise, dust, hazardous • To ensure that potentially polluting proposed development is well located in relation to sensitive receptors. installations • To ensure that proposed development is well located in relation to existing sources of noise and dust, (Air, human health) otherwise polluting or hazardous installations and sites subject to environmental licensing. • To reduce traffic congestion, maintain air quality and keep pollution below air quality management thresholds. • To promote active travel through the provision of cycleway and footpath networks. The development of the Green Networks will support active travel in providing alternatives to car use and contribute to reducing car emissions. • To protect human health.

Water quality, flooding • To sustain and enhance the quality of the water environment to good ecological status. (Water, human health, biodiversity, • To protect functional flood plains. fauna, flora, climatic factors) • To reduce the risk of flooding and damage to property and to human health. • To reduce the causes of climate change. • To increase ability to adapt to climate change.

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Section 2: SEA Themes and Objectives

SEA theme (Environmental SEA Objectives Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005 Schedule 3 reference)

Waste • To reduce the amount of waste by maximising reuse, recycling and recovery of resources. (Climatic factors, material assets, soil, • To promote the provision of appropriate recycling facilities. water, air)

Soil, mineral resources • To maintain and protect Fife’s resource of prime agricultural land. (Soil, material assets) • To protect carbon rich soils, including peat. • To ensure the protection of Fife’s geodiversity sites. • To identify areas of search for minerals and maintain an appropriate landbank of construction minerals. • To prevent the sterilisation of mineral resources, through surface development. • To minimise the loss of greenfield sites to development. • To mitigate the impact on soil functionality in the quality of the water environment and flood risk issues.

Brownfield land, contaminated land • To increase the remediation of contaminated and brownfield land and buildings, including sites within the (Material assets, water, soil, human vacant and derelict land audit. health, biodiversity, flora, • To prevent soil contamination. fauna) • To increase the area and connectivity of open space and green networks.

Landscape • To promote the value of high standards of design to 'conserve restore and enhance landscape character (Landscape) and distinctiveness, integrity and setting. • To ensure that new development does not exceed any stated limits in relation to landscape capacity, either on its own or cumulatively with other developments. • To protect all landscape characters by ensuring landscape protection and improvement, taking into account linkages to existing landscape features. • To ensure development proposals enhance landscape characteristics where they are weakened and need improvement.

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Section 2: SEA Themes and Objectives

SEA theme (Environmental SEA Objectives Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005 Schedule 3 reference)

Settlements – infrastructure, community • To improve the supply of housing land to accommodate housing requirements. resources, vitality and • amenity To ensure development is well located in relation to existing infrastructure and contributes to new infrastructure needs. (Population, human health, material assets) • To reduce traffic growth and traffic congestion. • To enable access to public transport and enhance walking and cycling routes as part of the implementation of the Core Path Plan and Green Network agenda. • To promote access to and enhance the provision and distribution of greenspace, indoor and outdoor recreational facilities and social/community facilities for people, biodiversity, access and recreation and protect them from inappropriate redevelopment. • To decrease social deprivation and exclusion. • To promote community safety. • To promote high standards of design. • To ensure development proposals are future proofed for high speed broadband. • To promote the use of low carbon and renewable energy technologies including safeguarding opportunities for district heating schemes in new development.

Historic Environment • To protect and enhance the historic and cultural heritage, including appropriate reuse of existing buildings. (Cultural heritage, material assets) • To protect, enhance and where appropriate restore the quality and distinctiveness of townscapes.

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Section 3: Environmental baseline, evolution of the environment without the Plan and current environmental issues

3. Environmental baseline, evolution of the environment without the Plan and current environmental issues

The SEA focuses on the potential strategic environmental impacts of the proposals and policies contained in the plan. The key features of the area are set out below. The mapping used in this report is reproduced by permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of HMSO.© Crown copyright and database right 2013. All rights reserved. Ordnance Survey Licence number 100023385.

A more detailed compilation of key information available on the environment of the area is available at Environmental Report Version 1: Annex 3).

Environmental characteristics of the area affected by the plan Biodiversity, general nature conservation Fife has an extensive coastline - being bounded on three sides by tidal waters. Much of the significant nature conservation interest in the area is associated with the coastline and the relevant parts are protected through Ramsar, SPA, SAC, SSSI and LNR designations. Both the Firth of Tay/Eden Estuary, that is fed by River Eden, and the Firth of Forth are significant conservation areas. Throughout Fife there are a variety of significant biodiversity interests; and a number of active and planned biodiversity enhancement projects.

There are many sites of nature conservation interest located within the FIFEplan area:

PROTECTED AREAS IN FIFE TYPE Number of SITES

Local Nature Reserve National 7 National Nature Reserve National 2 Ramsar site International 3 RIGS Local 7 Special Area of Conservation International 3 Special Protection Area International 4 (and 1 Proposed SPA) SSSI National 54 SWT Reserve National 10 Wildlife site National 82

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Section 3: Environmental baseline, evolution of the environment without the Plan and current environmental issues Map of Natural Heritage Sites across Fife

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Section 3: Environmental baseline, evolution of the environment without the Plan and current environmental issues Energy use Fife consumed 16% less electricity in 2010 than in 2005. The reduction came from Fife businesses reducing consumption by 21% during the period, while Fife’s households reduced consumption by 8%. (Source the Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC). 1 Major industrial establishments in Fife include: Babcock Engineering in Rosyth who specialise in upkeep of Royal Navy warships; Babcock Energy in the Kincardine area; Scottish Power at Longannet Power Station (now closed and being decommissioned) ; Tullis Russell in Glenrothes; Quaker Oats in Cupar; Diageo in the Levenmouth area; Fife Energy Park in Methil; and the Fife Ethylene Plant south of Lochgelly. Land to the west of Rosyth dockyard is identified for an International Container Terminal. Other major employers in Fife include Amazon, Oceaneering, FMC Technologies, CR Smith and Sky - who are all located within Rosyth and Dunfermline. There are numerous industrial estates across Fife in many of the larger settlements. There is a high level of dependence on private transport. The dispersed character of settlements and high number of small settlements in rural settings generates a high level of demand for transport. Rural areas have poor public transport access and are heavily reliant on private transport. Heat mapping and the Scottish Government’s SPACE tool provide information on the energy consumption implications of new developments to assess individual development’s impact and the overall impact of the plan. The space tool has not been used during the preparation of the proposed plan. The information requirements and the assumptions that were to be made were difficult to consistently quantify for this plan. Energy production Carbon emissions have been reduced by 14% since 2005. Fife Council is committed to tackling climate change and reducing carbon emissions. It has set a target of reducing its carbon emissions by 42% by 2020 and 80% by 2050, in line with UK targets and legislation. The open landscape, presence of upland areas, and proximity to the national grid make the area potentially attractive for generation of electricity using renewable sources, particularly wind power. The extensive coastline offers opportunities for electricity from wave and tidal power. There is increased interest in renewable energy developments in Fife. Existing and potential renewable energy projects, if fully implemented, have the ability to supply enough electricity to power nearly all the domestic properties in Fife. The continual development of renewable energy technologies is promoted at the Westfield Development Centre, Kinglassie and Energy Park Fife in Methil. Fife Energy Park includes renewable energy production from wind, waste and tidal sources; a hydrogen production facility; research facilities; planning permission for a 200m temporary offshore demonstration wind turbine; Burntisland Fabrications who fabricate jackets for offshore wind turbines; and interest from large businesses to use the site to construct offshore wind turbine components for the planned large scale offshore wind farm in Scottish Territorial Waters. There is an operational biomass fuel (chicken litter) power station at the former open cast site at Westfield. Landfill gas arising from the Lochhead Landfill site is exporting circa 1MW of heat that is being used in Dunfermline for 230 houses and 7 public buildings, potential expansion could cover a supermarket. Tullis Russell biomass power plant has recently become operational. Wind turbines, are becoming a major part of this renewable energy generation. The map below shows the location of consented turbine developments as well as those currently being considered. The largest completed developments are at Little Raith (9 turbines/25mW), Earlseat (8 turbines) and Westfield (5 turbines/12.5mW), however, there are also significant consented proposals not yet constructed. Fife Council has seen an increase in the total number of renewable energy related planning applications since 2009 - the majority being wind turbines. This creates potential pressure on the landscape and pressure

1 Department of Energy and Climate Change: www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/data-useful-to-local-authorities 22

Section 3: Environmental baseline, evolution of the environment without the Plan and current environmental issues on planning services when dealing with large volumes of applications. More recently there has been a significant number of planning applications for solar energy projects, including one now completed solar farm south of Wormit. Location of wind turbines approved and under consideration in Fife

Source: http://www.fifedirect.org.uk/topics/index.cfm?fuseaction=page.display&p2sid=500C3CB2-D5E6-F216-50BAD63DFA0C1E8F&themeid=2B482E89-1CC4-E06A-52FBA69F838F4D24 (Oct 2014) 23

Section 3: Environmental baseline, evolution of the environment without the Plan and current environmental issues

A heat map has been produced for Fife 2; this will help identify locations where heat distribution is most likely to be beneficial and economical to local communities. The plan supports efficient use of energy and energy generation (including electricity and heat). The plan will maximise opportunities and links between new and existing developments, will support the development of renewable energy technologies in appropriate locations, and will identify areas of research.

Air pollution, noise, dust, hazardous installations Pollution from traffic is an issue in the centres of the larger communities. PM 10 concentrations are measured at four locations in Fife at Bonnygate, Cupar; Appin Crescent, Dunfermline; Admiralty Road, Rosyth and St Clair Street, Kirkcaldy. Measured 2013 concentrations were below the PM 10 annual mean objective at all sites. There are currently two AQMA’s for NO 2 and PM 10 located within the Fife Council boundary: Bonnygate, Cupar, declared in October 2008; and Appin Crescent, Dunfermline, declared in November 2011 for NO 2 and November 2012 for PM 10 . The review of all available data relating to carbon monoxide (CO), sulphur dioxide (SO 2) and benzene during 2013 indicates that it is unlikely that any AQS objectives relating to these pollutants were exceeded during 2013.

There are a number of Control Of Major Accident Hazard (COMAH) sites that affect Fife these include: Diageo Banbeath, Leven; Diageo Cameronbridge, Windygates; Diageo Begg Farm, Kirkcaldy; Transco Dunfermline gas holder station, Dunfermline; Exxon/Shell Petro-Chemicals/NGL plant/loading terminal, Mossmorran; Exxon/Shell Braefoot Bay marine terminal; Grangemouth Docks Facility, Grangemouth; Scotland Gas Networks Ltd, Leven gas holder station; Straiton Sand Pit, Wormit; Kvaerner Oil and Gas Methil Works, Buckhaven; Orica Muirside Depot, explosive site, Culross; Raytheon Systems Ltd, Glenrothes; Forbo-Nairn Ltd Seaton Complex, Kirkcaldy.

Major pipelines include: Mossmorran-Grangemouth Pipelines; Forties Pipeline System; Westfield/Bonnyhill High Pressure Pipeline; High Pressure Pipeline (Kirriemuir to Bathgate No.12 Feeder); Westfield/M80; and, the Gowkhall/Longannet Power Station Pipeline. Other sites which have Health and Safety Executive (HSE) consultation zones include: Rosyth Naval Dockyard; Crude oil pipeline (from Torrybury running north-west of Saline and beyond Fife); BGC Natural Gas (from east of Crombie running north past Knockhill); and Scottish Gas Transmission Line (running to the south of Saline, Steelend, Oakley and Comrie).

The MOD has a safeguard area around the MOD Royal Naval Armaments Depot at Crombie. There is a protection zone designated around Leuchars Airfield.

Quality of the water environment and flooding There are some coastal areas potentially vulnerable to flooding, but much of the inhabited coastline is protected by cliffs. Areas susceptible to Coastal Flooding include: Torryburn, Crombie Pier, Charlestown, Kinghorn, Kirkcaldy, Wemyss Villages, Lower Largo, Pittenweem, Anstruther, Crail, St Andrews, and Tayport. Work to rebuild Kirkcaldy’s sea-wall is complete.

2 http://www.fifedirect.org.uk/minisites/index.cfm?fuseaction=page.display&pageid=BC7246A0-C395-5502-EBAD04AAE7A0547C&siteID=430EB347-005B-8681-1629D8206303D4C8

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Section 3: Environmental baseline, evolution of the environment without the Plan and current environmental issues Map of Areas at risk of fluvial and coastal flooding across Fife

Source: Scottish Environment Protection Agency (2014) 25

Section 3: Environmental baseline, evolution of the environment without the Plan and current environmental issues

Fife is susceptible to heavy rainfall and flooding, along the two rivers Eden and Leven. Other areas that are highly susceptible to fluvial flooding include: Bath Street Ditch – Kelty, Torry Burn – Cairneyhill, Rushy End Stream- Cairneyhill, Lyne Burn- Dunfermline, Tower Burn- Dunfermline, Calais Burn – Dunfermline, Lochty Burn- Kinglassie, Back/Chemiss/Lappy Burn- East Wemyss, Tiel Burn- Kirkcaldy, East Burn- Kirkcaldy, Auchtermuchty Burn – Auchtermuchty, Ladybank Road Ditch - Dunshalt, Lady Burn – Cupar, Den Burn- Newburgh, Ceres Burn – Ceres & Pitscottie, Kinness Burn – St Andrews, Freuchie Burn- Freuchie, Maspie/ Falkland Burn – Falkland, and Pittilock Burn – Freuchie. The quality of the water environment along the shoreline is indicated as good by SEPA. Water treatment facilities are located in Dunfermline, North Queensferry, West Wemyss, Glenrothes, Kirkcaldy, Leven and St Andrews. Inland there are some stretches of water classified as poor. This is mainly associated with diffuse pollution from agriculture and some from development. There are expansive water networks that cover the whole of Fife. Many watercourses are important in terms of ecology and habitat and are often part of designated nature conservation areas. Important watercourses that form the catchment for the Firth of Forth are: River Leven/Ore, Black Devon/Saline Burn, Bluther Burn, Lyne Burn, Inverkeithing Burn, Tiel Burn, East Burn, Den Burn, Dreel Burn and Hatton/Keil’s Burn. Important watercourses that form the catchment for Firth of Tay and Eden Estuary are River Eden, Kinness Burn and Swilken Burn. There are many lochs and reservoirs located across Fife with several designated as areas of nature conservation. Cameron Reservoir is a RAMSAR, SPA and SSSI site. Birnie & Gaddon Lochs and Gillingshill Reservoir are Local Nature Reserves. The following are SSSIs: Ballo & Harperleas reservoirs, Carriston Reservoir, Cullaloe Reservoir, Black Loch (Abide), Black Loch (Cleish), Camilla Loch, Kilconquhar Loch, Lindores Loch, Lochmill Loch, and Otterston Loch. The following are Wildlife Sites: Balyarrow Loch, Black Loch (Dunduff), Loch Fitty, Miller’s Loch, Moor Loch, Loch Glow Reservoir, Carlhurlie Reservoir, Roscobie Reservoir, Carnbee Reservoir, Coul Reservoir, Craigluscar Compensation Reservoir, Gillingshill Reservoir and Stenhouse Reservoir. The capacity of waste water treatment facilities is a constraint in parts of Fife. Waste The Council provides 11 household waste recycling centres, located at Dunfermline (Lochhead), Cowdenbeath, Lochgelly, Dalgety Bay, Kirkcaldy, Glenrothes, Methil, Ladybank (Lower Melville Wood), Cupar, St Andrews and Pittenweem. In addition, 360 local recycling points are provided in local settlements. Two major integrated waste management facilities are in operation; one at Lower Melville Wood, near Ladybank and one at Lochhead, near Dunfermline. Both incorporate Materials Recovery Facilities, green-waste composting, wood-waste processing, landfill and energy recovery. Both landfills are permitted to accept non- hazardous waste. The Westfield Development Centre near Kinglassie currently generates power from chicken-litter waste and is looking at alternative methods of generating power from waste. An Anaerobic Digestion (AD) facility is under construction at Lochhead. Soil, mineral resources The area has a significant area of agricultural land classified as ‘prime’, and substantial mineral resources (mainly coal, hard rock, sand and gravel). There are a number of major quarries for aggregate material (hard rock and sand and gravel) such as Clatchard Craig, Cruicks and Collessie; and two major silica sandstone quarries - Burrowine and Devilla. 26

Section 3: Environmental baseline, evolution of the environment without the Plan and current environmental issues Brownfield land, contaminated land There are over 850 ha of brownfield land across Fife: the majority of brownfield sites are in settlements but significantly more vacant and derelict land is found out with settlements (607 ha) than within settlements (260 ha). There are a number of opencast coal sites such as Muirdean and St Ninians. Restoration of these is an important factor and there is a mine waste water treatment works at the former Frances Colliery in Dysart. There is a history of coal mining in West and Mid Fife which has left extensive areas of derelict and/or contaminated land and areas where stabilisation would be required prior to development. However, there are several schemes underway to reclaim coal from bings - such as Comrie Colliery - and to remediate them. The deep mining of coal in Fife ended in 2001. There is a history of industrial use in Mid Fife which has left extensive areas of derelict or contaminated land. In East Fife there is a large unused airfield at Crail, part of which is identified as a Scheduled Ancient Monument). The Vacant and Derelict Land Audit 3 provides a full record of all sites. Landscape The landscape in West Fife predominantly consists of lowland hills and valleys, with upland areas to the north and coastal flats to the south. Much of the land is of a high quality being predominantly prime agricultural. There are some substantial forest areas, mainly coniferous plantations. East Fife is predominantly open landscape, with upland areas and extensive low lying agricultural land. Mid Fife is comparatively more developed but likewise features areas of open landscape, upland areas and low lying agricultural land. Fife has designated Local Landscape Areas to protect locally important landscapes. There are substantial forest areas – notably Tentsmuir on the northeast coast, Devilla in West Fife, and Blairadam west of Kelty. The 3 country parks are Craigtoun, Townhill and Lochore Meadows and one Regional Park, the Lomond Hills. The open character of the landscape in much of the area makes it sensitive to new development. The SEA will be based on the overall assessment of landscape categories and capacity undertaken for the whole of Fife from 2007-2009; and subsequent landscape assessments for Dunfermline, Rosyth, Limekilns, Charlestown, Kincardine, Cupar, St Andrews, Tay Bridgehead, Kelty, Kirkcaldy, Levenmouth, Lochgelly and Markinch, Coaltown of Balgonie, and Thornton.

3 www.fifedirect.org.uk/vacantandderelict

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Section 3: Environmental baseline, evolution of the environment without the Plan and current environmental issues Map of Fife’s Local Landscape Areas

Source: Dunfermline & West Fife Local Plan (2012), Mid Fife Local Plan (2012) & St Andrews & East Fife Local Plan (2012) 28

Section 3: Environmental baseline, evolution of the environment without the Plan and current environmental issues Settlements – infrastructure, community resources, vitality and amenity 2013 Mid Year Population Estimates from National Records of Scotland show Fife’s Population at 366,910. The population estimate for South Fife (SESplan area) is 290,624 and that for North Fife (TAYplan area) is 76,286. Approximately two-thirds of Fife’s population is in urban areas. In West Fife more than half of the population lives in Dunfermline and Rosyth. However, there is also a significant proportion of the population living in smaller settlements. Retail, commercial and leisure facilities are located mainly in Dunfermline and settlements in the surrounding area. In Mid Fife the majority of the population lives in the larger towns of Kirkcaldy, Glenrothes or Levenmouth. A small proportion of the Mid Fife population live in smaller settlements (less than 2000 inhabitants). Retail, commercial and leisure facilities are located mainly in Kirkcaldy and Glenrothes, however much of the population travels out of the area to access a greater range of facilities. In East Fife the largest settlements are St Andrews or Cupar. However, a comparatively large proportion of the population lives in smaller settlements - these are mostly small, dispersed villages and hamlets. There is a substantial retired population in St Andrews and a number of the East Neuk communities. A significant amount of the employed population travel out of the area for work - mainly to Dundee and Edinburgh. People also travel out of the area for major retail, commercial and leisure facilities. Dunfermline, Kirkcaldy, Glenrothes, Leven, Cowdenbeath, Cupar and St. Andrews act as the larger commercial centres. Out of town retail parks are located at Dunfermline, Kirkcaldy and Glenrothes. There are a number of local centres in other settlements throughout Fife. The distance between settlements and employment areas has resulted in a large amount of commuting. The largest settlements are connected by frequent bus services, but through many of the more rural parts of Fife bus services run infrequently (once per hour or less). Areas out with main settlements are largely dependent on car transport. Fuel consumption for 2010 was 60% private vehicles, 33% freight vehicles and 7% buses. The East Coast main rail line passes through all of Fife, and the Fife Circle rail lines pass through Mid and West Fife serving many of the settlements in the area. However, larger settlements such as St Andrews and the Levenmouth area are not directly served by rail. There are proposals to use the Dunfermline- Kincardine-Alloa-Stirling rail line for passenger services. The M90 runs north to south through Fife to the east of Dunfermline. There are two arterial road routes: the A91 from the M90 to St Andrews, and the A92 from Dunfermline to the Tay Bridge and Dundee. Generally most areas have good access to Greenspace throughout Fife. Glenrothes has high ratings for quantity, quality and access. Areas of Kirkcaldy and Dunfermline would benefit from improvements to the quality and access to greenspace. Cowdenbeath and the Levenmouth area have good quantities of and easy access to greenspace, some of the greenspaces would benefit from quality improvements. In areas such as Methil / Buckhaven / Kennoway, Ballingry, Lochgelly, and Kirkcaldy the majority of spaces are low quality. In North East Fife all the settlements have good quality greenspace but some of the towns and villages would benefit with increased quantities and access to greenspace. In South West Fife, due to the rural and urban nature of the area, many of the settlements have reasonable quantity, quality and access to greenspace and there are other settlements were it would be beneficial to increase quantity, quality and access to greenspace.

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Section 3: Environmental baseline, evolution of the environment without the Plan and current environmental issues St Andrews has an internationally respected and ancient university. Fife College has campus across Fife including: Cupar, Halbeath, Leven, Dunfermline, Rosyth, Kirkcaldy and Glenrothes. Fife has a thriving tourist economy with various tourist attractions, particularly in the East Neuk villages, St Andrews and Dunfermline town centre. In St Andrews golf has an international significance and Fife is a destination of international renown for golf tourism, with courses across Fife which make a significant contribution to the economy.

Historic Environment Fife has a rich and varied historic built environment with places of historic interest, a number of medieval burghs, 48 conservation areas, more than 6,250 listed buildings, over 10,000 archaeological sites and 31 gardens and designed landscapes. Conservation area character appraisals are complete for Abbotshall and Central Kirkcaldy, Aberdour, Anstruther, Burntisland, Cadham, Charlestown, Coaltown of Wemyss, Culross, Cupar, Colinsburgh, Dunfermline (draft), Elie & Earlsferry, Hepburn Gardens, Dysart, Falkland, Inverkeithing, Kilconquhar, Kilrenny, Kincardine, Kinghorn, Kingsbarns, Kirkcaldy Harbour and Port Brae, Leslie, Limekilns, Links Road, Leven, Lower Largo, Markinch, North Queensferry, Pattiesmuir, Pittenweem, St Andrews, St Monans, The Causeway, Kennoway, Upper Largo, and West Wemyss. Character appraisals for the remaining conservation areas in Fife are to be undertaken for Cellardyke, Crail (draft), Newport on Tay, Balmerino, Leuchars, Newburgh, Brunton, Letham, Collessie, Ceres, Strathmiglo, and Bow of Fife. There are numerous listed buildings and ancient monuments throughout all of Fife. The wealth of built heritage is a major feature of many settlements, particularly in St Andrews. There is one Historic Battlefield in Fife, at Inverkeithing. Important views to and from the historic cores of Dunfermline and St Andrews are protected through the Dunfermline and St Andrews Greenbelts. In 2015 the Forth Bridge was designated a World Heritage Site.

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Evolution of the environment in the absence of FIFEplan

There have been two invitations for landowners, developers and others, to submit sites for inclusion within FIFEplan. The first call for sites was in January-April 2012. The second, alongside the consultation on the Main Issues Report in January- March 2013.

268 proposed development sites have been submitted (see map opposite). This demonstrates the level of development interest in Fife, and indicates the scale and location of proposals that could come forward.

Without FIFEplan the proposals would be considered in the absence of an overall strategy for development for Fife.

The strategic housing requirement Fife provided through SESplan and TAYplan, would however remain an important material consideration in determining applications.

The lack of a clear development strategy would hamper the delivery of sustainable communities, and would have the potential to negatively impact on the Environmental receptors in Fife.

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Table 5: Evolution of the environment in the absence of FIFEplan

SEA theme Evolution of the environment in the absence of FIFEplan Biodiversity, There is limited information on trends for the biodiversity of Fife. Across Fife there has been no, or limited, change to the extent of semi- general nature natural habitats. Despite the number and size of settlements in Fife the area is still largely rural in character; therefore the extent of conservation biodiversity and the presence of key indicator species and habitats will be influenced by changes in farming and forestry practices as well as by new development. There are many active projects aimed at supporting biodiversity within the area. Improvement can be reasonably expected over the plan period as a result of improved rural management, further forest plans and investment in improved waste water treatment. Of the 268 candidate sites submitted, 27 are landward site, that is in the countryside and well outside any settlement boundaries. In the absence of the plan more greenfield sites could be developed and urban sprawl into the countryside could be unchecked, and there may be adverse effects on the integrity of protected sites including Natura 2000, Special Areas of Conservation Area, Special Protection Areas and SSSIs. Pollution from industrial activity, sewage treatment works; and runoff from roads, agriculture and new development could pollute water systems - leading to eutrophication. Investment may not be made into green networks and the areas designated as part of green networks could be developed, as could priority habitats and designated sites. Energy use Irrespective of the provisions of the plan it is likely that development of housing, tourism, academic and commercial facilities would take place. These would probably develop in areas around the main towns extending their geographical footprint substantially and as pockets of development spread throughout Fife. Without the plan, the opportunities offered by the Heat Map, of locating development where there is potential to link into a heat network will be missed. The heat network allows for the efficiency of shared energy and use. 62 of the potential development sites had potential to be part of a heat network. The level of energy consumption could increase as a result of the scale and location of built developments, although market forces could encourage more energy efficient construction. Uncontrolled development may be likely to result in a marked increase in energy used for transport, since the principal mode of transport supporting new development would be private road vehicles. Without the plan, the criteria set out in the Sustainability Checklist for new developments to reduce carbon emissions from the construction and running of buildings will most likely not be met.

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SEA theme Evolution of the environment in the absence of FIFEplan Energy The level of local investment in renewable energy production is directly influenced by the plan. production Without the plan, the opportunities offered by the Heat Map, of locating development where there is potential to link into a heat network will be missed. It is likely that without the plan Fife would be viewed as an attractive location with good access to the national grid; however there would be no direction, guidance or support for energy opportunities to maximise local benefit or supply and demand efficiency. The plan will contribute towards achieving the Scottish Government’s renewable energy targets. Wind farms could become a prominent feature over much of the high ground in the area but development of these turbines would not be monitored, which could cause problems for birds and concerns in local communities. Air pollution, Air pollution ’hotspots’ resulting from traffic could get worse in the absence of the plan. Without the plan, pressure for development in areas noise, dust, where traffic will impact negatively on the existing Air Quality Management Areas, and uncontrolled development may result in inappropriately located traffic increases. hazardous Any industrial sources of air pollution, or uses subject to environmental licensing which might be attracted to the area in the absence of the installations plan would be controlled through other legislation. The area could be attractive for such investment linked primarily to its mineral resources and agricultural industries. Water quality, Poor quality of the water environment within the area is more attributable to diffuse pollution as a result of farming practices than to flooding development. However, an increase in urban development, particularly greenfield, and levels of transport use and transport infrastructure has the potential to result in an increase in diffuse pollution related to these sources. There would probably be a continued improvement in the quality of the water environment as a result of improved farming practices and investment in waste water treatment. Areas liable to flooding will increase for inland water courses and coastal areas as a result of climate change. Increased flooding could have a more significant impact on the economy during times of extreme weather. The functional and protected flood risk areas would probably not be identified and protected. Without the Plan forward planning for issues related to flooding and the quality of the water environment will be more difficult to manage. Waste Investment levels in major waste disposal and re-cycling will not be determined by the plan, although the plan will be able to encourage the introduction of local recycling points. In the absence of the plan there could be a proliferation of small, sometimes prominent landfill and re- cycling sites. Soil, mineral Without the Plan there will be an absence of any planning framework leading to potentially more quarrying and gravel extraction and open resources cast coal extraction in more prominent locations. There could be greater loss of good quality agricultural land, and potential future problems for development on areas where mineral extraction took place. The area could be attractive for its mineral resources.

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SEA theme Evolution of the environment in the absence of FIFEplan Brownfield Given Fife’s industrial past there are large numbers of former industrial sites across the area, not only in many of the settlements but also land, in the countryside. In the absence of the plan and given difficult trends in economic and population activity in Fife potentially more difficult to create partnerships / packages to bring sites forward for development. A number of the proposed development sites were or included contaminated elements of brownfield land. Regarding more rural areas: the small size of the settlements would create little market pressure to redevelop land difficult sites in town centres, and no incentive to redevelop sites elsewhere. Landscape The area is characterised by small-scale landscapes with open vistas and expanses of largely undeveloped countryside. Many settlements have grown up on the coast in valleys and in folds in the landscape. In the absence of the plan, there is likely to be pressure to develop in countryside and edge of settlements posing a threat to these features, and to the character of landscapes and the setting of settlements. There were 27 landward sites proposed, that is in the countryside. Without Greenbelt important views into and from the historic cores of Dunfermline and St Andrews and the landscape setting of the towns could be compromised. 10 of the candidate sites submitted were located in the greenbelt of either St Andrews or Dunfermline. Some of the most prominent new development features in much of the countryside are modern agricultural buildings, forestry and rural economy diversification, including wind turbines. Settlements – In the absence of the plan the difficulties faced by younger people and adults not in work or education in obtaining affordable housing could infrastructure, increase, resulting in an accelerated aging of the population structure. Less affordable housing units being built would imbalance socio- community demographic trends in Fife. Uncontrolled development of housing could absorb existing open spaces within built up areas, whilst generating resources, little or no new open spaces. vitality and Without Greenbelt important views to and from the historic cores of Dunfermline and St Andrews, and the landscape settings of the amenity settlements could be lost. Coalescence would be likely and individual settlements could lose their distinct identity. 10 of the candidate sites submitted were located in the green belt of either St Andrews or Dunfermline. Town centres may be likely to lose their vitality as a result of unrestrained competition from out of town developments; competition from town centres in adjacent council areas that have more attractive settings and a greater choice of retail, leisure and commercial facilities; a lack of public transport improvements; and no development guidance on place making. Businesses may not benefit from improved telecommunications, which may prevent new businesses from investing in fife and hinder existing businesses in Fife. Without heat maps the potential for more efficient energy consumption may not be realised. Historic Many of the settlements in the area have conservation areas, and there are numerous listed buildings; some have international recognition. Environment In the absence of the plan the character of many conservation areas and the setting of many listed buildings would be more at risk (the listed buildings themselves would retain protection through other features of planning control).

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Section 3: Environmental baseline, evolution of the environment without the Plan and current environmental issues

Environmental Issues and Problems

The table below identifies the current environmental issues, problems and challenges in Fife. This has been informed by outcomes of the SEAs for the three Area Local Plans (Dunfermline & West Fife Local Plan, Mid Fife Local Plan and St Andrews & East Fife Local Plan), the Monitoring Report and through the analysis of the baseline data.

The Act also requires the interrelationships in the environmental impact on the listed criteria to be considered. This is one reason for grouping the criteria under themes. The table below also identifies further interrelationships between the SEA themes.

Table 6: Environmental Issues and problems

SEA theme Issues and problems Implications For FIFEplan Biodiversity, Uncontrolled development may result in the loss of sites protected for their To recognise the importance of nature conservation as an overall aim of the plan, general nature interest, and reduction in the value of unprotected habitats which support the variety of species currently found in the area including the protection and enhancement nature of the wider environment, priority habitats The plan has potential for direct impact on biodiversity designated site: Natura conservation and habitat connectivity, linking sites into 2000 sites, SSSIs, Protected Species, European protected species, BAP the Green Network. An overarching aim of species and notable Habitats, including ancient woodlands, wet lands and SESplan is the promotion of Green improved grasslands. Networks which need to be addressed in This may be by: Local Development Plan site assessment,
protecting sites of special value from development also extended into TAYplan which do not identify Green Networks.
promoting habitat improvement through positive measures and reducing fragmentation through the creation of green networks
allowing development which compromises on biodiversity issues Interrelationships: water and clean air are critical to maintaining biodiversity. Maintaining a healthy biodiversity requires a healthy ecosystem, supported by open spaces and local landscape enhancements which may also be valuable to the local amenity of settlements. The conservation, and land management in the rural landscape, as part of a healthy ecosystem, will generally support and enhance biodiversity. Energy use The Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 acknowledges that consumption of To promote and deliver sustainable energy and release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere has an impact on locations for development and forms of observed climate change. The plan has the potential to: transport, including walking, cycling and

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Section 3: Environmental baseline, evolution of the environment without the Plan and current environmental issues

SEA theme Issues and problems Implications For FIFEplan
both positively and negatively affect the levels and form of transport use, public transport. This can be supported by and energy sources for transport systems the promotion of Green Networks. To explore the use of the SPACE tool and
positively improve connectivity and promote walking and cycling Heat Mapping to assess the impact of
both positively and negatively affect levels of energy consumption and developments and to identify mitigations. generation for buildings, over their lifespan and during construction To promote and deliver sustainable and
positively affect the extent and scale to which more environmentally friendly energy efficient development, through forms of energy are used (such as wind and biomass; and support micro and master planning and high levels of large-scale energy generation for private and public use) development location and design.
move Fife closer to achieve Scottish Government’s Low Carbon Economic Strategy to decarbonise transport by 2050 Interrelationships: reduction in energy use or use of more environmentally friendly forms of energy will have a significant impact on air pollution, particularly in regards to transport. Energy production Some forms of energy production have a greater potential impact on the climate To address the cumulative impact of wind and landscape than others, and some sources of raw materials for energy turbines on landscapes of Fife. A production are ‘non-renewable’ (these are not necessarily the same). technical report, commissioned by Fife The plan can encourage and control different forms and locations of energy Council, and prepared by Ironside Farrar, production which take place in the area and encourage the use of renewable accompanies an updated ‘Spatial sources (such as on/offshore wind, and water power). Framework for Wind farm Capacity’ and has been specifically developed to provide Interrelationships: Renewable sources of energy generally produce little or no potential areas for development of wind air pollution, reduce development capital and running costs, and contribute to turbines within areas classified as least people’s well-being and quality of life. However, some community members sensitive landscape areas. The spatial view renewable sources of energy as having a negative impact on townscape framework takes into consideration the and landscape, which can lead to disputes. Wind turbines may cause problems potential for cumulative visual impacts, for wildlife if located inappropriately. Biomass and anaerobic digestion can removal of sensitive and designated sites. reduce the amount of waste in landfills. Air pollution, Uncontrolled development could lead to an increase in sources of pollution To promote and deliver cleaner energy generation and renewable energy noise, dust, affecting communities, including inappropriately located industrial activities, subject to environmental licensing and traffic increases. technologies. hazardous To promote and deliver sustainable and The plan has the potential to reduce risks to human health by controlling, and energy efficient development, through installations separating housing and other social facilities from:

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Section 3: Environmental baseline, evolution of the environment without the Plan and current environmental issues

SEA theme Issues and problems Implications For FIFEplan
sources of air pollution, including pollution ‘hotspots’ associated with traffic masterplanning and high levels of development location and design.
sources of noise To address the issues of traffic
sources of dust management and the implications of
hazardous installations, and subject to environmental licensing development on the town centres, through the requirement for Traffic Impact Interrelationships: see energy use (traffic volumes and safety), and biodiversity. Assessments. Water quality, Water courses and other water bodies, bathing waters and underground Flood assessment, and the impact on groundwater resources, and the quality of flooding aquifers do not meet EU standards for the quality of the water environment consistently. Some areas may be vulnerable to flooding from water courses. the water environment will be a part of site assessment supported by policy in line Management of development and improved water treatment and drainage with the advice and requirements of infrastructure are essential to prevent further pollution and accommodate SEPA. greater potential flooding risks as a result of climate change. Lack of drainage, water treatment, and flood defence infrastructure is a constraint on

development. The plan can:
help to reduce existing pollution, flood risk and development constraints by relating development proposals to existing infrastructure, green networks, programmed investment in water treatment, drainage and flood defence infrastructure, and by requiring new development to be designed to have minimal impact or to make a positive contribution
reduce the impact flooding has on local services, businesses and economy during extreme weather Interrelationships: The quality of the water environment has a direct impact on biodiversity. Historically, pollution of water courses is associated with diffuse pollution from agriculture and previous development (mining, quarrying, other contaminated sites). Improved land management and flood attenuation schemes may also support greater biodiversity and landscape preservation. Treatment of contaminated land may contribute to improvement of The quality of the water environment. Waste The plan has the potential to have negatively impact from waste arising from To reduce the amount of waste by the development that needs to be delivered through the life of the plan. maximising reuse, recycling and recovery The plan can positively impact by contributing to the implementation of waste of resources. strategies aimed at increasing recycling, reducing waste and reducing landfill 37

Section 3: Environmental baseline, evolution of the environment without the Plan and current environmental issues

SEA theme Issues and problems Implications For FIFEplan and contribute to Scottish Government targets on zero waste. Excessive landfill To promote the provision of appropriate and unnecessary use of new materials contribute to climate change and the recycling facilities. reduction in non-renewable resources.

Interrelationships: Waste policies can also contribute to the conservation of soil and mineral resources, improvements in amenity, reduction of pollution (both air and water) and the production of energy using renewable sources. Re-cycling of aggregates reduces the pressure for quarrying and for landfill on inert wastes which can be widely dispersed. Extensive recycling means developments must be able to facilitate multiple bins. Soil, mineral Fife has substantial areas of high quality agricultural land and a number of other To prioritise the development of brownfield mineral resources. opportunities over further greenfield land resources release. Soil functionality is important for the protection of the quality of the water environment and for flood prevention, biodiversity & flora and fauna, FIFEplan has the potential, through planned development, to impact on these resources, but also to protect them. A thorough assessment of the impacts on the environment of Fife should be made. This is consistent with proposed European Directive on Soils and the Scottish Soil Framework. The plan has the potential to negatively impact on these resources through the development that needs to be delivered through the life if the plan. The plan can positively impact on soil and material assets through sensitive location of development with regard to the need to protect assets. Interrelationships: see waste and landscape. Brownfield Brownfield sites often present scars within settlements and within the To prioritise the development of brownfield opportunities over further greenfield land land, countryside - redevelopment or restoration of such sites can make a significant contribution to enhancing the local amenity of the areas affected. release. contaminated The plan can encourage the re-use of brownfield land which generally involves land less investment in new infrastructure than ‘greenfield’ sites. The plan can also play a role in securing the remediation of contamination of land through new development and investment for alternative uses such as recreation or nature conservation. The plan may set standards for restoration of sites following development to avoid future legacies of contamination. 38

Section 3: Environmental baseline, evolution of the environment without the Plan and current environmental issues

SEA theme Issues and problems Implications For FIFEplan Interrelationships: Biodiversity may be improved, depending on the use of sites - although in some cases brownfield sites may have naturally became locally significant habitats, particularly within built up areas. See water pollution. Landscape The areas in which land is released for development will have a direct impact To address the cumulative impact of wind turbines on the landscape; on the quality and character of the landscape, including historic landscapes. This will have varying degrees of visual impact. It may also change the shape To prioritise brownfield land for and size of existing settlements. development in the first instance and then to direct housing and other development to Policies to reduce travel may place pressure on development close to the most appropriate locations in respect settlements and impact on the landscape setting. of landscape character and key features. The plan has potential to have a positive impact where development takes the To protect the landscape setting of Fife opportunity to restore or improve degraded landscapes. settlements; Interrelationships: see references under biodiversity, energy production, the To maintain the integrity of the designated quality of the water environment, waste, soil and mineral resources, and Local Landscape Areas. brownfield land. The relationship between landscape and settlement forms has a significant impact on the amenity of settlements and the setting of the built heritage. Settlements The form and location of new development may contribute to social integration To improve the supply of housing land to – and improved housing opportunities for all sections of the community including accommodate housing requirements. those on low incomes and with a disability. Forms of development which infrastructure, provide for access to open space and recreation facilities and encourage To ensure development is well located in community walking and cycling will also contribute to health promotion. The plan can: relation to existing infrastructure and contributes to new infrastructure needs. resources,
assessment should consider creation and positive management of vitality and greenspaces close to communities for people, biodiversity, access and To reduce traffic growth and traffic amenity recreation. congestion.
ensure that maximum use is made of existing infrastructure - roads, power, To enable access to public transport and telecommunications, water treatment, drainage (see also above), and economic enhance walking and cycling routes as and social facilities – by governing the location of new development. Access to part of the implementation of the Core social and community facilities and the amenity of residential areas and wider Path Plan and Green Network agenda. communities has an impact on general well-being
influence relationship between facilities, broad amenity, the general vitality To promote access to and enhance the of communities and community safety provision and distribution of greenspace, indoor and outdoor recreational facilities 39

Section 3: Environmental baseline, evolution of the environment without the Plan and current environmental issues

SEA theme Issues and problems Implications For FIFEplan
influence the location of community facilities and resources, and determine and social/community facilities for people, their integration within existing infrastructure biodiversity, access and recreation and protect them from inappropriate
attract business development through the implementation of high speed redevelopment. broadband To decrease social deprivation and
heat maps can increase efficient use of power infrastructures and may show exclusion. areas that would potentially benefit from district heating. Interrelationships: the form of settlements will have an impact on all the other To promote community safety. themes. The management of transport is a major issue in relation to the character of settlements, energy use and supply, and impacts directly on To promote high standards of design. human health through improvements in road safety. To ensure development proposals are future proofed for high speed broadband.

To promote the use of low carbon and renewable energy technologies including safeguarding opportunities for district heating schemes in new development.

Historic environment The plan has the potential to contribute to the conservation of the built heritage To protect and enhance the historic and through protection of listed buildings, sites of historic or archaeological interest cultural heritage, including appropriate (including Scheduled Monuments), Conservation areas, Sites on the Inventory reuse of existing buildings. of Gardens and Designed Landscapes and Historic Battlefields. To protect, enhance and where It may also contribute to positive conservation by encouraging complementary appropriate restore the quality and investment and offer the potential to appropriately reuse existing buildings. distinctiveness of townscapes. The plan has the potential to have a negative impact on historic and cultural assets through the allocation of inappropriate development. Interrelationships: built heritage may be a significant feature of the wider landscape. Policies and proposals aimed at encouraging brownfield redevelopment may make a significant contribution to the conservation of the built heritage, though at times a heritage listing may also create a barrier to redevelopment.

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Section 4: Assessment Methodology

4. Assessment Methodology

Preferred Fife-wide strategy

A summary of the beneficial and adverse impacts of the strategy for Fife is provided. This will summarise the impacts of the proposals as a whole and each group of policies in relation to each of the SEA themes. The themes assessed are set out in Table 4.

Local Strategies

Assessment of preferred and alternative sites in Environmental Report Version 2 (2013), and the re-assessment of the sites proposed for the Local Development Plan in Environmental Report Version 3 (2014), have informed the assessment of the local area strategies. This looks at the combined impact of potential development sites in each of the defined strategy areas, and identifies any significant environmental impacts arising. This part of the assessment uses both scoring and commentary.

Site Assessments Constraints mapping was used to assess each of the sites against identified SEA themes, drawn from the environmental factors in Schedule 3 of the Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005. The mapping used covered:

Habitat Network , Natural Heritage Land Classification Geological Resources Information Topography

Heat Mapping , Landscape Green Network Environmental Risk & Constraints Settlement Information Flooding and Water Environment Built Heritage Recycling Adopted Local Plan Proposals & Designations

An example of each of the themes mapping is included at Annex 3. The information is drawn from existing published information and centred on each of the candidate sites for assessment purposes. For each theme an appropriate buffer zone was identified based on the theme being assessed in order to assess the potential for off-site impacts and considerations to be taken into account.

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Section 4: Assessment Methodology

To assist in judging the impacts, scoring of the likely impact of a proposal against each theme has been employed. (+/- ) where negative numbers indicate negative impacts and positive numbers indicate positive impacts. This gives a visual indication of the anticipated impacts of the strategies and the potential development sites against the assessment themes. A higher number indicates a greater envisaged impact.

For example: Highly positive impact or outcome +2 +1 ↓ 0 -1 -2 Highly negative impact or outcome ? Impact unknown

The scores have been weighted to give an indication of the likely significance of the anticipated impact (or where there was more than one impact against that theme) and the potential to mitigate any issues highlighted.

The resultant scores have allowed an overall assessment to be made of the likely significant environmental impacts of the proposed plan. Mitigations that can be made to proposals to minimise the effect of proposals and minimise the overall impact of the proposed Local Development Plan are considered. The information in the FIFEplan Site Assessment Version 3, indicated the background to the scores that had been given, and the settlement plan proposals in the Proposed Plan include the mitigations that are to be addressed in bringing forward a planning application.

The purpose of the scoring of the sites for the Strategic Environmental Assessment is not strictly to score the suitability of individual sites for development but to give an indication of the effect that the proposed use might have under a number of headings. These headings are drawn from the SEA Objectives. The results of the scoring, taken together for an Area strategy is to indicate the strategic environmental impacts arising from the sites assessed.

In selecting sites there were other considerations such as the requirements of the National Planning Framework, Scottish Planning Policy, SESplan, TAYplan, the Local Development Plan strategy including the housing requirement and the employment land requirement.

Version 3 of the Environmental Report re-scored the sites taking into account mitigations identified, either by the Development Plan team, Transportation and other colleagues, or by other Agencies (SNH, SEPA, Scottish Water, HSE). The scoring again helped to inform the strategic impacts of the proposed sites, and the mitigations, set out in the developer requirements will address the impacts that have been highlighted in the assessment

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Section 4: Assessment Methodology

The methodology for assessing sites by SEA theme is set out in table 7 below.

Table 7: Site assessment methodology by SEA theme SEA theme Site Assessment methodology Biodiversity, general The assessment of this theme addresses potential impacts on priority habitats and natural heritage designations. nature conservation 5 priority habitats have been identified for Fife: woodland, wetland, coastal, heathland and unimproved grassland. These have been mapped for the whole of Fife. The natural heritage designations considered are Special Protection Areas, Ramsar sites, Special Areas of Conservation, SSSIs, National Nature Reserves, Local Nature Reserves, Scottish Wildlife Trust Sites, Wildlife Sites, Regional Parks, Country Parks, Regionally Important Geological Sites and Tree Preservation Orders. The assessment focuses on the constraints of each site in terms of priority habitats/nature designations, and assesses the potential for development to take place without adverse impact on these interests. Mitigation has been identified and incorporated into the summary recommendations. The scoring is based on identified mitigation being incorporated into any future allocations. Further assessment has been carried out to assess potential impacts on European Designated nature sites (Special Protection Areas, Ramsars and Special Areas of Conservation) as an early stage of the Habitats Regulations Appraisal – see Annex 6 for details.

Energy use The assessment was carried out at a strategic level and aimed to identify sites considered with the greatest potential to accommodate heat networks and provide onsite energy generation. Starting from the basis that, in theory, any development Energy production site could potentially accommodate:

• improved insulation standards; • solar or photovoltaic panels, • ground or air source heat pumps, or • a micro/small wind turbine.

The assessment focussed on identifying those sites with an added advantage for onsite generation, accounting for their geographic context, proposed development scale and development type.

The assessment considered theoretical potential to supply energy to the sites through:

• linking to an existing or proposed district heat network,

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Section 4: Assessment Methodology

SEA theme Site Assessment methodology • creation of a new heat network, • creation of a new heat generator e.g. onsite biomass or CHP plant, or • utilising hydro, tidal or wave power.

Assumptions were used to draw the theoretical conclusions. Firstly that developers would be willing to deliver upon a said energy scheme for their site. Secondly that a scheme could be both commercially and practically viable. Thirdly that energy sources would be acceptable environmentally.

Fife Council’s heat maps were used in the assessment allowing review of site proximity to heat networks, major energy loads, energy supply schemes and employment zones. Industrial processes such as manufacturing are an indicator of possible waste heat generation or of waste products available for waste to energy plant. The number of dwellings that could support a Combined Heat Power network or biomass heat network was taken from CHP Association case studies. This was used in assessing new housing developments, and whether existing dwellings could support a new heat generator network. The assessment maps also identified the location of sites in relation to rivers and water bodies for their theoretical potential to utilise small scale/micro hydro, tidal or wave power. A named river is likely to be of a size that would support hydro-power, though potential will depend on volume of discharge and topography at the location. A named watercourse may possibly be of a size that would support hydro-power, though again potential will depend on volume of discharge and topography at the location. Watercourse features such as waterfalls, weirs, dams, mill lades, etc. are a good indication that hydro-power may be possible.

Physical barriers such as major roads, railway lines and land topography were additional considerations in the assessments. In some instances these had an impact on overall scorings in a number of the site assessments. Such barriers were considered to naturally constrain a developer’s ability to provide pipelines or connections between power source and site.

Air pollution, noise, The assessment looked at the potential for a significant impact on air quality from development at a high level. The assessment dust, hazardous started with the assumption that all development will have potential to have some impact on air quality. Consideration was given installations to the potential of a proposed use or development to compromise the achievement of Scottish statutory air quality objectives and also to cause dust or noise in the long term, rather than at the construction phase. The proximity to Health and Safety Executive consultation zone was reviewed, as was the proximity to electricity pylons. SEPA provided information on sites subject to Environmental licensing and on any co-location issues that were likely with proposed development sites. Vehicle emissions were considered in relation to whether these were likely to be of a low level, together with consideration of site proximity to public transport routes and proximity to Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs). There are currently 2 AQMAs

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Section 4: Assessment Methodology

SEA theme Site Assessment methodology in Fife: Bonnygate, Cupar, declared in October 2008; and Appin Crescent, Dunfermline, declared in November 2011 for Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) and August 2012 for fine particulate matter (PM10). Monitoring is also undertaken at Admiralty Road, Rosyth and St Clair Street, Kirkcaldy roadside locations. The assessment considered proximity to the AQMAs and to the other areas of monitoring and considered whether the proposed development had the potential to compromise the achievement of Scottish statutory air quality objectives in these areas.” Water quality, The assessment considered whether sites were at risk from flooding and considered the quality of the water environment, flooding including groundwater quality at the site as well as the quality of any water bodies on, or within 50m of the site. An assessment of flood risk from fluvial, coastal and pluvial flooding, and whether there would be any requirement for enhanced Sustainable Urban Drainage schemes, had regard to advice from SEPA and Fife Council Transportation & Environmental Services. Advice from Scottish Water indicated whether there was capacity in the water treatment works and drainage system to serve the proposal. Waste The assessment of this theme addresses potential impacts of development on waste generation. Fife currently has 2 landfill sites, 370 recycling points and 11 recycling centres for the collection of up to 20 waste types. National policy and the policy of Fife Council is to reduce reliance on landfill as move towards zero waste. The assessment of impact on waste focuses on the additional waste produced by new development and to a lesser extent the distance of the proposed development from existing waste facilities. Households will not create much if any additional waste simply by moving into new residential development for example. However, the actual construction process of the new development will create additional waste, albeit there would be an element of recycling. Soil, mineral The assessment of this theme addresses potential impacts of development on soil, minerals resources and contaminated land. resources Fife has areas of prime quality agricultural land, carbon rich soils and a variety of minerals. The resources considered are Brownfield land, carbon rich soils (peat), Prime Quality Agricultural Land, hard (crushed) rock, coal, sand and gravel, oil shale, silica sand and contaminated land greenfield land. The assessment focuses on effect on these resources in terms of loss of prime quality agricultural land, greenfield land and carbon rich soils; sterilisation of mineral resources and potential to remediate contaminated soils. In most cases development will lead to a loss of these resources, however, there is potential for development to remediate contamination or improve poor soil quality. In such cases the scoring could be positive. In many cases further detailed assessment will be required to assess contamination.

Landscape The assessment of landscape focussed on the Landscape Characteristics, Urban Design Issues and Visual Impact Issues relating to each site. Any submitted detail relating to the proposal was taken into consideration. A desktop assessment using mapping and photographs was carried out to examine sites along with reference to available reports, including the Fife Landscape Character Assessment (David Tyldesley Associates 1998) and Fife Local Landscape Designation Review (Land

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Section 4: Assessment Methodology

SEA theme Site Assessment methodology Use Consultations 2008.) Landscape Capacity for Development reports for selected settlements across Fife (Alison Grant, 2002-2004) were reviewed to identify if they had identified capacity for future development of land related to any submitted site. Landscape Characteristics: The landscape character type and its detailed landscape character unit name were recorded for proposed sites. Each site was checked to identify if it was within a Local Landscape Area, Historic Garden or Designed Landscape or Dunfermline and St. Andrews Green Belt. Specific Local Landscape Areas were noted along with relevant points relating to landscape character and qualities within the Designation Statement. Designation features and character were also noted for specific Historic Gardens and Designed Landscapes. The on and off site physical aspects or features relevant to future development of each site were detailed, for example, tree belts, woodland, parkland, steep slopes, skyline, ridges or flood plain along with a description of how these features relate to the site boundaries. Urban Design Issues: Any settlement relating to a proposed site was identified and an assessment made of its scale, form, pattern, setting and distinctive features. Any site features that could form a strong new settlement edge were recorded and a description was given of how the site relates to the existing settlement. Visual Impact Issues: The key receptors of each proposed development site were detailed and an assessment made of how the proposal would affect key views. Conclusion: The overall landscape assessment for each site was summarised to conclude if the submitted proposal raised any significant landscape or settlement form issues which might constrain the potential for its future development.

Settlements – The settlement theme considered how new development on a site would relate to a settlement and to community resources infrastructure, and employment opportunities. community The assessment considered the proximity of the new development to services such as convenience shops (and other resources, vitality commercial activities), pubs, primary schools, community halls, employment opportunities etc. The assessment took into and amenity account how good the connections were between these facilities and development on the site to establish how easy it would be for people to walk or cycle to these services. The assessment also considered how new developments could link through to the surrounding areas to establish how well new development could integrate with the existing settlement and surrounding communities and considered the capacity of the primary and high schools that serve the site. The assessment also considered the impact of new development on greenspaces and green networks on and around the site. Taking into account any loss of formal or informal greenspace and any opportunities to enhance greenspaces and green networks relating to the site. For proposals other than housing consideration was given as to how easy it would be for people to walk or cycle to the site, the impact of the proposed use on surrounding uses, as well as the impact on greenspaces and green networks.

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Section 4: Assessment Methodology

SEA theme Site Assessment methodology

Historic Environment Built Heritage assessments distinguished archaeological impact from that of impacts on listed buildings and conservation areas. Both have the potential to identify adverse or permanent impacts resulting from the loss of aspects important to the built heritage of an area. Candidate sites were considered against the built heritage asset with particular focus on the potential impact resulting from construction activities. Impact can also be visual and can result from significant change to a sites setting, context or curtilage. In some cases, impact can also be addressed through mitigation which has been stated, where identified, Assessment considered the likely impacts on: listed buildings, conservation areas, gardens and designed landscapes, scheduled ancient monuments, archaeological areas of regional importance, battlefield sites and Historic Scotland properties in care.

Policies

The policies are assessed against the objectives that we have included in the various versions of the SEA, from the Scoping report and the Environmental Reports. These objectives have all been seen and commented on by the Consultation Authorities. The policies have been scored against the objectives set out in Table 4, with commentary to explain the score.

To assist in judging the impacts, scoring of the likely impact of each policy against each theme has been employed. (+/- ) where negative indicates negative impacts and positive indicates positive impacts. This gives a visual indication of the anticipated impacts of the policies against the assessment themes.

The policies have been subject of consultation and discussion with the Key Agencies throughout their preparation. The identified need for changes to policies, to mitigate negative impacts against the SEA themes and objectives has been incorporated.

The assessment of the policies is set out in Section 6.

Post-Examination Modifcations

All of the recommended modifications in the Examination Report have been screened in consideration against the SEA themes and objectives. The full table of this screening is in Annex 7 of the Environmental Report. The findings of the screening have been reflected in the following sections of this Environmental Report, summarising the impacts of the proposed modifications on individual proposals, and the strategy and policies of the plan. The site assessments have been updated where necessary in light of the recommended modifications arising from the Examination of the plan, and the findings incorporated into the following section of this version of the Environmental Report (see Annex 8).

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Section 5: Assessment of Strategy and Sites

5. Assessment of Strategy and Sites

Fife-wide Strategy Assessment

The Fife Spatial Strategy supports the creation of a place in which, by 2026, economic activity has recovered and building is at a higher level of activity than it has been resulting in sustainable economic Growth. This includes the allocation of land for new homes, and high quality development. The plan will help Fife be the best place to do business, growing business activity and offering more job opportunities. The plan strategy combines these growth ambitions with improving Fife as a place to live and work in, keeping safe the rich environmental assets and improving and protecting the quality of Fife’s towns and villages as they change.

The strategy is a Fife-wide statement of how Fife should develop over the 10 years to 2026, after the plan is adopted. The housing land supply will be met by proposing development focused in towns and villages with regard to facilities, local need and the likely impact on their location. Proposals for employment, housing, and local services are, where possible, located in close proximity to encourage sustainable and healthier lifestyles and to make integration with existing communities easier.

Supplementary guidance for housing land in the SESplan area determines the scale of the housing requirements to be met in the SESplan part of Fife through new housing land allocations in the Local Development Plan for the periods up to 2024.

The majority of new development in the north of Fife is within the principal settlements identified in TAYplan. The Local Development Plan also includes allocations in other towns and villages able to accommodate and support growth.

Employment land supply and distribution is a core part of the FIFEplan spatial strategy and supported the Fife Economic Land Strategy. Through investment in business infrastructure, Fife will aim to modernise its economic assets, which has begun through the development of John Smith Business Park, the Energy Park and Fife Renewables innovation Centre.

Town centres will be the location of choice for new shopping, commercial, leisure, entertainment, and leisure uses likely to attract large numbers of people, and to encourage more homes there to achieve a better mix of uses and activity - and not just during normal business day. The key is for people to be together and close to the range of activities best placed in town centres. That requires Fife’s town centres to be attractive as places to live in and visit. The strategy supports people having homes in and close to town centres as an important ingredient to help transform those centres and make them successful. This supports community planning objectives and is reflected in the community based Town Centre Action Frameworks.

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Section 5: Assessment of Strategy and Sites

Fife will continue to be a leading centre in the field of low carbon developments. The University of St Andrews’ proposal for low carbon and sustainable energy related research, development, and industry in Guardbridge is expected to be an important addition to Fife’s assets in energy and renewables. It will complement the Energy Park at Methil and biomass proposals at Rosyth which are key components of the National Renewables Infrastructure Plan and also support the needs of the oil and gas industry.

The strategy includes a Low Carbon Fife policy to promote more sustainable generation and energy efficient buildings. The Council will support proposals to develop district heating networks based on low carbon and renewable sources, or that facilitate the more efficient use of heat from existing energy generation or other processes. The Fife Heat Map4 has been developed to support the planning and deployment of local low- carbon energy projects in Fife and will be an important tool for developers to review potential heat demand of a proposed development, as well as opportunities to link with existing heat supply and demand. The Local Development Plan contains a framework which identifies the capacity for wind turbines taking account of the characteristics of the landscape and the existing level of permitted turbines.

The areas of search set out in the adopted Minerals Subject Local Plan for sand and gravel extraction have been updated and are now being included in supplementary guidance being published with FIFEplan. The supplementary guidance also provides the detailed policy guidance on other minerals extraction, including hard rock, gas, and coal.

Fife’s rich natural, cultural and heritage assets are protected by policies in the Plan. Preserving the local character of settlements and landscapes across Fife, (particularly where these are considered to have distinct and special qualities), and avoiding the loss or degradation of natural resources are fundamental principles of the Plan.

Rural areas’ economy and communities will be supported by allowing appropriate scale and location of development that complements existing village layouts and character. Tourism plays an important role across Fife and the Plan’s policies are intended to help diversify the economy and allow investment in the infrastructure tourism needs.

Fife’s rural environmental assets are protected by a suite of policies covering matters such Dunfermline’s and St Andrews’ green belts, controls over development in open countryside, and managing impact of development on natural assets. Prime agricultural land and food security is a continued concern and in assessing development sites for this Plan, the Council has sought to minimise irreversible development in these areas and provided policy protection.

4 www.fife.org.uk/heatmap

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Section 5: Assessment of Strategy and Sites

FIFEplan carries forward existing Development Plan commitments but also sets the scene for the future and a focus on redeveloping previously developed land - commonly referred to as ‘brownfield’ - and remediating contaminated land. This will be a medium to long term transformational. New or improved infrastructure needed to serve new development or address impacts on infrastructure such as roads and schools will be delivered through developer obligations as required by the Plan’s policies and applied using methods described in supplementary guidance which accompanies the Plan.

Supplementary Guidance will help to deliver the policy on providing and enhancing greenspace and green network opportunities. All new development should demonstrate the 6 qualities of successful places: distinctive, welcoming, adaptable, resource efficient, safe and pleasant, and easy to move around and beyond.

The Fife strategy is supported by area strategies to meet different local needs, and is delivered through the allocation of sites for housing, employment and other purposes. Some of these sites are legacy sites from the 3 previous Local Plans: The Mid-Fife Local Plan, The St Andrews & East Fife Local Plan and the Dunfermline & West Fife Local Plan, and were assessed as part of the preparation and adoption of these Local Plans. The majority of these sites already benefit from a planning consent and are effectively part of the environmental baseline for the FIFEplan, the Local Development Plan for Fife. They are included for information and completeness with the new sites under the Area Strategies.

Post-Examination Modifications to Strategy

The modifications do not alter the strategy of the plan significantly. Many of the changes provide additional details on specific subjects, for example, specialist housing needs. Others are in response to changes in circumstances since the publication of the Proposed Plan e.g. construction of the Forth Road Bridge. There are also modifcations to the strategy which reflect changes to policies, notably for energy & wind-farm proposals. These changes are picked up in more detail in Section 6 which summarises potential impacts arising from modifications to the policies. It is considered that the modifications do not change the assessment of the Fife-wide strategy of the plan set out in Table 8 below.

Table 8: Assessment of Fife-wide strategy SEA Theme Score Summary of conclusions Mitigation Score after mitigation Biodiversity, The strategy prioritises existing allocations, brownfield The Proposed Plan provides protection general nature -1 development and the extension of existing settlements. In some and enhancement of the wider 0/+1 conservation cases new development, which will include greenfield environment, including trees and priority development, will have the potential to negatively impact on habitats, habitat connectivity and green biodiversity and nature conservation. networks including urban open space. Site

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Section 5: Assessment of Strategy and Sites

SEA Theme Score Summary of conclusions Mitigation Score after mitigation specific mitigations are also implemented The strategy also provides for a Fife wide Green Network and through Developer Requirements and the strong linkages between this network and new development. This Action Programme. is likely to minimise negative impacts and allow opportunities for enhancement. Energy use Increased energy use leads to increased carbon footprint. Proposed Plan continues existing policies 0/-1 Proposed development strategy should enable greater on energy use and building design, and +1 Energy opportunities for shared heat and energy. There is potential for maximise potential for district heating production district heating schemes, which would lower the overall energy use schemes where available. Siting, design in built development. Heat mapping identifies existing and and layout can contribute to minimising proposed opportunities for district heat networks. Lochhead in carbon footprint of new development. The particular has a scheme, which could form part of a larger network. Proposed Plan introduces a Low Carbon The Tullis Russell Biomass Plant offers opportunity to provide policy and will be supported by Fife’s district heating. Proximity to Westfield may also offer opportunities. Designing Places Supplementary Guidance . Air pollution, Within some settlements, there is potential that development could Proposed Plan and developer noise, dust, -1 result in increased traffic emissions - regard should be had for requirements address traffic impacts. 0 hazardous existing air quality issues, notably in Dunfermline and Cupar, to installations ensure that development does not compromise Scottish statutory Where appropriate any issues with co- air quality objectives. location to health and safety executive consultation zones and to sites subject to Proximity to health and safety executive consultation zones and to environmental licensing to be mitigated sites subject to environmental licensing considered in the site through siting, design and layout. specific assessment. No significant impacts anticipated in relation to these arise from the Fife-wide strategy. Water quality, There is potential for development to take place across Fife in line Ensure that proposals in the plan will not flooding -1 with the strategy without significant impacts arising in terms of exacerbate flood risk through location, 0 flooding and the quality of the water environment. Within existing siting, design and layout. settlements a baseline water supply and sewage network is in place, subject to capacity. Ensure use of SUDs where required. Waste -1 New development will create waste irrespective of location. Overall Location and proximity to recycling/waste -1 levels of waste generation are expected to be neutral. management facilities can minimise the need for travel. It is possible to mitigate effects of new development through siting

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Section 5: Assessment of Strategy and Sites

SEA Theme Score Summary of conclusions Mitigation Score after mitigation of recycling facilities. This is addressed through Policy 14: Built Environment and Heritage. Fife’s Designing Places Supplementary Guidance will provide additional guidance. Soil, mineral -1 The focus on brownfield sites reduces the need to develop Prioritising brownfield land through the 0 resources greenfield sites. However, the strategy includes the development strategy, having regard to site of greenfield sites to meet development requirements from effectiveness and development delivery, Brownfield land, strategic development plans. will minimise the use of greenfield land contaminated and loss of prime quality agricultural land. land In parts of Fife, prime agricultural land will be impacted on by the Development of brownfield land can also strategy. Prime agricultural land is particularly prevalent in North address contamination issues. and East Fife, however, development proposed is of a lesser scale than in other parts of Fife. Proposed Plan continues policies on protection of prime agricultural land and Mineral and soil resources are widespread across Fife. There is minerals. potential for these to be impacted by new development proposed by the strategy. Site layout, or prior extraction can ensure minerals are not unnecessarily sterilised. Landscape -1 The focus on brownfield sites will reduce the need to develop Proposed Plan continues existing policies 0 greenfield sites. However, the strategy includes the development on new developments impacting on of greenfield sites to meet development requirements from sensitive landscapes. strategic development plans. Potential impacts can be mitigated Edge of settlement development has the potential to impact the through location, siting, design and layout setting of settlements across Fife. of new development.

Fife has large areas designated as Local Landscape Areas as well In some cases impacts on settlement as Gardens and Designed Landscapes and Green Belts for could be favourable with opportunities to Dunfermline and St Andrews. create more sympathetic edges, or gateways to the settlement. Strategy has the potential to impact on the form of existing settlements and their setting in the wider landscape.

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Section 5: Assessment of Strategy and Sites

SEA Theme Score Summary of conclusions Mitigation Score after mitigation Settlements – +1/-1 New development will impact on existing settlements. This may be The Proposed Plan continues existing +1 infrastructure, positive or negative depending on location and design, and the policies and develop new policies and community potential of existing settlements to accommodate new guidance on location, design and layout of resources, vitality development. Development may contribute to social integration new development. This includes and amenity and improved housing opportunities for all sections of the consideration of: community. - access to greenspace - access to infrastructure, social and A focus on brownfield sites is likely to positively impact any community facilities existing problems caused by vacant and derelict land within - access to employment settlements.

The strategy encourages small scale growth in towns that will complement the existing town in terms of scale and location. Historic -1 Development of settlements that have particular cultural heritage Proposed Plan continues existing policies 0/+1 Environment may have a negative impact; however this also provides the on new developments impacting on built opportunity to re-use/regenerate buildings or other cultural assets heritage and archaeological assets, and which may otherwise fall into disrepair. consideration for existing townscapes.

Summary

The assessment highlights the potential for negative impacts on a number of the SEA themes. However, in the main, these are addressed and mitigated as set out above.

Assessment of Proposed Sites and Local Strategies

9 area strategies provide detail at a more local level. For each strategy area, an assessment of new sites that came forward through a call for sites has been provided. Mitigation and improvements have been included in the developer requirements for each site within settlement plans, and the tables show how this has affected the assessment of each site. An additional table has been added as Annex 9 which shows the total positive and total negative effects of the candidate sites included in the Local Development Plan for each settlement.

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Section 5: Assessment of Strategy and Sites

The strategy is delivered through the legacy sites that have come through the adopted Local Plans, and which were assessed as part of the process of preparing and adopting those Local Plans.

Some additional sites came forward outwith the ‘call for sites’ later in the Local Development Plan process. These have been assessed in Annex 5. These proposals are of a relatively modest scale and include many brownfield sites. They do not significantly impact on the area strategies. The scoring of these assessments reflects Green Network Priorities and other mitigation within the Developer Requirements that have been identified in the Plan for these proposals.

West Villages Strategy

The West Villages area has around 600 houses already allocated. Much of this allocation is still to be developed although some sites are showing signs of progress. Although this area lies out with the two new Strategic Development Areas introduced by SESplan, it is appropriate that further allocations are made in this area due to its proximity to jobs, services, and other infrastructure which allows access to the rest of Fife and the wider region.

The Plan encourages improvements to employment land in the area, particularly at Hillend and Donibristle Industrial Estate, to support the economic strategy for the area and promote reinvestment in this strategically important employment area.

The Examination Report (November 2016) recommended the inclusion of the following sites, not included in the Proposed Plan:

• KCD 002 & KCD 003 - Kincardine Eastern Expansion. This proposal has an approved planning application for mixed-use development, and is carried forward from the adopted Dunfermline & West Fife Local Plan. Developer requirements attached to both proposed allocations will require detailed flood risk assessment as part of any future planning applications. Due to this proposal already having received approval further assessment has not been undertaken.

• LWD 032 - Castlehill Mine, Landward. This proposal has an approved planning application for 38 houses and 6 live/work units, and is carried forward from the adopted Dunfermline & West Fife Local Plan. Due to this proposal already having received approval further assessment has not been undertaken.

The report also proposes that existing sites LWD 011 and LWD 011 at Longannet be merged into single proposal with an extended site boundary. This new boundary reflects the ownership and operational use of the wider site. There is no specific proposal for the site at this stage stage. However, the plan includes development requirements including HRA and other natural heritage mitigation. The proposal for site Land at Scottish Lime Centre, in Charlestown (CHL 001) has a reduced site boundary.

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Section 5: Assessment of Strategy and Sites

West Villages assessment summary

The quality of the water environment and flooding issues have indicated negative impacts for this strategy area. Mitigation through the requirement for Flood Risk Assessments, siting, design and developer requirements enable the impacts to be managed and safely addressed. The strategy offers opportunities to link into heat networks or for CHP to be developed.

The Examination Modifications can be delivered without significant impacts on the environment. Overall the strategy can be delivered without significant impacts on the environment.

Table 9: West Villages area: Site Assessment Scoring by SEA Theme Air Pollution and Water Quality and Settlement Proposed Plan Site Waste Energy Production Human Health Flooding Soils and Minerals Settlement Built Heritage Landscape Biodiversity Post Mitigation score Post Post Post Post Post Post Post Post LDP -BLA002 Blairhall Comrie Castle -1 -1 -1 -1 0 +1 0 +1 -1 -1 0 +1 0 0 -1 0 -2 -2 LDP -BLA005 Adjacent Primary Blairhall School, Comrie Castle -1 -1 -1 -1 0 +1 0 0 -1 -1 0 0 0 0 0 +1 0 0 LDP -CHL002 Charlestown Land at the old school -1 -1 -1 -1 0 0 -2 0 -1 -1 +2 +2 0 +1 0 +1 0 0 LDP -CHL003 Land at Charlestown Charlestown Harbour, Ballast Bank -1 -1 0 0 0 0 -2 0 0 0 0 +1 0 +2 -1 0 0 0 LDP -CNH005 Land north of Cairneyhill Cairneyhill -1 -1 0 0 0 +1 -2 +1 -1 -1 0 +1 0 0 -1 0 0 0 LDP -CNH006 Land east of Pitdinnie Cairneyhill Road -1 -1 0 0 -1 0 -2 0 -1 -1 0 +1 +1 +1 -1 0 0 0 LDP -CNH002 Conscience Bridge Cairneyhill (north) -1 -1 0 0 0 +1 -2 0 -1 -1 0 +1 0 0 -1 +1 0 0 LDP -GWH001 Land North of Clune Gowkhall Road -1 -1 -1 -1 -2 -1 0 +1 -1 -1 -2 -1 0 0 0 0 0 0 LDP -OAK003 Land to north of Oakley Oakley -1 -1 +1 +1 0 +1 -2 0 0 0 +2 +2 0 0 -1 +1 0 0 LDP -OAK003 Land to north of Oakley (land at Blair Oakley House) -1 -1 +1 +1 0 +1 -2 0 +1 +1 0 0 0 0 -1 +1 0 0

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Section 5: Assessment of Strategy and Sites

Air Pollution and Water Quality and Settlement Proposed Plan Site Waste Energy Production Human Health Flooding Soils and Minerals Settlement Built Heritage Landscape Biodiversity LDP -SAL003 Saline Land at West Road -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 0 -2 -1 0 +2 +2 +2 0 0 -1 0 0 0

Totals -11 -11 -3 -3 -4 5 -16 2 -6 -4 4 10 1 4 -8 5 -2 -2

Proposed Plan Revised Total -10 -10 -2 -2 -4 4 -16 2 5 -3 4 10 1 4 -8 4 -2 -2

Post-Examination Total -10 -10 -2 -2 -4 4 -16 2 5 -3 4 10 1 4 -8 4 -2 -2 Note: No changes resulting from Examination Modifications.

Dunfermline Strategy

Dunfermline is a main focus for a large amount of development over the Plan period; however this will be progressed in a manner that protects the historic centre of the town and its landscape setting. Dunfermline is the focus of existing Strategic Development Areas to the south-west, west and north-west of the City. Development proposals are progressing to the north-west of the City and SESplan directs further development to the north of the City so land has been identified across the north of the city in line with those requirements, up to 2026. In the north-west, the new sites add to the existing proposals identified in earlier development plans and, in the north-east, a new allocation is identified at Halbeath.

The provision for a northern relief road and a western distributor road is essential to the delivery of these strategic developments. These will work alongside the new park and ride at Halbeath and the improved access to the Forth Bridge to provide a range of travel options. The delivery of a Rosyth bypass remains a priority for the Council. Consistent with the Strategic Transport Projects Review there is also potential for improved rail connectivity through the introduction of a rail link between Inverkeithing and Halbeath.

Dunfermline is supported as an important tourist destination by creating an engaging city centre experience with a mix of good quality retail and restaurant/bars attractions which will create a vibrant mix for residents and visitors.

The wider area around Rosyth, Inverkeithing, and Dalgety Bay to the Forth bridgehead is well placed for access to the central Scotland economy and regional job markets. That makes this location attractive for business, residential, and tourism investment in Fife which the opening of the Queensferry Bridge in 2016 will further enhance.

Rosyth port is a strategic employment and economic activity location which FIFEplan supports by safeguarding existing land and allocating further locations for future employment or investment opportunities. Rosyth is identified as the preferred location for additional freight capacity on the Forth consistent with the recently published National Planning Framework, NPF3. The port, including waterfront land and adjacent allocations are

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Section 5: Assessment of Strategy and Sites capable of accommodating a diversified range of nationally significant key economic sector uses such as energy, renewables, tourism, and financial or business services.

A green belt continues to be identified to the south west of Dunfermline to protect the setting of its historic centre. This Dunfermline green belt constitutes an area where the majority of development uses should not happen and, as a consequence, the Local Development Plan policies protect this area from inappropriate development.

At the Executive Committee on 9 September 2014 a number of sites were removed from the Proposed Plan. The Examination Report (November 2016) recommended the inclusion of the following sites, not included in the Proposed Plan:

• LWD 033 - St Ninian’s south-west of Kelty. This has been included as an indicative allocation for Leisure, tourism and recreation uses. The site has previously been assessed as candidate site ref: LDP-LWD006, and that site assessment updated (see Annex 8) to reflect additional developer requirements recommended in the Examination Report. The recommendations include Green Network Priorities but these do not address potential effects on biodiversity and landscape. It is therefore recommended that additional mitigation is included in the Green Network Priorities to protect and connect existing habitats on the site and contribute to the landscape setting.

• ABD 002 - Land at Wester Aberdour. This has been included as an allocation for 20 houses. The site has previously been assessed as candidate site ref: LDP-ABD003, and the site assessment updated to reflect additional developer requirements recommended in the Examination Report (see Annex 8). The additional developer requirements will aid integration with the surrounding area, help to prevent against negative landscape impacts and a requirement for a wildlife habitat area incorporating SUDS could have positive biodiversity impacts and prevent negative flooding impacts.

• INV 005 - Spencerfield, Inverkeithing. This has been included as an allocation for 295 houses. It reflects a recently appealed planning application for which the reporter is minded to grant planning permission. The site has previously been assessed as candidate site ref: LDP- INV002 (a & b). Due to this proposal already having received approval further assessment has not been undertaken.

The report also proposes an extension to Halbeath (DUN 043) from 77.2Ha to 79.5Ha. No increase in housing capacity is recommended. The site assessment has been updated (see Annex 8) in light of the additional land recommended for inclusion in the plan and no additional environmental impacts have been identified.

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Section 5: Assessment of Strategy and Sites

The following sites have been deleted from the plan:

• Rosegreen, Carnock Road, Dunfermline DUN 045 (100 houses)

• Castlandhill South, Rosyth ROS 017 (Hotel and Conference Facilities)

• Townhill Loch Car Park, Townhill TWH 002 (Employment)

The following sites have been reduced in size or capacity from Proposed Plan:

• Kent Street, Dunfermline DUN 038 (from 120 to 80 houses)

• Chamberfield Road, Dunfermline DUN 046 (from 50 to 40 houses)

• Land west of Old Perth Road, Crossgates CRO 002 (from 260 to 200 houses)

Dunfermline assessment summary

The strategy for Dunfermline can be delivered without significant adverse impacts, although the assessment highlights issues to be addressed. Issues included the potential for negative impacts on air quality issues at Appin Crescent in Dunfermline and Admiralty Road in Rosyth. Transport assessments are required for many sites that will highlight measures required to address any issues arising from additional traffic.

Potential adverse landscape impacts were identified. These are largely mitigated through developer requirements relating to site design, landscaping and layout.

There are a number of opportunities to contribute to improving biodiversity in this area.

The strategy offers opportunities to link into heat networks or for CHP to be developed.

The site assessment scoring for Halbeath (DUN 043) is unaffected by the examination recommendations. Likewise, the scoring for St Ninian’s (new proposal LWD 033) remains unchanged, while some additional wording has been added to provide mitigation for habitats and landscape. The scoring for Land at Wester Aberdour has improved due to the additional developer requirements highlighted above. The other modifications in this strategy area are considered unlikely to affect the scoring. The modifications can be delivered without significant impacts on the environment.

Overall the strategy can be delivered without significant impacts on the environment.

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Section 5: Assessment of Strategy and Sites

Table 10: Dunfermline area: Site Assessment Scoring by SEA Theme Air Pollution and Water Quality and Settlement Proposed Plan Site Waste Energy Production Human Health Flooding Soils and Minerals Settlement Built Heritage Landscape Biodiversity Post Mitigation score Post Post Post Post Post Post Post Post LDP -ABD002 Aberdour Main Street -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 0 0 +1 -1 -1 0 +1 0 0 -2 -1 0 0 LDP -ABD001 Aberdour Hillside School -1 -1 0 0 -1 0 0 +1 -1 -1 0 +1 0 0 -2 -1 0 0 n/a – candidate site: LDP-ABD003 Land at Wester Aberdour Aberdour -1* -1 -1* -1 -1* -1 0* 0 -1* -1 -2* -1 0* 0 -2* -1 0* +1 LDP -CRF002 Crossford Pitconochie -1 -1 +1 +1 -1 +1 -2 0 -1 0 0 +1 0 0 -1 0 0 0 LDP -CRO002 Land to the west of Old Crossgates Perth Road -1 -1 0 0 -2 0 0 0 -1 -1 +2 +2 0 0 0 +1 0 0 LDP -CRO003 Crossgates Gallows Knowe -1 -1 0 0 -1 0 -2 0 -1 -1 0 +1 0 0 -1 0 0 +1 LDP -DGB003 Dalgety Bay Barns Farm -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 0 0 0 -1 -1 -2 -1 0 +1 -1 0 0 +1 LDP -DGB004 St David's Harbour – Dalgety Bay Harbour Place -1 -1 0 0 -1 -1 0 0 0 0 0 +1 0 0 0 0 0 0 LDP -DUN 075 Carnegie Drive Retail Dunfermline Park -1 -1 +1 +1 -1 -1 0 0 0 0 +2 +2 0 0 0 0 0 0 LDP -DUN0038 Dunfermline Kent St -1 -1 +1 +1 0 +1 -2 0 -1 -1 0 +1 0 0 -1 0 0 0 LDP -DUN039 North Dunfermline Dunfermline (Colton) -1 -1 +1 +1 -2 0 0 +1 0 0 -2 0 -1 -1 -1 +1 0 +1 LDP -DUN 040 Craigluscar Road/ Dunfermline Carnock Road -1 -1 0 0 -1 0 0 +1 0 0 0 +1 -1 -1 0 +1 0 0 LDP -DUN 041) North Dunfermline Dunfermline (Swallow Drum) -1 -1 0 0 -1 0 0 +1 0 0 0 +1 0 0 0 +1 0 +1 LDP -DUN042 Dunfermline Carnock Road -1 -1 0 0 -1 0 0 +1 -1 -1 0 +1 0 0 0 +1 0 0 LDP -DUN 043 Dunfermline Halbeath -1 -1 +1 +1 -1 0 -2 -1 -1 -1 0 +1 0 0 -1 0 0 0 LDP -DUN 044 Land to the north of Dunfermline Wellwood -1 -1 +1 +1 -1 0 0 +1 -1 -1 0 +1 0 0 0 +1 0 +1

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Section 5: Assessment of Strategy and Sites

Air Pollution and Water Quality and Settlement Proposed Plan Site Waste Energy Production Human Health Flooding Soils and Minerals Settlement Built Heritage Landscape Biodiversity LDP -DUN 045 Rosegreen, Carnock Dunfermline Road -1 -1 0 0 -1 0 0 1 -1 -1 -2 0 0 0 -1 0 0 +1 LDP -DUN 036 Dunfermline Elliot Street -1 -1 +1 +1 -1 -1 0 0 +1 +1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 LDP -DUN 046 Dunfermline Chamberfield -1 -1 +1 +1 -1 0 0 +1 -1 -1 0 +1 0 0 -1 0 0 +1 LDP -INV009 Inverkeithing Former Caldwell Mill 0 0 +1 +1 -1 0 -2 -1 0 0 0 +1 0 0 -2 -2 0 0 LDP -INV005 Inverkeithing Spencerfield** -1 -1 -1 -1 0 0 0 +1 -1 -1 0 +1 0 0 -2 -1 0 +1 LDP -KST001 Kingseat Kingseat Road -1 -1 0 0 -1 0 0 0 -1 -1 +2 +2 0 0 -1 0 0 0 LDP -ROS016 Rosyth Castlelandhill (north) -1 -1 0 0 -2 -1 0 +1 -1 0 0 +1 0 0 -1 0 0 +1 LDP -ROS017 Rosyth Castlelandhill (south) -1 -1 +1 +1 -2 -1 -2 -2 0 0 0 +1 0 +1 -1 -1 0 +1 n/a – candidate site: LDP-LWD006 Landward St Ninian’s -1* -1 +1* +1 +1* +1 0* 0 +1* +1 0* 0 0* 0 -1* -1 0* 0

Totals -23 -23 6 6 -26 -2 -14 6 -14 -10 2 23 -2 0 -20 0 0 10

Proposed Plan Revised Total -19 -19 4 4 -23 0 -10 4 -10 -7 0 21 -2 -1 -14 2 0 8

Post-Examination Total -20 -20 2 2 -20 +1 -8 6 -10 -7 0 20 -2 -2 -17 0 0 8 * = Scoring from Environmental Report Version 2 (2013) ** = Scoring from Environmental Report Version 3 (2014)

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Section 5: Assessment of Strategy and Sites

Ore & Upper Leven Valleys Strategy

The Glenrothes and Ore/Upper Leven Valleys area is identified as a focus for further development by SESplan to encourage regeneration on and around the Fife Circle rail link which, together with the A92 gives good links around southern Fife and to and from the Edinburgh area. Glenrothes town centre regeneration is encouraged to support its place as a strategic town centre. Opportunities to develop housing and leisure uses in and around the town centre consistent with the Plan’s policies will be encouraged. Cowdenbeath and Kelty also remain important town centres and the towns are also the focus for development proposals in the Local Development Plan.

The prospect for improving the economic prospects of Glenrothes through longer term, improvements to the A92 corridor from the town to the Tay Road Bridge will be investigated during the early part of this plan period.

Opportunities will be sought to increase retail and leisure provision in Glenrothes Town Centre with particular focus on the evening economy. The location of the Saltire Centre does not fit well with the evolution of movement and the focus of retail activity within Glenrothes. Therefore it is proposed to explore promoting the site for housing development with the existing uses being moved to consolidate the retail area to the north of the town centre.

Additional development has also been identified in Thornton, Cardenden, Kinglassie and Glenrothes due to the changing housing context in SESplan. This continues the approach of locating development around the northern arc of the Fife Circle rail line and in locations which have good access to local and regional services and employment opportunities.

Lochgelly carries forward strategic scale development proposals reflecting the outcomes of the community consultation (charette), which took place in 2010 and considered the long term development of the town.

Proposal THO 003 ‘Land north and west of Thornton’ comprises two site assessed assessed previously as candidate sites (THO 001 and THO 005). The Examination Report recommended an extension to the proposal in the Proposed Plan. This extension represents a relatively modest amount of additional land (from 38Ha to 41Ha), rounding-off of the site boundary with no increase in housing capacity. The site assessment for candidate site THO 005 has been updated to incorporate the additional land (see Annex 8). The additional land creates better connectivity and helps integrate the site with the rest of the settlement. A new road route will be developed that would ease pressure on the Main Street/Strathore Road junction in the town centre. The additional land proposed is prime agricultural land (Class 2), however, the amount of additional land required is relatively modest. There is no increase in the level of housing proposed. The modification can be delivered without significant impacts on the environment.

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Section 5: Assessment of Strategy and Sites

Ore & Upper Leven Valleys assessment summary

Quality of the water environment and flooding issues were identified for many sites in this area. Mitigation through the requirement for Flood Risk Assessments, siting, and SUDs provision has been incorporated to ensure the impacts are managed and safely addressed. The geology of the Ore & Upper Leven Valley area is characterised by carboniferous rocks including coal measures, some of which have been mined in the past. As such some areas have been undermined and development will require liaison with the Coal Authority. The strategy offers opportunities to link into heat networks or for CHP to be developed.

The site assessment for candidate site THO 005 (referred to in the table below as ‘THO003 Land north and west of Thornton (south west)’ has been revisited in light of the modest area of additional land recommended for inclusion in the plan. The scoring has improved slightly as the additional land allows for better integration with the rest of the site. The modifications can be delivered without significant impacts on the environment.

Overall the strategy can be delivered without significant impacts on the environment.

Table 11: Ore & Upper Leven Valleys area: Site Assessment Scoring by SEA Theme Air Pollution and Water Quality and Settlement Proposed Plan Site Waste Energy Production Human Health Flooding Soils and Minerals Settlement Built Heritage Landscape Biodiversity Post Mitigation score Post Post Post Post Post Post Post Post LDP -CDD004 Cardenden Cardenden Road East -1 -1 +1 +1 0 0 0 +2 -1 -1 0 +1 0 0 -1 +1 0 0 LDP -CDD005 Cardenden Cardenden Road West -1 -1 +1 +1 -1 -1 -2 0 +1 +1 -2 -1 0 0 -1 +1 0 0 LDP -CDD007 Cardenden Cardenden Road -1 -1 +1 +1 0 0 -2 0 -1 -1 0 +1 0 0 0 +2 0 0 LDP -GLC001 Glencraig Glencraig East (north) -1 -1 +1 +1 0 0 -2 0 -1 -1 0 +1 0 0 0 +1 0 0 LDP -GLC001 Glencraig Glencraig East (south) -1 -1 +1 +1 0 0 -2 0 -1 -1 0 +1 0 0 0 +1 0 0 LDP -GLE003 Glenrothes Viewfield -1 -1 +1 +1 0 +1 0 +1 -1 -1 +2 +3 0 0 0 +1 -2 -2 LDP -KEL005 Kelty Kelty South West -1 -1 0 0 0 0 0 +1 -1 -1 0 +2 0 0 -1 0 0 +1 LDP -KEL006 Kelty Woodend Place -1 -1 0 0 0 0 -2 -1 -1 -1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 LDP -KEL007 Kelty Black Road -1 -1 -1 -1 0 0 -2 -1 -1 -1 0 +1 0 0 0 +1 0 +1

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Section 5: Assessment of Strategy and Sites

Air Pollution and Water Quality and Settlement Proposed Plan Site Waste Energy Production Human Health Flooding Soils and Minerals Settlement Built Heritage Landscape Biodiversity LDP -KLS001 Kinglassie Laurence Park South -1 -1 +1 +1 0 0 -2 0 -1 -1 -2 -2 0 0 0 +1 0 0 LDP -KLS002 Kinglassie Laurence Park North -1 -1 -1 -1 0 0 -2 -2 -1 -1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 LDP -LGY007 Lochgelly Strategic Development Area Lochgelly (southern extension) -1 0 0 +1 -1 +1 0 +1 -1 -1 +2 +2 0 0 -1 0 0 +1 LDP -LGY007 Lochgelly Strategic Development Area (north-eastern Lochgelly extension) -1 0 +1 +1 -2 0 0 +1 0 0 +2 +2 0 0 -1 0 0 +1 LDP -LGY007 Lochgelly Strategic Development Area (north-western Lochgelly extension) -1 0 +1 +1 -1 +1 -2 0 +1 +1 0 1 0 0 -1 0 0 +1 LDP -LPH003 Land to the north of Lumphinnans Lumphinnans -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 0 0 0 -1 -1 0 0 0 0 -1 0 0 0 LDP -THO003 Land north and west of Thornton Thornton (north east) -1 -1 +1 +1 -1 0 -2 -1 -1 0 0 0 0 0 0 +1 0 0 LDP -THO004 Spittal Farm, Elmbank Thornton Terrace/Station Road -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 +1 0 0 -1 -1 0 0 0 0 0 +1 0 0 LDP -THO003 Land north and west of Thornton Thornton (south west) -1 -1 +1 +1 -1 -1 0 0 -1 -1 -2 -1 0 0 -1 -1 0 0

Totals -18 -15 7 8 -9 2 -20 1 -13 -12 0 10 0 0 -8 10 -2 3

Proposed Plan Revised Total -16 -13 6 7 -9 2 -16 3 -11 -10 0 9 0 0 -8 9 -2 2

Post-Examination Total -16 -13 6 7 -9 2 -16 3 -11 -10 0 10 0 0 -8 9 -2 2

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Section 5: Assessment of Strategy and Sites

Kirkcaldy Area Strategy

Kirkcaldy is the location for two Strategic Development Areas. Between them, these sites will provide around 3,800 houses. Progress has been made with both these sites, particularly at Kirkcaldy East and their development will continue through this Plan period.

A long term development framework diagram is included for Kirkcaldy’s Victoria Road/Nairn Street corridor based on the community engagement event held in Pathhead in February/March 2014. The framework identifies development opportunities to aid renewal in the area and will be used as a basis of regeneration discussions with the community, and local landowners and businesses.

The Plan strategy continues to safeguard the development of a cross-Forth transport link between Kirkcaldy and Edinburgh should this project move forward in the Plan period.

At the Executive Committee on 9 September 2014 site LDP-KDY 009 was removed from the Proposed Plan.

The Examination Report (November 2016) recommended the inclusion of the following sites, not included in the Proposed Plan:

• MAR 003 - Brunton Road, Markinch. This proposal has an approved planning application for housing, and is carried forward from the adopted Mid Fife Local Plan. Due to this proposal already having received approval further assessment has not been undertaken.

The report recommends a change of proposed use at Victoria Fields, Kirkcaldy KDY 019, from Employment to ‘Housing and/or Employment Opportunity’.

The following sites have been reduced in size or capacity from Proposed Plan:

• Markinch South MAR 001 (from 350 to 300 houses – part of site now to be protected open space

• Land at Haugh Road, Burntisland BUR 003 (from 40 to 20 houses)

Kirkcaldy assessment summary

Quality of the water environment and flooding issues were identified for sites in this area. Mitigation through the requirement for Flood Risk Assessments, siting, and SUDs provision has been incorporated to ensure the impacts are managed and safely addressed. Issues relating to the Settlement theme were also identified. These are mitigated to an extent by mitigation measures that will improve the integration of these sites

The geology of the Kirkcaldy area is characterised by carboniferous rocks including coal measures, some of which have been mined in the past. As such some areas have been undermined and development will require liaison with the Coal Authority.

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Section 5: Assessment of Strategy and Sites

The modifications in this strategy area can be delivered without significant impacts on the environment. Overall the strategy can be delivered without significant impacts on the environment.

Table 12: Kirkcaldy area: Site Assessment Scoring by SEA Theme

Air Pollution and Water Quality and Settlement Proposed Plan Site Waste Energy Production Human Health Flooding Soils and Minerals Settlement Built Heritage Landscape Biodiversity Post Mitigation score Post Post Post Post Post Post Post Post LDP -BUR003 Burntisland Land at Haugh Road -1 -1 -1 -1 0 +1 0 +1 -1 -1 -2 -1 -1 +1 0 +1 0 0 LDP -KDY009 Kirkcaldy Chapel Home Farm -1 -1 0 0 0 +1 -2 -1 -1 -1 -2 -1 0 0 -1 0 0 0 LDP -KDY010 Kirkcaldy Forth Park Hospital -1 -1 0 0 0 0 -2 -2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Totals -3 -3 -1 -1 0 2 -4 -2 -2 -2 -4 -2 -1 1 -1 1 0 0

Proposed Plan Revised Total -2 -2 -1 -1 0 1 -2 -1 -1 -1 -2 -1 -1 1 0 1 0 0

Post-Examination Total -2 -2 -1 -1 0 1 -2 -1 -1 -1 -2 -1 -1 1 0 1 0 0 Note: No sites added through Examination Modifications that are not in existing adopted Local Plans.

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Section 5: Assessment of Strategy and Sites

Levenmouth Area Strategy

Levenmouth Strategic Development Area is the main focus of development in the area and will provide 1650 new homes and supporting community facilities. It is also associated with improved access to Methil docks and will link in closely with the new secondary school. Road access from the energy cluster and Strategic Development Area via the A911 road will be investigated during the early part of this plan period.

FIFEplan safeguards the Thornton to Leven rail link for future reinstatement as a passenger rail line. There is a renewed impetus to promote this link to provide direct access to the central Scotland rail network and the services and employment opportunities there. An economic and transport case for the link will be developed further during the plan period.

A community planning consultation in 2013 – the Bawbee Bridge Charrette –focussed on the regeneration of Leven’s High Street area. This project will be taken forward as a local community planning initiative and key land use requirements will be supported in this Plan and future reviews. This will include developing an understanding of the potential strain on the road network within the area, most notably around the pinch point at the Bawbee Bridge, which is subject to a weight restriction of 18 tons at the present time.

The current increase in activity within the Fife Energy Park has underlined the need to look at local infrastructure to ensure that it continues to develop and grow to the benefit of adjacent communities. The Plan strategy and policies are support proposals to improve key infrastructure.

The Examination Report (November 2016) recommended that Wemyss Estate Land at West Wemyss WWS 001 be reduced in capacity from 54 to 42 houses.

Levenmouth assessment summary

The geology of the Leven area is characterised by carboniferous rocks including coal measures, some of which have been mined in the past. As such some areas have been undermined and development will require liaison with the Coal Authority.

There are a number of opportunities to contribute to improvements in relation to the Settlement theme in this area through good integration of development into existing communities.

The modifications in this strategy area can be delivered without significant impacts on the environment. Overall the strategy can be delivered without significant impacts on the environment.

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Section 5: Assessment of Strategy and Sites

Table 13: Levenmouth area: Site Assessment Scoring by SEA Theme

Air Pollution and Water Quality and Settlement Proposed Plan Site Waste Energy Production Human Health Flooding Soils and Minerals Settlement Built Heritage Landscape Biodiversity Post Mitigation score Post Post Post Post Post Post Post Post LDP -CLW002 Coaltown of Land south of Wemyss Coaltown of Wemyss -1 -1 -1 -1 0 +1 0 +1 -1 -1 0 +1 0 0 0 +1 0 0 LDP -EWS001 West of Randolph East Wemyss Street -1 -1 -1 -1 0 +1 0 +1 -1 -1 0 0 0 +1 -1 0 0 0 LDP -KEN003 Langside Crescent, Kennoway South -1 -1 0 +1 0 0 0 0 -1 -1 +2 +2 0 0 0 0 0 0 LDP -KEN002 Land between Halfields Gardens and Leven Kennoway Road (north) -1 -1 -1 +1 0 0 0 +1 -1 -1 0 +1 0 0 -1 0 0 +1 LDP -KEN002 Land between Halfields Gardens and Leven Kennoway Road (south) -1 -1 +1 +1 0 0 0 +1 -1 -1 0 +1 0 0 0 0 0 +1 LDP -MOB001 Milton of Balfour Place/ Main Balgonie Street -1 -1 0 0 0 0 0 +1 -1 -1 +2 +2 0 0 -1 -1 0 0 LDP -SOM001 Star of Markinch West End Dairy -1 -1 -1 -1 0 0 0 0 -1 -1 +2 +2 0 0 0 0 0 0 LDP -WWS001 Wemyss Estate Land at West Wemyss West Wemyss -1 -1 +1 +1 0 0 -2 -1 -1 -1 0 0 0 0 -2 -2 0 0

Proposed Plan Total -8 -8 -2 1 0 2 -2 4 -8 -8 6 9 0 1 -5 -2 0 2

Post-Examination Total -8 -8 -2 1 0 2 -2 4 -8 -8 6 9 0 1 -5 -2 0 2 Note: No sites added through Examination Modifications.

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Section 5: Assessment of Strategy and Sites

Cupar, Howe of Fife and Tay Coast Strategy

Cupar North Strategic Development Area is an established strategic proposal and has continued support through TAYplan and this Local Development Plan. Development here is linked with the provision of a relief road to the north of the town and key infrastructure that will make a significant difference to the environment of the town. Employment land is also identified to support the future economic needs of the town. New development opportunities are not supported in close proximity to Cupar to avoid competing with the Strategic Development Area.

The strategy for the wider area is to provide opportunities for additional small and medium scale development that complement this existing allocation. Development proposals are identified in Auchtermuchty, Falkland, and Newburgh because of the availability of services and ability to accommodate development of the scale proposed.

The prospect for improving the economic prospects of Fife through longer term improvements to the A92 corridor from the Tay Road Bridge to the existing duelled road Preston roundabout will be investigated during the early part of this plan period.

The Examination Report (November 2016) recommended the inclusion of the following sites, not included in the Proposed Plan:

• ‘Land at Baltilly, Ceres’ (new proposal CER 001). This is to be included as an allocation 19 houses. The site has previously been assessed as part of a larger candidate site (ref: LDP-CER004). The site assessment has been updated to reflect the reduced site boundary and the additional developer requirements recommended in the Examination Report (see Annex 8). The additional developer requirements will aid integration with the surrounding area, and help to prevent against negative impacts on trees and landscape. The reduced site boundary will prevent negative flooding impacts associated with the original larger site boundary.

• ‘Bellfield, Strathmiglo’ new proposal LWD 036). This reflects an approved planning application for 5 houses. Due to this proposal already having received approval further assessment has not been undertaken.

Other recommended modifications include:

• an increase to the site capacity for ‘The Road End, Loftybank, Ladybank’ (LAD 004) from 6 to 23 houses within the existing site boundary, to reflect an approved planning application;

• ‘Doves Loan, Ceres’ (CER 001) to be deleted from the plan; and,

• Cupar North, Cupar CUP 001 to be reduced in size from the Proposed Plan (removes small area of land to the north of Back Lebanon, Cupar).

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Cupar, Howe of Fife and Tay Coast assessment summary

Sites in this strategy area have good potential to integrate well with existing settlements.

Quality of the water environment and flooding issues were identified for some sites in this area. Mitigation through the requirement for Flood Risk Assessments, siting, and SUDs provision has been incorporated to ensure the impacts are managed and safely addressed. Some potential adverse landscape impacts were identified. These are mitigated through developer requirements relating to site design, landscaping and layout.

The new site at Baltilly, Ceres recommended through the Examination Modifications was previously assessed as part of a larger candidate site. The updated site assessment for the reduced site scores more positively than the previous larger candidate site. No significant environmental effects are envisaged. Overall the strategy can be delivered without significant impacts on the environment.

Table 14: Cupar, Howe of Fife & Tay Coast area: Site Assessment Scoring by SEA Theme

Air Pollution and Water Quality and Settlement Proposed Plan Site Waste Energy Production Human Health Flooding Soils and Minerals Settlement Built Heritage Landscape Biodiversity Post Mitigation score Post Post Post Post Post Post Post Post LDP -AUC002 Auchtermuchty Land West of Millflat -1 -1 0 0 0 +1 -2 -1 -1 -1 +2 +2 0 0 -1 0 0 0 LDP -CER001 Ceres Doves Loan -1 -1 -1 -1 0 0 0 +1 -1 -1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Land at Baltilly (no Ceres Proposed Plan ref) -1* -1 0* 0 0* 0 -2* 0 -1* -1 0* 0 0* 0 -2* -1 0* 0 LDP -CPM001 Cupar Muir Sawmill -1 -1 -1 -1 0 0 0 0 +1 +1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 LDP -CUP001 Cupar North Strategic Development Area Cupar (extension) -1 0 0 +1 -1 +1 0 +1 -1 -1 0 +2 0 +1 -1 +1 0 +1 LDP -DAI001 South of Osnaburgh Dairsie Court -1 -1 -1 -1 0 +1 0 0 -1 -1 +2 +2 0 0 -1 0 0 0 LDP -FAL001 Falkland St John’s Works -1 -1 -1 -1 +1 +2 -2 -1 +1 +1 +2 +2 -1 0 -2 0 0 +1 LDP -FAL002 Falkland West of East Loan -1 -1 -1 -1 0 +1 -2 -1 -1 -1 0 +1 0 0 0 +1 0 0 LDP -LAD004 The Road End, Ladybank Loftybank -1 -1 -1 -1 0 +1 0 +1 -1 -1 +2 +2 0 0 0 +1 0 0

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Air Pollution and Water Quality and Settlement Proposed Plan Site Waste Energy Production Human Health Flooding Soils and Minerals Settlement Built Heritage Landscape Biodiversity LDP -NEB002 Land North of Cupar Newburgh Road, Newburgh -1 -1 -1 -1 0 +1 0 0 -1 -1 0 +1 0 +1 -2 0 0 0

Totals -9 -8 -7 -6 0 8 -6 0 -5 -5 8 12 -1 2 -7 3 0 2

Proposed Plan Revised Total -8 -7 -6 -5 0 7 -4 1 -4 -4 8 11 -1 2 -7 2 0 2

Post-Examination Total -8 -7 -5 -4 0 7 -6 0 -4 -4 8 11 -1 2 -9 1 0 2 * = Scoring from Environmental Report Version 2 (2013)

Tay Bridgehead Strategy

Newport, Wormit, Tayport, Leuchars, and Guardbridge continue to be identified as the best options for locating development due to their accessibility to the wider region and the services available. The area has around 600 houses already allocated through previous Local Plans. With much of the development still to happen, further large scale allocations are not required during this plan period.

Potential development options may arise due to the changing role of RAF Leuchars, and, as more information becomes available during the life of this Plan, the development proposals may require to be updated. When further information is available the Council will pro-actively work with the MoD to address any land use issues that arise.

The investigation for upgrading the A92 corridor from the Tay Road Bridge to the Preston roundabout will recognise the corridors role as a strategic route through Fife, particularly between New Inn and Preston roundabouts. This will help to improve travel and business access through this part of Fife, assist with the regeneration of Mid Fife and improve connections to the wider Dundee city region and beyond to the north east.

No significant changes were proposed to sites within this strategy area in the Examination Report (November 2016).

Tay Bridgehead assessment summary

The strategy for this area proposes a modest scale of additional development.

Flooding and settlement integration issues were identified for land at Leuchars.

Mitigation through developer requirements will ensure that these impacts are addressed, by preventing development in areas at risk of flooding and by requiring well integrated development that incorporates green space that will benefit the wider settlement.

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The modifications in this strategy area can be delivered without significant impacts on the environment. Overall the strategy can be delivered without significant impacts on the environment.

Table 15: Tay Bridgehead area: Site Assessment Scoring by SEA Theme Air Pollution and Water Quality and Settlement Proposed Plan Site Waste Energy Production Human Health Flooding Soils and Minerals Settlement Built Heritage Landscape Biodiversity Post Mitigation score Post Post Post Post Post Post Post Post LDP -BLO002 Land at Burnbrae Balmullo Nursery, Clay Road -1 0 -1 -1 0 0 0 +1 +1 +1 0 +1 0 0 0 +1 0 0 LDP -LEU001 The Castle Field/Doocot Field Leuchars (extension) -1 -1 0 0 0 +1 -2 0 -1 -1 -2 0 0 +1 -1 +1 0 0

Proposed Plan Revised Total -2 -1 -1 -1 0 1 -2 1 0 0 -2 1 0 1 -1 2 0 0

Post-Examination Total -2 -1 -1 -1 0 1 -2 1 0 0 -2 1 0 1 -1 2 0 0 Note: No sites added through Examination Modifications.

St Andrews Strategy

St Andrews has a Strategic Development Area to the west of the town which continues from the previous Local Plan. There is no significant change from the established strategy for this area. The historic centre of the town will continue to be protected and any new development proposals in and around this area will be required to complement its historic character.

The University of St Andrews’ proposed Sustainable Power and Research Campus (SPARC) at Guardbridge will develop a new University Campus that is focussed on renewable energy production, research, education, and industry engagement surrounding low carbon and sustainable energy. This will contribute both to the University’s ambition of becoming carbon neutral and help with Fife meeting its 2020 Heat and Carbon emissions targets.

The importance of the St Andrews green belt is underpinned by TAYplan and the policies in this Plan. As a result of the court’s quashing of a planning application for Pipeland Farm, Proposals STA 004, STA 005 and STA 013 have been removed through the Examination Reporters’ recommendations.

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The Examination Report (November 2016) recommends the inclusion of a proposal at Northbank Farm, Cameron (LWD 035). This proposal has an approved planning application, and is carried forward from the adopted St Andrews & East Fife Local Plan. On this basis further detailed site assessment has not been undertaken. The report also recommends the inclusion of an allocation at East Sands, St Andrews (STA 014). There is no specific development proposal, the main purpose of the allocation being to highlight the approved East Sands Urban Design Framework. This proposal is also carried forward from the adopted St Andrews & East Fife Local Plan.

St Andrews assessment summary

Only one site has been identified in this strategy area. The quality of the water environment and flooding issues can be addressed through mitigation.

The modifications in this strategy area can be delivered without significant impacts on the environment. The strategy can be delivered without significant impacts on the environment.

Table 16: St Andrews area: Site Assessment Scoring by SEA Theme

Air Pollution and Water Quality and Settlement Proposed Plan Site Waste Energy Production Human Health Flooding Soils and Minerals Settlement Built Heritage Landscape Biodiversity Post Mitigation score Post Post Post Post Post Post Post Post LDP -STK003 Bonfield Road, Strathkinness Strathkinness -1 -1 0 0 0 +1 -2 -1 -1 -1 0 0 0 0 0 +1 0 0

Proposed Plan Revised Total -1 -1 0 0 0 1 -2 -1 -1 -1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0

Post-Examination Total -1 -1 0 0 0 1 -2 -1 -1 -1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 Note: No sites added through Examination Modifications that are not in existing adopted Local Plans.

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East Neuk Strategy

The strategy for the East Neuk area is a continuation from the previous Local Plan. No further major development allocations are proposed with the exception of an extension to Crail to include employment land, as proposed in the previous plan for this area, and development at Elie.

The proposed development at Elie has been identified through a coordinated strategy - the East Neuk Community Action Plan (ENCAP). This has been established to work with elected members, public agencies, and community organisations to look at the rural economic and social challenges in the area. It also provides a means through which the rural economy and the housing needs of East Neuk communities can be accommodated and is likely to develop as a community major stakeholder in Development Plan preparation.

This will address opportunities to accommodate longer-term growth and future iterations of this Plan will take account of land use proposals for the East Neuk.

The report proposes an extension to Colinsburgh South East COB 001 from 3.7Ha to 5.7Ha. The extension will provide additional greenspace and an additional vehicular access and will not significantly effect the housing capacity of the site. The revised site boundary is based on an existing field boundary and provides scope to improve the approach to Colinsburgh from the south. The screening carried out in Annex 7 considers the potential impacts of this modification against the SEA themes and objectives. The modification is likely to improve landscape, biodiversity and recreational opportunities. These will be secured through new Green Network Priorities for the site. There will be a minor loss of prime agricultural land as a result of the extension.

East Neuk assessment summary

There is potential for modest loss of prime agricultural land as a result of potential development. Quality of the water environment and flooding issues were identified for sites in this area. Mitigation through the requirement for Flood Risk Assessments, siting, and SUDs provision has been incorporated to ensure the impacts are managed and safely addressed. The strategy can be delivered without significant impacts on the environment. Recommended Modifications are considered to help to protect against potential negative landscape impacts for sites in Crail, Elie and Earlsferry. The modification to extend the existing allocation COB 001 in Colinsburgh has the potential to improve landscape, biodiversity and recreational opportunities but will result in a minor loss of prime agricultural land as a result of the extension. No significant impacts on the environment are anticipated.

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Table 17: East Neuk area: Site Assessment Scoring by SEA Theme

Air Pollution and Water Quality and Settlement Proposed Plan Site Waste Energy Production Human Health Flooding Soils and Minerals Settlement Built Heritage Landscape Biodiversity Post Mitigation score Post Post Post Post Post Post Post Post LDP -CRA002 Crail Crail North -1 -1 0 0 0 +1 0 +1 -1 -1 0 +2 0 +2 -1 +1 0 +1 LDP -EAE001 Elie and Land to the south of Earlsferry A917, East of Elie -1 -1 0 0 0 0 -2 0 -1 -1 0 0 0 0 0 +1 0 0 LDP -EAE001 Elie and Land to north of Earlsferry Grange Road -1 -1 -1 -1 0 +1 0 0 -1 -1 -2 -1 0 0 -2 -1 0 0

Proposed Plan Revised Total -3 -3 -1 -1 0 2 -2 1 -3 -3 -2 1 0 2 -3 1 0 1

Post-Examination Total Note: No sites added through Examination Modifications that are not in existing adopted Local Plans.

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Site assessments

Site assessments have been carried out on all the proposed development sites that have been submitted to the Council. Through the site assessment process it has been possible to consider the impacts of each potential site individually against the SEA themes. It has also been useful to look at each SEA theme for all the candidate sites in Fife as a whole, in order to identify the main potential significant effects and any required mitigation arising from the site assessment process. The site assessments have been updated where necessary in light of the recommended modifications arising from the Examination of the plan, and the findings incorporated into this version of the Environmental Report. These include proposals recommended for inclusion in the plan by the Examination Reporters (where these do not already have planning permission). These proposals had previously been assessed as candidate sites but the assessments have been updated to reflect mitigation contained within the reporters’ recommendations. Site assessments have also been updated for proposals where additional land has been introduced which has not been assessed through previous versions of the Environmental Report (these additional areas of land are relatively modest in size and do not affect the level of housing proposed).

Table 18 sets out the main assessment outcomes for each SEA theme, identifying where appropriate required mitigation.

Table 18: Site Assessment Outcomes by SEA Theme SEA theme Assessment outcomes Biodiversity, general Priority habitats identified for Fife are widespread across the whole of the FIFEplan area. The most common identified impacts nature conservation through this theme were localised impacts on priority habitats, principally woodland which is the most extensive of Fife’s priority habitats. Many of the sites also feature wetland habitat, generally along smaller watercourses on or adjacent to candidate sites. A smaller proportion of sites have the potential to impact on natural heritage designations. In most cases this is due to the proximity of candidate sites to designated sites, although some overlapping was identified. In the main, it is possible to mitigate the identified potential impacts. The principal method of mitigation is through restricting the location of built development to avoid priority habitats and natural heritage designations. Buffer zone distances from future built development have been identified in order to reduce the potential for impacts on, or conflicts with, natural heritage assets.

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SEA theme Assessment outcomes Energy use The assessments identified a range of sites with varying potential. Generally sites within or adjacent to the largest settlements Energy production had greater potential to link to existing or proposed heat networks. Sites that scored lowest were normally small scale housing proposals. Better scoring sites were normally mixed-use in nature and were of a larger development scale that could provide more optimal circumstances to make an onsite energy scheme commercially viable. As identified in the assessment methodology, assumptions were used to draw the theoretical conclusions on all sites. Firstly those developers would be willing to deliver upon a said energy scheme for their site. Secondly that a scheme could be both commercially and practically viable. Thirdly that energy sources would be acceptable environmentally. In order to fully quantify accurate potential, more detailed assessment would need to be carried out at the individual site level. Developers would have to demonstrate a willingness to commit to the delivery of onsite energy proposals. An assessment on the environmental impact of individual projects would also have to be undertaken. Such detailed investigations would identify ways to mitigate any potential negative impacts occurring from individual proposals. There is an expectation that increases in building standards, carbon reduction targets and energy generation targets set nationally will increase the likelihood of energy efficient projects being delivered in the medium and longer term. Air pollution, noise, The assessments indicated that for many sites there was unlikely to be a significant impact from them in respect of air dust, hazardous pollution, noise and dust and/or from hazardous installations and other sites subject to environmental licensing, or that they installations would be impacted on by co-located developments. These were considered to have a neutral impact. Three sites were considered to have a positive impact, where these related to a proposed change in the use, or the cessation of a use, which would result in an improvement in the local environment. For many sites there was a negative, or a weighted negative score, particularly where there were co-location issues with existing neighbouring development or features, or where there would be an increase in emissions in an existing AQMA, or other areas of monitoring. Transport assessments will be required to highlight any measures required to address any issues arising from additional traffic. An assumption has been made that the majority of developments will lead to a period of increased emissions as well as dust and noise during the construction phase. Assessment therefore has been made on the likely long-term aspects of the proposed development. Water quality, The majority of sites were scored neutral in the assessments, where no issues were identified, or there was no significant impact flooding on the quality of the water environment with mitigation measures. This included enhanced Sustainable Urban Drainage, inclusion of buffers to water bodies, and any requirements that will come from a flood risk assessment. Sites scored negatively where negative impacts arising from the proposals were identified.

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SEA theme Assessment outcomes Waste New development will create waste irrespective of location. However overall levels of waste generation is expected to be neutral. Location and proximity to recycling/waste management facilities can minimise the need for travel. Generally it is possible to mitigate the effects of new development through siting of recycling facilities by perhaps creating new facilities in the most appropriate locations so as to encourage recycling. At a micro scale, developments can be designed to encourage waste recycling. Soil, mineral Mineral and soil resources are widespread across Fife. Brownfield land and hence contamination tends to occur more frequently resources in urban areas. A significant number of sites are underlain by mineral resources or in close proximity to minerals. A significant Brownfield land, number also have prime quality land, but very few have carbon rich soils. Many of the sites involve greenfield land. Many sites contaminated land too have potential contamination, albeit that it may be minor – a precautionary approach has therefore been taken and some sites suspected of being contaminated may not be contaminated. Mitigation measures are possible. In the case of minerals, site layout can ensure that minerals are not unnecessarily sterilised. Prior extraction may also be possible in some cases. A strong preference for the reuse of brownfield land can help to ensure that the use of greenfield land and loss of prime quality land is minimised. Development of brownfield land can also involve removal or treatment of contamination. Landscape All sites were considered to have landscape impacts, although there are a few small scale sites where these impacts are not considered as significant. A few sites impact on designated landscapes (Local Landscape Areas), gardens and designed landscapes (as identified in the Inventory of Gardens and Designed Landscapes) and Green Belt, for both Dunfermline and St. Andrews (as identified in the relevant adopted Local Plans). In some cases the potential impact can be mitigated through the location of development and sensitive design, although in others any development would be significant and unacceptable in terms of its landscape impact. Many sites have considerable impact on the form of existing settlements, their setting within the wider landscape and linkages with the countryside with changes to sense of arrival and the nature of their gateways. There are also several sites which would lead to issues of coalescence of settlements. Many sites would be visually prominent, often on sloping land. Coastal sites have the potential to impact on the undeveloped nature of parts of the coastline. Sites within the countryside, isolated from existing settlements, intensify built development and compromise the character, and in some cases designated landscapes, of the rural parts of Fife. Sensitive development with good layout and design and landscape enhancement could mitigate landscape impacts for many of the proposed sites. In some cases proposals could provide opportunities to create new edges and gateways to enhance existing poor settlement edges.

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SEA theme Assessment outcomes Settlements – This theme principally considered how a new development would integrate within and impact on existing settlements. It infrastructure, considered if people living in or using the future development be able to easily access local services and community facilities community by walking or cycling? And whether there is potential for the development to connect through to existing adjacent development resources, vitality in order to integrate communities and provide well connected neighbourhoods? and amenity Much of the mitigation identified in the assessment relates to the potential to create links and the need to maximise the opportunities to make connections within and around the new development. The capacity of schools serving the site was noted but any negative impact should be addressed as part of development obligations on new development. Consideration of the impact of new development on greenspaces and green networks highlighted where new development provided opportunities to enhance green networks and greenspaces. Loss of greenspace either formal or informal is likely to have a negative impact on the surrounding area, however, new greenspaces and green infrastructure would be expected to be provided on site to mitigate this loss in line with Development Plan policies. Historic Environment Assessing candidate locations against other built heritage impacts including proximity to listed buildings and the impact on conservation areas has given rise to some suggested mitigation measures if candidate sites are included within the proposed plan. Where known that mitigation is stated within the site assessment published regarding the candidate site and will be included as a specific development requirement within the proposed plan. The range of impacts on the built heritage identified in relation to the potential sites assessed was wide and diverse. Some sites had a negative impact merely due to their size and the likely resulting change in character of an adjacent conservation area. In the majority of cases there was the potential to mitigate any adverse impact to an acceptable level by for example reducing the scale of development or creating buffer zones. Others may directly affect the context and setting. Rural buildings whether agricultural or part of a planned estate may have settings which though not meeting the criteria of gardens and designed landscapes or are nevertheless significant. Increased noise and activity can impact on the special character. Setting was often a combination of the surviving original historic surroundings and the present setting. With regard to archaeological assets 11 candidate LDP sites are identified to include cultural heritage sites. It is concluded that the nature of the development proposed will determine the culturally sustainability of the proposal.

The Examination Report (2016) recommended modifications do not alter the outcomes identified above in Table 18.

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6. Policy Assessment

The policies have also been assessed against the SEA themes and objectives. The policies have been subject of consultation and discussion with the Key Agencies throughout their preparation. The identified need for changes to policies, to mitigate negative impacts against the SEA themes and objectives has been incorporated. The scoring for each policy takes into consideration mitigation measures already included in the policies, as these considerations were an integral part of the policy preparation. The scores therefore highlight residual effects. The commentary below aims to highlight where significant potential impacts would be likely without the mitigation provided in the plan.

The examination recommendation for modifications to the plan’s policies have been screened in Annex 7. Updates are provided below to summarise potential impacts arising from the examination modifications.

Policy 1 – Development Principles Air Brownfield Energy Use Pollution Water land and Historic and Energy and Human Quality and Waste Soils and Contaminate Environme Theme Biodiversity Production Health Flooding Minerals d land Landscape Settlement nt + + 0 + + 0 0 + + +

Commentary: The policy is an overarching gateway policy that will assess the principle of development. It starts against a presumption in favour of development that contributes to sustainable development. It is supported by the other subject based policies that are cross referenced in Policy 1, and as such it seeks to reduce the impact of development on the environment of Fife through a variety of criteria on a range of topics. The policy then scores positively in that respect for themes covered by these criteria e.g. biodiversity, energy, water quality & flooding, waste, landscape, settlement and historic environment . The Recommended Modifications improve links to other policies in the plan and strengthen protection for sport and recreation facilities.

Policy 2 - Homes Air Brownfield Energy Use Pollution Water land and Historic and Energy and Human Quality and Waste Soils and Contaminate Environme Theme Biodiversity Production Health Flooding Minerals d land Landscape Settlement nt Score 0 0 0 0 0 + 0 0 + 0

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Commentary: The policy’s focus is on the delivery of housing land and as such it does not specifically address the themes assessed. Where it could have scored low (neutral or negative) e.g. through impacts on landscape, biodiversity, flooding etc. that will be mitigated against by the application of the gateway policy and by the implementation of the other topic specific policies. For example Policy 13, the Natural Environment and Access policy will help to protect Biodiversity. Policy 10 Amenity will address the issues of Air Pollution and Human Health. Policy 12, Flooding and the Water Environment. The policy, along with policy 8, Houses in the Countryside directs housing to sustainable locations and restricts development in the countryside and the loss of green field land which may have positive impacts in relation to soils and settlement themes . The Recommended Modifications remove the existing methodology for addressing potential housing land shortfall, replacing it with a simpler criteria based approach. No significant environmental impact is likely as development would be assessed against the wider policies of the plan.

Policy 3 – Local Infrastructure and Services Air Brownfield Energy Use Pollution Water land and Historic and Energy and Human Quality and Waste Soils and Contaminate Environme Theme Biodiversity Production Health Flooding Minerals d land Landscape Settlement nt Score + + + + + 0 0/+ 0/+ + 0

Commentary: The policy works together with the cross referenced polices, (Policy 11, Low Carbon Fife , Policy 5, Employment Land and Property ) and the supplementary guidance Fife’s Designing Places), to deliver a sustainable Fife and improving the quality of life in communities. It requires development proposals to provide comprehensive evidence that development will provide necessary infrastructure such as roads, drainage, waste management measures, low carbon solutions, green infrastructure and communications technology, which together contributes positively to the scoring on a range of the SEA themes e.g. biodiversity, energy, water quality & flooding, waste and settlement. The Recommended Modifications have the potential to improve Human Health through better protection of outdoor sports facilities, and extra emphasis on walking and cycling. Potential minor benefit to landscape through possible temporary greening of derelict sites. The modifications also promote communications equipment, which could include, for example masts with the potential to have a negative landscape impact. However, the policy also requires that such equipment is located and designed to avoid unacceptable effects on the natural and built environment, and contains further detailed criteria to minimise visual impact. Positive impacts for impacted populations may be created through better communications infrastructure, potentially helping to tackle some forms of exclusion. The policy’s supporting text will require full compliance with the appropriate International Commission on Non- Ionising Radiation Protection guidelines for public exposure to radiofrequency radiation.

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Policy 4 – Planning Obligations Air Brownfield Energy Use Pollution Water land and Historic and Energy and Human Quality and Waste Soils and Contaminate Environme Theme Biodiversity Production Health Flooding Minerals d land Landscape Settlement nt Score 0 0 0 0 0 0 + 0 0/+ 0

Commentary: The policy is about the methodology of agreements and requirements through the application of this policy and through the supplementary guidance. What will be delivered will come through other policies and so the impact of the policy under the themes is mostly scored neutral. Through the delivery of community infrastructure and the delivery of public art contributes towards the enhancement of townscapes and the built environment, can be a positive impact for settlements. The Recommended Modifications are considered to have no significant impact on the assessment of this policy.

Policy 5 – Employment Land and Property Air Brownfield Energy Use Pollution Water land and Historic and Energy and Human Quality and Waste Soils and Contaminate Environme Theme Biodiversity Production Health Flooding Minerals d land Landscape Settlement nt Score 0 0 0 0 0 0 +/- 0 + 0

Commentary: The Policy was judged to have a number of impacts in relation to Air Pollution and Human Health, and to Brownfield and Contaminated Land. This was through the policy safeguarding existing employment and allocated employment land for employment purposes. This should reduce the pressure on new locations and greenfield sites. The requirement for amenity assessments and the creation of separation buffers from sensitive uses, will reduce negative impacts of air pollution, and contribute to protecting human health. While prioritising existing property it should encourage the reuse of brownfield. It could however constrain the use of unused brownfield employment land being used for other uses. It scores positively for settlements in seeking to increase employment opportunities in settlements with populations over 5,000. The Recommended Modifications are considered to have no significant impact on the assessment of this policy.

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Policy 6 – Town Centres First Air Brownfield Energy Use Pollution Water land and Historic and Energy and Human Quality and Waste Soils and Contaminate Environme Theme Biodiversity Production Health Flooding Minerals d land Landscape Settlement nt Score 0 + +/- 0 0 + + 0 + +

Commentary: The policy has scored well in the Energy use and production as town centre locations have the potential, in tandem with the other policies to link into or contribute to district heat networks. In addition the town centres are active travel zones contributing to reducing energy production from car travel and reducing emissions. As the first focus for retail, offices, leisure, entertainment, recreation, cultural, and community facilities in addition to homes and business the policy helps in reducing pressure for out of town development on greenfield sites. By promoting a range of uses and activity at different times of the day, the policy can contribute to community safety. The policy should by contributing to the health and enhancement of town centres should help to enhance the quality and distinctiveness of Fife’s townscapes. The Recommended Modifications are considered to further strengthen policy for town centres with regard to large new public buildings or offices, reinforcing positive scoring under the settlement theme.

Policy 7 –Development in the Countryside Air Brownfield Energy Use Pollution Water land and Historic and Energy and Human Quality and Waste Soils and Contaminate Environme Theme Biodiversity Production Health Flooding Minerals d land Landscape Settlement nt Score + +/- 0/+ 0 0/+ +/- 0 + + 0

Commentary: The policy has a positive effect on biodiversity, by restricting where and when development can take place outside settlements. In tandem with other policies it can help to protect and enhance landscape features. By restricting dispersed development in the countryside the policy contributes to minimising the use of private cars. Where it does allow business development in the countryside, including for recreation and tourism, it is likely to create further traffic in the countryside. Rural businesses, while remote from district heating schemes, will have in a rural location opportunities for other sorts of renewable technologies, including solar, small biomass/combined heat and power and to share with other uses. Landscapes can be protected and by restricting development green field and other rural and mineral resources are protected. The policy scores positively for settlements and human health, by enabling access to rural recreational and tourism opportunities and by making rural jobs available. The policy can assist in ensuring development is well located in relation to infrastructure including waste management infrastructure . The Recommended

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Modifications have the potential for minor negative impacts from temporary loss of prime agricultural land, resulting from addition of additional exception relating to renewable energy generation. No significant impacts on the environment are anticipated.

Policy 8: Houses in the Countryside Air Brownfield Energy Use Pollution Water land and Historic and Energy and Human Quality and Waste Soils and Contaminate Environme Theme Biodiversity Production Health Flooding Minerals d land Landscape Settlement nt Score + 0 0 0 0/+ + +/0 + + +

Commentary: The Policy has positive score on biodiversity and landscape, by restricting where and when housing development can take place outside settlements. In tandem with other policies it can help to protect and enhance landscape features. By restricting dispersed development in the countryside the policy contributes to minimising the use of private cars. There are fewer if any opportunities to link into a district heating scheme, but there may be other potential for other technologies. The inclusion of eco-demonstration projects would contribute positively to all the SEA themes. Potential water quality and flooding issues are addressed in tandem with other policies (principally Policy 12) . By restricting where and when housing development could take place the policy scores positively in relation to Soils and Minerals helping to reduce the loss of green field sites, and prioritising development in settlements. Landscapes can be protected and by restricting development green field and other rural and mineral resources are protected. The policy may assist in securing the renovation of buildings with conservation value otherwise at risk of falling into disrepair. The policy scores positively for settlements and human health, by enabling access to rural recreational and tourism opportunities and by making rural jobs available. The policy can assist in ensuring development is well located in relation to infrastructure.

The opportunities for active travel can be more constrained in a rural location, along with access to employment. However the policy will help to provide housing for local needs in smaller communities. The Recommended Modifications have the potential to reinforce positive landscape and biodiversity impacts through through added emphasis on achieving significant visual and environmental benefits in new housing clusters.

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Policy 9 – Green Belt Air Brownfield Energy Use Pollution Water land and Historic and Energy and Human Quality and Waste Soils and Contaminate Environme Theme Biodiversity Production Health Flooding Minerals d land Landscape Settlement nt Score + 0/+ + 0 0 + + + 0/+ +

Commentary: The Policy has positive score on biodiversity and landscape, by restricting where and when housing development can take place outside settlements. In tandem with other policies it can help to protect and enhance landscape features and the settings of St Andrews and Dunfermline. By restricting dispersed development in the green belt the policy contributes to minimising the use of private cars. There are fewer if any opportunities to link into a district heating scheme, but there may be other potential for other technologies. The inclusion of eco-demonstration projects would contribute positively to all the SEA themes. Water Quality and flooding issues are addressed in tandem with other policies (principally Policy 12) . By restricting where and when housing development could take place the policy scores positively in relation to Soils and Minerals helping to reduce the loss of green field sites, and prioritising development in settlements. Landscapes can be protected and by restricting development green field and other rural and mineral resources are protected. The policy scores positively for settlements and human health, by enabling access to rural recreational and tourism. The policy can assist in ensuring development is well located in relation to infrastructure. The Recommended Modifications have the potential to reinforce positive landscape and biodiversity impacts through amended requirement on development to ‘improve’ landscape and environmental quality.

Policy 10 – Amenity Air Brownfield Energy Use Pollution Water land and Historic and Energy and Human Quality and Waste Soils and Contaminate Environme Theme Biodiversity Production Health Flooding Minerals d land Landscape Settlement nt Score + 0/+ + 0/+ 0/+ 0 + 0 0/+ 0

Commentary: The policy will contribute to the protection of the local biodiversity and habitat networks/green networks. It will contribute to reducing traffic congestion and has a particular emphasis on air quality and the Air Quality Management Areas. By protecting greenspaces (criteria 8 protects playing fields, open space, green networks, protected trees and woodland) it will have a positive impact on the water environment. It scores positively in waste in that it seeks to protect the operation of existing or proposed waste management facilities. The policy has includes the protection against detrimental impact on contaminated and unstable land, with emphasis on the need to address potential impacts on the site and

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Section 6: Policy Assessment surrounding area. The Recommended Modifications are considered to have no significant impact on the assessment of this policy. The recommendations provide slightly stronger protection to all outdoor sports facilities rather than just playing fields, however, the already positive scoring for Human Health remains unchanged.

Policy 11 – Low Carbon Fife Air Brownfield Energy Use Pollution Water land and Historic and Energy and Human Quality and Waste Soils and Contaminate Environme Theme Biodiversity Production Health Flooding Minerals d land Landscape Settlement nt Score +/- + + +/- + +/- 0/+ +/- +/- +/-

Commentary: The policy positively impacts for nearly all the themes. Biodiversity is positive through seeking a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions and protecting against the impacts of schemes. Through the encouragement of sustainable travel, and the promotion of district heating the policy scores positively for energy. Again for Air Quality and Human health the positive score reflects the reduction of emissions, sustainable transport. There is a requirement for water conservation and for sustainable urban drainage measures for developments, which will also contribute positively to soils. Landscape character and built heritage are all addressed by the policy. The Recommended Modifications are considered to have no significant environmental impact. There could be potential minor negative environmental and settlement impacts against a number of the SEA themes due to a change in terminology from ‘unacceptable impact’ to ‘unacceptable significant adverse effects or impacts’, and through greater recognition of economic impacts. These effects will, by definition, be non-significant. The changes also provide additional protection against impacts on communities, public access, carbon rich soils, natural heritage, hydrology and cumulative impacts, and to ensure future site restoration, which could strengthen potential positive effects previously identified. Added reference to shadow flicker likely to strengthen protection against negative human health impacts. The changes are considered to be more positive to the assessment of renewable energy so may have some positive impact on energy use and energy production.

Policy 12 – Flooding and the Water Environment Air Brownfield Energy Use Pollution Water land and Historic and Energy and Human Quality and Waste Soils and Contaminate Environme Theme Biodiversity Production Health Flooding Minerals d land Landscape Settlement nt Score + 0 0 + 0 + 0/+ 0 +/0 0

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Commentary: The policy scores neutral on a number of themes, but scores positively in water quality and flooding which is the main function of the policy. The policy encourages opportunities to improve the status of water bodies which positively impacts on biodiversity also. Soil and minerals also scores positively as the policy should assist in the maintenance of wetlands and carbon rich soils, and the functionality of soils. Settlement also scores a part positive in that the improvement in the water environment will improve the greenspace and outdoor recreation facilities where they have a watercourse. The Recommended Modifications are largely unsubstantial amendments that reinforce existing protection against flooding. Likely to provide greater protection for essential infrastructure and ‘the most vulnerable uses’.

Policy 13 – Natural Environment and Access Air Brownfield Energy Use Pollution Water land and Historic and Energy and Human Quality and Waste Soils and Contaminate Environme Theme Biodiversity Production Health Flooding Minerals d land Landscape Settlement nt Score + +/0 + + 0 + 0/+ + +/0 0

Commentary: The policy score positively for biodiversity as the policy that sets out where developments will be supported in relation to European protected species, Natura sites, local biodiversity and geodiversity sites, woodlands and biodiversity in the wider environment. Active travel, and the green networks and green networks contribute to air quality and human health and contribute to well-being in settlements, and well as in the countryside. By protecting carbon rich soils there is a positive score for soils and minerals. The Recommended Modifications are unlikely to have any significant environmental effect. There is potential for minor benefit to human health through protection and enhancement of water-based recreation. The policy provides mitigation against any potential adverse consequential impacts on natural heritage interests..

Policy 14 – Built and Historic Environment Air Brownfield Energy Use Pollution Water land and Historic and Energy and Human Quality and Waste Soils and Contaminate Environme Theme Biodiversity Production Health Flooding Minerals d land Landscape Settlement nt Score + + + + + 0 0/+ + + +

Commentary: The policy implements the six qualities of designing successful places and in doing so, scores well in most of the SEA themes; this will be supported further by the development of Fife’s Designing Places Supplementary Guidance (this has subsequently been published as Making Fife’s

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Section 6: Policy Assessment

Places Planning Policy Guidance and will be updated as Supplementary Guidance in due course) . The above scoring reflects measures in Making Fife’s Places that relate to the six qualities of designing successful places, which include higher standards of design, landscaping and green networks, high quality and multi-functional SUDS provision, reducing the need for vehicular travel, waste management and low carbon measures. The policy is specific about the protection to be given to the built and historic environment, those statutorily and those not statutorily protected. The Recommended Modifications may help to prevent loss of built heritage assets by allowing for enabling development ‘where it can be clearly shown to be the only means of preventing the loss of the asset and securing its long-term future’.

Policy 15 – Minerals Air Brownfield Energy Use Pollution Water land and Historic and Energy and Human Quality and Waste Soils and Contaminate Environme Theme Biodiversity Production Health Flooding Minerals d land Landscape Settlement nt Score 0 0/- 0 0 0/- + 0 0 0/+ 0

Commentary: The policy sets out where and when mineral extraction will be permitted in Fife. The policy seeks to maintain the environment and the amenity of communities, and will be used in tandem with the other policies of the Local Development Plan. The impact under the SEA themes has been mainly neutral, given the mitigation that the policy brings to the nature of the development of minerals (this mitigation includes the requirement that development must not have an unacceptable impact on communities and the environment, and that appropriate buffer zones will be required to safeguard the amenity of potentially affected homes and properties) . Further advice for mineral developments will have to meet the relevant requirements of the Minerals Supplementary Guidance. Mitigations in terms of noise and dust will be mitigated through the working practices. The policy seeks to mitigate against detrimental impacts and should therefore lead to a neutral impact on human health. Carbon rich soils have not been included in this policy, but they are protected in policy 13. The policy will help in the restoration of sites or in the extensions to quarries in preference to new workings. The Recommended Modifications are unlikely to have any significant environmental effect. The change to review mineral consents every 15 years will ensure that up-to-date operating and environmental standards are applied. This is already a requirement of Scottish Planning Policy.

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Section 7: Cumulative and Synergistic Impacts

7. Cumulative and synergistic impacts

The Environmental Report in its assessments of the strategies and sites considers cumulative and synergistic impacts. These have been updated in light of the recommended modifications arising from the examination of the Plan.

Table 18, Site Assessment Outcomes, considers the overall impacts on the environment under the SEA themes, of the sites that were promoted. This considers the likely impacts that could arise, and does not indicate significant cumulative impacts. In considering sites for inclusion in the local development plan mitigations were identified, and these included as ‘Developer Requirements’ for sites in the settlement plans. For sites to progress, these requirements will be taken into account in the design of the development and in the consideration of planning permission.

Through the policy framework from, Policy 1 the gateway policy, and the subject policies, development in Fife will be required to be of a high standard and to have no significant impact on the environment of Fife.

Synergistic impacts arise where the impacts of a development, which may not have a significant impact on its own, will contribute to a significant impact in combination with another development. The most likely example of this would be one or more developments that have the potential to increase traffic movements in AQMAs where issues of air quality are already being monitored. The mitigations introduced by the plan address this issue. The requirements for Green network priorities are an example of where issues are addressed. The Green Network priorities provide opportunities, identified for each proposal, for open space, water quality, nature conservation and active travel. There were no instances where negative impacts from one proposed development would be significantly worsened by the impacts of another development.

Consideration was been given to: • The possible longer term implications of continuing urbanisation of the area at the rate proposed within the Plan. • Opportunities for energy sharing between proposed and existing development to reduce demand and increase efficiency in supply, and the opportunities to link into existing and proposed heat networks. • The systematic impact (knock-on effect) development may have on interrelated natural environments; particularly regarding nature conservation areas. • The synergistic impact of both positive and negative impacts on each of the SEA themes by reference to the interrelationships set out earlier in this report. • The extent to which beneficial impacts will be reinforced or offset by negative impacts, and whether negative impacts on some themes will reinforce negative impacts on others. The themes, if any, where this consideration may be significant cannot be anticipated at this stage.

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Section 9: Policy Assessment

8. Conclusions

Mitigation measures The assessments of the area strategies and sites (Tables 8 to 18) include an overview of mitigation measures in the context of the SEA themes. Mitigation measures are identified in the developer requirements for each site in the Settlement Plans.

Impact on EU Designated Sites The Proposed Plan has been considered in terms of potential adverse effect on the integrity of the European Sites. A Habitats Regulations Appraisal has been undertaken which provides an assessment of all aspects of the Proposed Plan, and includes Appropriate Assessment of sites identified as having potential to have a significant effect on a Natura 2000 site. Earlier stages of this appraisal work were integrated into previous versions of the Environmental Report. It is considered that, with the mitigation incorporated into the Proposed Plan, there will be no adverse effect on the integrity of a Natura 2000 site.

Short term and temporary impacts The environmental impacts of the strategies and potential development sites are essentially permanent and long term. Short term or transient impacts identified include:
Construction stages of development
The early stages of major developments, or developments which link to other projects which will provide mitigation of environmental impacts
Projects which have a fixed lifespan

Construction may cause substantial nuisance from noise, dust and fumes, and generate quantities of waste. All these nuisances, and the proper disposal of waste, are more directly controlled though other legislation. Planning controls over major developments can include conditions covering matters such as phasing, traffic management, street cleansing, and hours of operation which can substantially reduce the temporary environmental impact of major projects.

Conclusions This version of the Environmental Report assesses how the Fife Local Development Plan (FIFEplan) will impact on the SEA themes through its separate components: the Fife-wide Strategy; Area Strategies; Proposed Sites; and Policies (including an assessment of the modifications recommended through the examination of the plan).

Assessment of the sites has contributed to the consideration of them for inclusion in the Local Development Plan, also taking into consideration the Plan’s strategy requirements. In addressing significant impact the assessment has identified where mitigation will be required. This includes, for example, only taking forward parts of sites and developer requirements which have been included in the Settlement Plans section of the Local Development Plan. It has also helped to identify sites that are not supported for development. 89

Section 9: Policy Assessment

The main findings of the assessment of the Fife-wide Strategy, Area Strategies, Proposed Sites and Policies are set out below, highlighting for each SEA theme the potential significant effects identified through the assessment, and the consequential mitigation :

o Biodiversity, nature conservation: The assessment highlighted that there was potential for impacts on natural heritage features in part to designated sites but to a greater extent to non-designated features e.g. priority habitats such as woodland and wetland. This was particularly notable in the assessment of the candidate sites. It has been possible to mitigate against potential impacts, particularly through site selection and detailed site developer requirements. The inclusion of Green Network Priorities in the developer requirements is likely to have positive effects on this SEA theme, for example, through improving habitat connectivity. Through Habitats Regulations Appraisal, and related mitigation incorporated into the Proposed Plan, there will be no adverse effect on the integrity of a Natura 2000 site.

o Water quality, flooding: New development could potentially impact on water quality and flooding. However, there has been a variety of mitigation in the plan and its preparation (for example: through site selection; detailed site developer requirements that will ensure Flood Risk Assessments and other site specific measures such as buffers to water bodies are undertaken; and, through the policies of the plan). With this mitigation negative impacts are not likely to be significant and in many cases there are likely to be positive impacts.

o Energy Use & Energy Production: There is reasonable potential for new development in Fife to contribute to heat networks or to deliver renewable energy schemes. The potential for new development sites to contribute has been considered through site assessments, and these assessments have informed site selection. Policy 11 ‘Low Carbon Fife’ will help to ensure that future development proposals contribute towards reducing energy use and increasing low carbon energy production.

o Air pollution, noise, dust, hazardous installations: There is unlikely to be a significant negative impact in respect of air pollution, noise and dust as well as hazardous installations/sites subject to environmental licensing. There are positive impacts in relation to proposed changes of use that would result in an improvement to the local environment through the cessation of an existing use.

o Waste: New development will create waste irrespective of location. However, overall, the impact of the plan in relation to amounts of waste generation is expected to be neutral.

o Soil, mineral resources/ Brownfield land, contaminated land: A significant number of the sites in the plan are underlain by mineral resources or in close proximity to minerals. Most of the additional new sites involve greenfield land, and a number of these are prime-agricultural land. 90

Section 9: Policy Assessment

Very few have carbon rich soils. The loss of valuable soils and minerals has been mitigated to an extent by policies assisting their protection, choice of development allocations, and policies to promote use of brownfield land, which will minimise need for greenfield land and in some cases will involve removal or treatment of contamination. There is expected to be a minor residual impact for this SEA theme but this is not considered to be significant in view of the remaining quantity of these resources in Fife.

o Landscape: Most sites were considered to have landscape impacts to some degree. In some cases there are opportunities to create new edges and gateways to enhance existing poor settlement edges. Sensitive design and layout will be important in mitigating negative impacts and the Green Network Priorities and other developer requirements will help to minimise potential negative impacts and where possible secure positive impacts. The chosen site selection and policies of the plan should help to avoid significant impacts on Fife’s landscapes and townscapes.

o Settlements: There are opportunities for new development that integrates with and supports existing settlements. Loss of greenspace either formal or informal is likely to have a negative impact on the surrounding area, however, new greenspaces and green infrastructure are expected to be provided on site to mitigate this loss in line with Development Plan policies.

o Historic Environment: Fife has significant and varied historic environment assets. These are widespread throughout the local authority area, and as a result there was potential for some of the additional new sites in the plan to impact on these assets. However, it has been possible to mitigate against potential impacts through site selection and developer requirements where issues were identified. Policy 14 ‘Built and Heritage Environment’ provides protection for a wide range of heritage assets whether statutorily protected or not, and other policies in the plan such as Policy 8 ‘Houses in the Countryside’ may assist in securing the renovation of buildings with conservation value otherwise at risk of falling into disrepair.

The above conclusions incorporate the findings of the updated assessment carried out for the recommended modifications to the Plan set out in the Examination Report. It is considered that the modifications will not create any significant environmental effects.

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Section 9: Monitoring Framework

9. Monitoring Framework

It is planned to carry out a review of the strategic environmental impact of the Local Development Plan every two years through the Action Programme. This will use the indicators set out in the table below.

Table 19: Monitoring framework

SEA theme Schedule 3 Baseline contents Indicators to be monitored Reference Biodiversity, general Biodiversity, Map of designated Nature Conservation sites
number of developments with an immediate impact on designated nature conservation fauna, flora Map of notable habitats sites Map of wetlands and water courses
area (ha) of development within designated sites Key species indicators and other notes on
number and area (ha) of sites within notable habitats biodiversity action
area of existing habitats - as determined by the Fife Integrated Habitat Network
Local Biodiversity Action Plan species and habitat indicators to be reviewed.
records of species that indicate the health of various ecosystems
active biodiversity projects (including woodland projects) associated with developments
loss of significant unprotected habitats As per SEA guidance, a quantified indicator will be used for the proportion of development with a potential direct impact on sites of nature conservation interest. Energy use Climatic factors Travel to work pattern by mode
public transport service frequencies Heat mapping, and other assessment of energy
traffic flows on key routes and sample rural roads consumption
bus patronage on key routes and times
rail patronage and station on key routes and times
pedestrian and cycling counts in key areas
public transport, cycling and pedestrian projects (off-site) funded through developments
Number and size of development s built with energy saving design features. Energy efficiency of new developments.

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Section 9: Monitoring Framework

SEA theme Schedule 3 Baseline contents Indicators to be monitored Reference As per SEA guidance, a specific indicator will be used for the proportion of development sites with good access to town or settlement centres and/or to public transport routes with a high level of services Energy production Climatic factors, Renewable energy plants
Energy output from renewable energy facilities material assets
the policy framework for permitting and encouraging renewable energy production will be assessed in relation to potential energy output from renewable energy facilities
proposals for integration of energy generation into new developments will be included in the assessment energy output of renewable energy facilities and micro generation Air pollution, noise, Air, human Summary of air pollution
new developments potential to cause dust, noise or air pollution dust, hazardous health Industrial sites subject to environmental licensing
the proximity of hazardous sites, sites subject to environmental installations Map of hazardous installations and sites subject to licensing, infrastructure and electricity lines to proposed development environmental licensing sites
new proposals or designations of hazardous installations or proposals subject to environmental licensing
air pollution
noise complaints
proximity to sites subject to environmental licensing including the proximity of existing and proposed hazardous infrastructure, sites subject to environmental licensing and electricity lines to existing and proposed development sites The SEA will monitor traffic impacts through the review of • Public transport service frequencies. • Traffic flows on key routes and sample rural roads (to be determined). • Bus patronage on key routes and times to be determined). • Rail Station Usage" • Pedestrian and cycling counts in key areas Water quality, flooding Water, human The quality of the water environment at bathing
the quality of the water environment and ecological status of water health, beaches bodies as per Ecological Classification System biodiversity, River quality (lengths and map)
water treatment and waste water capacities fauna, flora 93

Section 9: Monitoring Framework

SEA theme Schedule 3 Baseline contents Indicators to be monitored Reference Comments on reasons for the poor quality of the
Developments where groundwater abstraction or potential water environment contamination has required special measures and developments Maps of aquifers and groundwater vulnerability required to get Controlled Activities Regulations (water environment) with commentary licences from SEPA Map of flood plain areas
flooding incidents and causes
flood prevention measures taken, and major improvements or reconstruction of existing defences
number and size of developments in recognised flood plain areas or incorporating flood control measures (should be zero)
Number and size of developments with SUDS systems
systematic implications of watercourse pollution originating from developments that could affect protected areas through the wider ecological network
Flood risk will be assessed by reference to the locations of new development in relation to SEPA flood risk areas, as well as other sources of flooding including culvert/channel blocking, rising water tables, overtopping, sheet run-off etc., and the extent to which mitigation proposals are specified for development release sites. Waste Climatic factors, Waste recycling centres and settlements with re- The SEA will review the extent to which the plan supports the Zero Waste material assets, cycling points Plan 2010, in particular it will review and monitor: soil, water, air
waste arisings and disposal routes
numbers of recycling centres and coverage of recycling points
developments incorporating communal re-cycling facilities
proposals for further recycling centres in the larger communities
proposals for re-cycling points in communities not at present adequately served
policies requiring recycling facilities and the use of recycled construction materials
provision for strategic waste treatment facilities
waste sent to landfill from construction sites Soil, mineral resources Soil, material Commentary on prime agricultural land (published
areas of prime agricultural land, and of carbon rich soils, absorbed by assets maps available) development 94

Section 9: Monitoring Framework

SEA theme Schedule 3 Baseline contents Indicators to be monitored Reference Map and commentary on sand, gravel, and coal
the exploitation and use of mineral resources in Fife resources Brownfield land, Material assets, Map of brownfield sites
extent of brownfield land, derelict and vacant sites contaminated land water, soil,
extent of reclaimed brownfield land human health, biodiversity,
the amount of development scheduled to take place on brownfield flora, fauna sites
numbers of prominent derelict buildings demolished or brought back into use Landscape Landscape Landscape character map
area and % of development on greenfield sites Summary of landscape capacity by character
area of incursions on Local Landscape Areas Areas of search for wind turbines, onshore
number and location of approved wind turbines within Local Landscape capacity assessments Landscape Areas and the extent of areas affected by (near and distant views) by landscape character. Mapped Local Landscape Areas
number and type of small scale developments outside settlement areas
developments on the coastline Settlements – Population, Age structure by settlement
retail shopping patterns infrastructure, human health, Retail shopping patterns
the number of social, leisure, education, commercial and community community resources, material assets (Green networks – Proposed Plan) facilities that will be developed and the extent to which these will be vitality and amenity developed within town centres or on the periphery of settlements Fife Greenspace Strategy (new database to be created on social, leisure and community facilities
% of affordable housing in new developments
quality, quantity and accessibility of greenspace in settlements
developments incorporating managed open space requirements
the total population in Fife and in the key settlements
the proportion of development within walking distance of town and village centres, and important community facilities (half kilometre)
the extent that development proposals will utilise existing infrastructure or invest in new infrastructure

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Section 9: Monitoring Framework

SEA theme Schedule 3 Baseline contents Indicators to be monitored Reference
Mixed use developments, or development designed to contribute to community vitality (definition to be determined)
New developments will also be tested against the Fife Greenspace Strategy and Green Networks. Historic environment Cultural heritage, Map of Conservation Areas
the number of developments involving demolition or major change material assets Map of Listed buildings within conservation areas Map of Ancient Monuments
the number of listed buildings brought back into use, demolished or substantially altered Map of historic gardens and designed landscapes
the number of listed buildings directly affected by development Map of archaeological sites releases and proposals Map of historic battlefields
the number of developments within the grounds of - or directly affecting - listed ancient monuments, archaeological sites, historic gardens and designed landscapes (to include riggs and historic monuments) , and historic battlefields
the number of renewable energy developments that impact on historic environment assets and their settings

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