APPENDIX B FULL ASSESSMENT RESULTS
The assessment was defined using the symbols below. Given the role of SPPs in setting a framework for strategic and local development plans, the assessment focuses on the strategic level of policy making.
++ | strong positive effect |
+ | positive effect |
? | unknown/insufficient evidence |
0 | neutral |
- | negative effect |
-- | strong negative effect |
Policy/proposal: Recognition that heritage assets are a 'positive adaptable resource' and states that adaptation and reuse provide opportunities for new and creative design. Emphasis on 'informed management of change' and support for high quality 'enabling development' through partnership working.
SEA Objectives | Criteria | Overall effect | Characterisation of effect | Comments on secondary, cumulative, synergistic effects | Comments - including proposals for amendment, mitigation or enhancement, reference to pertinent aspects of the baseline |
|---|
Safeguards or where appropriate enhances the historic environment | Protects/enhances (where appropriate) sites that are recognised for their architectural and/or archaeological heritage value, and their settings | ++ | Likely to be beneficial in short through to medium term, although viable reuse may not remain into longer term. Positive effects may not be permanent. | Possible cumulative effects arising from positive reuse of large number of resources. | Particular benefits for ensuring added economic and social value of historic environment and promoting the sustainable use of heritage resources. Positive benefits for tourism in maintaining and enhancing a high quality environment. Ensuring appropriate reuse and high quality design solutions are critical accompanying provisions, without which policy could result in negative effects on historic environment. Important to note that not all planning applications will be for protected properties, requiring listed building or conservation area consent. As noted in the SHEA, a significant share of Scotland's dwellings were constructed before 1919 and play an important role in reflecting wider heritage values and distinctiveness. |
Recognises and reflects the heritage value of wider (non-designated) landscapes including gardens and designed landscapes and townscapes | + |
Harnesses the economic, cultural and social opportunities provided by the historic environment | ++ |
Respects and protects the character, diversity and special qualities of Scotland's landscapes. | Recognises and supports the cultural heritage value of designated and non designated landscapes | 0 | | Secondary/indirect effects envisaged as buildings contribute to the wider landscape character of regionally distinct landscapes. | Neutral or secondary minor positive effects expected. |
Helps to maintain regionally distinct landscapes, reflecting patterns of land use and historic settlement | + |
Protects or enhances biodiversity, flora or fauna | Contributes to or complements ecological enhancement, providing mutual benefits for cultural and natural heritage where possible | 0/? | | | No significant effects anticipated, although possible issues arising where natural heritage role of buildings is prejudiced by intention to reuse - e.g. treatment of roosting bats. This would be resolved on a project by project process through development management and associated regulatory provisions for protected species. |
Aims to ensure that planning for historic conservation does not lead to loss of, damage to or fragmentation of biodiversity sites | 0 |
Promotes the development of a sustainable settlement pattern and physical infrastructure | Takes into account the historic character of settlements and their surrounding landscapes in defining sustainable patterns of development | + | Minor positive effects of the policy may not be permanent. | If linked with large scale infrastructure or settlement wide renewal, the reuse of historic environment resources could result in some cumulative positive effects. | Emphasis on quality/innovative design likely to ensure that reuse of buildings contributes positive to wider character of settlements. Emphasis on continuing functionality of resources could lead to innovative projects that combine infrastructure development with providing new uses for historic resources - e.g. reuse of historic water transfer facilities, reclamation and reopening of historic railway infrastructure. |
Reduces potential conflict between infrastructure provision arising from settlement expansion and the historic environment | + |
Reduces energy consumption and/ or CO2 emissions | Identifies how planning can help to maximise the contribution of historic environment to energy conservation targets | +/-? | | Cumulative positive effects on climate change may emerge in longer term, depending on sustainability of options taken. | Likely to make minor positive contribution to climate change mitigation where existing resources represent most carbon efficient option ( i.e. not located in areas requiring car access, etc.) Contribution to energy conservation dependent on character of buildings being positively conserved - may or may not represent most efficient options. |
Helps to achieve adaptation to climate change that benefits the historic environment | +? |
Encourages efficient use of land and resources | Recognises the intrinsic value of historic buildings and remains as non-renewable resources | + | | Cumulative effects of the re-use of multiple historic resources could lead to significant effects in the longer term. | Re-use of buildings not only reduces loss of resources that went into building the historic asset in the first place, but would also reduce the need for additional construction or use of associated resources. No specific emphasis on traditional materials within this component of the SPP. |
Recognises the potential resources issues arising from the use of traditional materials and seeks to manage impacts where possible. | 0 |
Policy/proposal: Recommends preparation of conservation area appraisals and townscape audits
SEA Objectives | Criteria | Overall effect | Characterisation of effect | Comments on secondary, cumulative, synergistic effects | Comments - including proposals for amendment, mitigation or enhancement, reference to pertinent aspects of the baseline |
|---|
Safeguards or where appropriate enhances the historic environment | Protects/enhances (where appropriate) sites that are recognised for their architectural and/or archaeological heritage value, and their settings | ++ | Effects are unlikely to be permanent, given that such studies are likely to be periodically reviewed in light of their respective changing contexts. Benefits could extend from the short to long term depending on the robustness of the assessments. | Given that there are around 600 conservation areas in Scotland, significant cumulative effects might be expected at a national level. | According to the SHEA28, at present only 77 of the 628 CAs in Scotland appear to have CAAs in place. They should provide a positive framework for action in CAs, and they are therefore likely to contribute positively to overall objectives that seek to protect the historic environment. As suggested by PAN 71, these appraisals should include a mix of analysis of past trends and consideration of future opportunities. Positive effects anticipated in relation to conservation areas where tourism is a feature, with action frameworks ensuring that the heritage resource is protected and enhanced. |
Recognises and reflects the heritage value of wider (non designated) landscapes (including gardens and designed landscapes and townscapes | ++ |
Harnesses the economic, cultural and social opportunities provided by the historic environment | + |
Respects and protects the character, diversity and special qualities of Scotland's landscapes. | Recognises and supports the cultural heritage value of designated and non designated landscapes | 0/+? | | | Largely neutral or minor positive effects anticipated in relation to designated landscapes, given that most conservation areas are likely to be within settlements, as opposed to on urban fringe or in rural areas. |
Helps to maintain regionally distinct landscapes, reflecting patterns of land use and historic settlement | 0/+? |
Protects or enhances biodiversity, flora or fauna | Contributes to or complements ecological enhancement, providing mutual benefits for cultural and natural heritage where possible | + | | Potential for some cumulative effects, where appraisals recommend safeguarding of groups of trees within Conservation Areas, and these in turn contribute to wider habitat connectivity. | PAN 71 advice on appraisals does not specifically cover relationship with natural heritage resources, although there is some reference to trees and green spaces, which should be incorporated where they contribute to the character of these areas. Consequently, SPP could provide minor benefits in relation to these criteria. |
Aims to ensure that planning for historic conservation does not lead to loss of, damage to or fragmentation of biodiversity sites | + |
Promotes the development of a sustainable settlement pattern and physical infrastructure | Takes into account the historic character of settlements and their surrounding landscapes in defining sustainable patterns of development | ++ | | | Highly compatible with criterion seeking to define sustainable patterns of development on the basis of the historic character of settlements. May also play a role in reconciling potential conflict between infrastructure requirements and conservation objectives. |
Reduces potential conflict between infrastructure provision arising from settlement expansion and the historic environment | +? |
Reduces energy consumption and/ or CO2 emissions | Identifies how planning can help to maximise the contribution of historic environment to energy conservation targets | ? | | | May not always result in the identification of the most energy efficient solutions, but CAAs should at least lead to explicit consideration of the historic environment, helping to draw conclusions on how its conservation can be reconciled with other objectives ( e.g. renewable energy targets). May also be used to balance the need to maintain the integrity of historic built areas with policies seeking to deliver more sustainable patterns of settlement and transport networks. |
Helps to achieve adaptation to climate change that benefits the historic environment | 0 |
Encourages efficient use of land and resources | Recognises the intrinsic value of historic buildings and remains as non-renewable resources | 0 | | | No clear effects or relationship identified, although appraisals are likely to be broadly compatible with wider objectives seeking to protect buildings as non-renewable resources. |
Recognises the potential resources issues arising from the use of traditional materials, and seeks to manage impacts where possible | 0 |
Policy/proposal: Provisions for strategic development plans, including policies for protection, conservation and enhancement, priority locations for positive management
SEA Objectives | Criteria | Overall effect | Characterisation of effect | Comments on secondary, cumulative, synergistic effects | Comments - including proposals for amendment, mitigation or enhancement, reference to pertinent aspects of the baseline |
|---|
Safeguards or where appropriate enhances the historic environment | Protects/enhances (where appropriate) sites that are recognised for their architectural and/or archaeological heritage value, and their settings | + | Effects unlikely to be permanent, given that SDPs will be reviewed. May, however, continue into long term given timescales of SDPs. | Cumulative effects might be expected within SDP area, depending on nature of policies developed, identification of priorities, etc. | Generally positive effects anticipated from this policy, although will be largely dependent on the specific scope and content of the SDPs themselves. SSPs likely to seek to harness opportunities arising from the historic environment within their overall visions for their respective areas. |
Recognises and reflects the heritage value of wider (non-designated) landscapes (including gardens and designed landscapes and townscapes | + |
Harnesses the economic, cultural and social opportunities provided by the historic environment | + |
Respects and protects the character, diversity and special qualities of Scotland's landscapes. | Recognises and supports the cultural heritage value of designated and non designated landscapes | + | As above. | Effects likely to be indirect, given that the SPP requires to be translated through SDPs. | As with previous judgement, generally positive effects are anticipated from this policy. |
Helps to maintain regionally distinct landscapes, reflecting patterns of land use and historic settlement | + |
Protects or enhances biodiversity, flora or fauna | Contributes to or complements ecological enhancement, providing mutual benefits for cultural and natural heritage where possible | 0? | | | Neutral effects generally anticipated, given that SDPs may not necessarily make connections between natural and cultural heritage. SEAs of SDPs should explore this interrelationship and provide advice on the need for integration of these considerations (implicitly or explicitly) within SDPs). |
Aims to ensure that planning for historic conservation does not lead to loss of, damage to or fragmentation of biodiversity sites | 0? |
Promotes the development of a sustainable settlement pattern and physical infrastructure | Takes into account the historic character of settlements and their surrounding landscapes in defining sustainable patterns of development | 0 | | Potential for cumulative benefits in relation to sustainable infrastructure provision where proposals affect a series or cluster of sites ( e.g. numerous features located along a watercourse, or clustered within the vicinity of a port or airport). | Significant effects in relation to specific settlement patterns may not become evident at structure/strategic development plans level. SDPs may, however, include high level proposals for infrastructure that can be linked with the historic environment where appropriate. |
Reduces potential conflict between infrastructure provision arising from settlement expansion and the historic environment | + |
Reduces energy consumption and/or CO2 emissions | Identifies how planning can help to maximise the contribution of historic environment to energy conservation targets | ? | | | Potential for SPP to ensure that SDPs play a high level role in reconciling the need to conserve the historic environment, with pursuit of most energy efficient options, particularly in relation to energy sector. No clear indication to date that SDPs will need to reconcile strategically significant heritage resources with climate change adaptation - although this may change as information on issues such as coastal realignment and flood defences are explored in more detail in the future. Local authorities, Historic Scotland and the Scottish Government have a potential role to play in providing further advice on the role of strategic plans in reconciling these aims as proposals for adaptation come into focus. |
Helps to achieve adaptation to climate change that benefits the historic environment | ? |
Encourages efficient use of land and resources | Recognises the intrinsic value of historic buildings and remains as non renewable resources | 0 | | | Unlikely that this component of the policy will contribute to criteria relating to recognition of historic buildings as non-renewable resources, or to aims associated with use of traditional materials - more relevant to local level planning policies and development management. |
Recognises the potential resources issues arising from the use of traditional materials, and seeks to manage impacts where possible | 0 |
Policy/proposal: Provisions for local development plans including detailed definition of the historic environment, detailed policies, an outline of management processes (designation of CAs, Article 4 Directions, enhancement programmes, and design guidance) and action planning.
SEA Objectives | Criteria | Overall effect | Characterisation of effect | Comments on secondary, cumulative, synergistic effects | Comments - including proposals for amendment, mitigation or enhancement, reference to pertinent aspects of the baseline |
|---|
Safeguards or where appropriate enhances the historic environment | Protects/enhances (where appropriate) sites that are recognised for their architectural and/or archaeological heritage value, and their settings | ++ | Likely to play a role in improving the long term outlook for the historic environment within the plan area by ensuring that resources are built into plans for long term development, settlement expansion. | Cumulative effects could be experienced within any given plan area, depending on the approach taken within development plans. | Strong positive effects predicted, as local plans provide a relevant level of thinking in relation to the historic environment. Local plans/local development plans also likely to emphasise the importance of locally distinctive or non-designated resources. Positive benefits anticipated in supporting economic opportunities such as tourism. |
Recognises and reflects the heritage value of wider (non-designated) landscapes, including gardens and designed landscapes and townscapes | ++ |
Harnesses the economic, cultural and social opportunities provided by the historic environment | ++? |
Respects and protects the character, diversity and special qualities of Scotland's landscapes. | Recognises and supports the cultural heritage value of designated and non designated landscapes | ++ | As above. | As above. | Strong positive benefits anticipated, depending on how far local plans/local development plans follow the guidance set out in the SPP. |
Helps to maintain regionally distinct landscapes, reflecting patterns of land use and historic settlement | ++ |
Protects or enhances biodiversity, flora or fauna | Contributes to or complements ecological enhancement, providing mutual benefits for cultural and natural heritage where possible | +? | | Possibility of synergistic effects could be explored further within local development plans, where opportunities for mutual benefits arise - e.g. wetland conservation projects. | Unsure whether local development plans would specifically seek to combine consideration of cultural and natural heritage, although likely to be at least taken into account in SEA of these plans. |
Aims to ensure that planning for historic conservation does not lead to loss of, damage to or fragmentation of biodiversity sites | +? |
Promotes the development of a sustainable settlement pattern and physical infrastructure | Takes into account the historic character of settlements and their surrounding landscapes in defining sustainable patterns of development | ++? | | | Unclear how far local plans/local development plans will go towards linking infrastructure provision with impacts on the historic environment. Strong positive effects of policy more likely as local plans/local development plans are generally supportive of maintaining the historic character and identity of existing settlements. |
Reduces potential conflict between infrastructure provision arising from settlement expansion and the historic environment | +? |
Reduces energy consumption and/or CO2 emissions | Identifies how planning can help to maximise the contribution of historic environment to energy conservation targets | ? | | | Energy conservation unlikely to be naturally a key consideration of historic conservation policies within local plans/local development plans. LDPs should recognise, reflect and enhance this interrelationship within their respective SEAs. Mitigation suggested in relation to LDPs. LDPs likely to increasingly consider the relationship between development and climate change. Further advice which explores examples of adaptation strategies that have positive or negative effects on the historic environment, could help to inform plan preparation and associated SEAs. |
Helps to achieve adaptation to climate change that benefits the historic environment | +? |
Encourages efficient use of land and resources | Recognises the intrinsic value of historic buildings and remains as non renewable resources | ++ | | | Local plans/local development plans likely to recognise importance of historic buildings and remains as non renewable resources, given longstanding support for conservation and protection via the planning system. May be less likely to recognise the issues around the use of traditional materials, and some plans may find this difficult to reconcile with a concurrent emphasis on using materials with lowest environmental impacts. |
Recognises the potential resources issues arising from the use of traditional materials, and seeks to manage impacts where possible | ? |
Policy/proposal: Encouragement of the use of model policies - including for listed buildings, demolition of listed buildings, conservation areas, archaeology and gardens and designed landscapes.
SEA Objectives | Criteria | Overall effect | Characterisation of effect | Comments on secondary, cumulative, synergistic effects | Comments - including proposals for amendment, mitigation or enhancement, reference to pertinent aspects of the baseline |
|---|
Safeguards or where appropriate enhances the historic environment | Protects/enhances (where appropriate) sites that are recognised for their architectural and/or archaeological heritage value, and their settings | ++ | Potential for permanent/ irreversible effects on the historic environment if model policies or similar were not implemented. However, positive effects may not necessarily be permanent. | Use of model policies in numerous local authority areas could result in significant cumulative positive effects at a national scale. | Policy would be beneficial for designated resources if taken forward in a large number of development plans. May help to reduce baseline issues such as buildings at risk and future risk of deterioration for scheduled monuments. Less significant benefits might arise for the wider (non-designated) aspects of the historic environment, although an emphasis on the setting of designated sites is included within the model policies. |
Recognises and reflects the heritage value of wider (non-designated) landscapes including gardens and designed landscapes and townscapes | + |
Harnesses the economic, cultural and social opportunities provided by the historic environment | + |
Respects and protects the character, diversity and special qualities of Scotland's landscapes | Recognises and supports the cultural heritage value of designated and non designated landscapes | + | As above. | As above. | Generally limited benefits for the broader value of landscapes. Model policies focus on gardens and designed landscapes and would provide benefits by helping to ensure they are protected and enhanced. Policy also covers views to and from these areas, so touches on importance of wider landscapes. Potential for an additional model policy exploring cultural heritage value of wider landscapes could be reviewed in the long term - potentially linking with the current review of SPP 14 . |
Helps to maintain regionally distinct landscapes, reflecting patterns of land use and historic settlement | 0 |
Protects or enhances biodiversity, flora or fauna | Contributes to or complements ecological enhancement, providing mutual benefits for cultural and natural heritage where possible | 0 | | | No clear links between policies and natural heritage conservation, beyond reference to amenity value of trees within policy on Conservation Areas. Combined amenity and natural heritage value of heritage assets could be explored within more detailed advice ( e.g. future reviews of PAN 71). Examples of good practice or initiatives that promote natural and cultural heritage value in combination could be beneficial. |
Aims to ensure that planning for historic conservation does not lead to loss of, damage to or fragmentation of biodiversity sites | 0/+ |
Promotes the development of a sustainable settlement pattern and physical infrastructure | Takes into account the historic character of settlements and their surrounding landscapes in defining sustainable patterns of development | + | | | General policy benefits in relation to recognising the built character of settlements, as result of protection of designated resources and areas. No significant benefits in relation to infrastructure provision, beyond general safeguarding of resources from demolition or adverse effects of inappropriate development in the vicinity. |
Reduces potential conflict between infrastructure provision arising from settlement expansion and the historic environment | 0 |
Reduces energy consumption and/ or CO2 emissions | Identifies how planning can help to maximise the contribution of historic environment to energy conservation targets | 0/- | Effects unlikely to be permanent or necessarily long term. | Policies may cumulatively lead to more significant adverse effects on the climate change or energy conservation agenda if universally taken forward into development plans and consistently adhered to through development management. | Potential conflict arising from policy on listed buildings, depending on adoption of model policies and interpretation at development management level. Emphasis on conserving the character and appearance of listed buildings may conflict with energy conservation measures, or broader commitments to micro renewables as part of the climate change agenda. |
Helps to achieve adaptation to climate change that benefits the historic environment | 0/- |
Encourages efficient use of land and resources | Recognises the intrinsic value of historic buildings and remains as non renewable resources | ++ | | | Model policies implicitly recognise value of historic buildings and remains as irreplaceable assets, but do not go as far as considering the broader implications associated with sourcing and use of traditional materials. |
Recognises the potential resources issues arising from the use of traditional materials, and seeks to manage impacts where possible | 0 | |
Policy/proposal: No listed building should be demolished unless it can be conclusively demonstrated that it has no viable use.
SEA Objectives | Criteria | Overall effect | Characterisation of effect | Comments on secondary, cumulative, synergistic effects | Comments - including proposals for amendment, mitigation or enhancement, reference to pertinent aspects of the baseline |
|---|
Safeguards or where appropriate enhances the historic environment | Protects/enhances (where appropriate) sites that are recognised for their architectural and/or archaeological heritage value, and their settings | ++/- | Useful that the policy emphasises the need to provide a use for the buildings, to ensure their longevity. Those buildings that are demolished as a result of this part of the SPP are irreversible, and so any minor negative effects would be permanent. | | Policy is supportive of protection of resources where a viable use can be demonstrated, thereby maximising the contribution that the historic environment is likely to make to broader social and economic objectives. Appears to provide a reasonable test that supports conservation of these irreplaceable resources overall. Policy does not preclude loss of buildings where no viable use and so isolated and minor negative effects might be expected. No clear relationship with non-designated resources. |
Recognises and reflects the heritage value of wider (non-designated) landscapes including gardens and designed landscapes and townscapes | 0 |
Harnesses the economic, cultural and social opportunities provided by the historic environment | ++ |
Respects and protects the character, diversity and special qualities of Scotland's landscapes. | Recognises and supports the cultural heritage value of designated and non designated landscapes | 0 | | | No clear/significant effects in relation to protecting cultural heritage value or distinctiveness of landscapes. |
Helps to maintain regionally distinct landscapes, reflecting patterns of land use and historic settlement | 0 |
Protects or enhances biodiversity, flora or fauna | Contributes to or complements ecological enhancement, providing mutual benefits for cultural and natural heritage where possible | 0 | | | No clear relationship between this policy and biodiversity-related criteria. |
Aims to ensure that planning for historic conservation does not lead to loss of, damage to or fragmentation of biodiversity sites | 0 |
Promotes the development of a sustainable settlement pattern and physical infrastructure | Takes into account the historic character of settlements and their surrounding landscapes in defining sustainable patterns of development | + | | | No major effects anticipated, beyond general support for maintaining the historic character of settlements whilst achieving sustainable land use change. |
Reduces potential conflict between infrastructure provision arising from settlement expansion and the historic environment | 0 |
Reduces energy consumption and/ or CO2 emissions | Identifies how planning can help to maximise the contribution of historic environment to energy conservation targets | 0 | | | No clear links between energy conservation and climate change adaptation and this component of the SPP. |
Helps to achieve adaptation to climate change that benefits the historic environment | 0 |
Encourages efficient use of land and resources | Recognises the intrinsic value of historic buildings and remains as non renewable resources | +/- | | | Policy only supports demolition of buildings as a last resort, but at the same time does not necessarily preclude demolition where no viable use can be found. Overlooks resources captured by historic buildings to some extent ( i.e. disused buildings can be conserved to avoid loss of invested resources and replacement by new development which is resource inefficient). |
Recognises the potential resources issues arising from the use of traditional materials, and seeks to manage impacts where possible | 0 |
Policy/proposal: Criteria for determining applications affecting Conservation Areas and their setting, including: refusal of those conflicting with CAs, viewing those with neutral effects as preserving the character or appearance of CAs and weighing up positive and negative effects as part of consideration of proposal as a whole.
SEA Objectives | Criteria | Overall effect | Characterisation of effect | Comments on secondary, cumulative, synergistic effects | Comments - including proposals for amendment, mitigation or enhancement, reference to pertinent aspects of the baseline |
|---|
Safeguards or where appropriate enhances the historic environment | Protects/enhances (where appropriate) sites that are recognised for their architectural and/or archaeological heritage value, and their settings | ++ | | Potential for cumulative effects arising from implementation of policy across Scotland's numerous Conservation Areas. | Generally positive effects, as policy seeks to conserve CAs and also notes the importance of taking into account effects on their setting by considering impacts of developments outside CAs. Less direct or significant benefits from policy in relation to achieving broader benefits from the historic environment. |
Recognises and reflects the heritage value of wider (non-designated) landscapes including gardens and designed landscapes and townscapes | ++ |
Harnesses the economic, cultural and social opportunities provided by the historic environment | + |
Respects and protects the character, diversity and special qualities of Scotland's landscapes | Recognises and supports the cultural heritage value of designated and non designated landscapes | 0 | | | No clear contribution to broader landscape criteria from this component of the SPP. |
Helps to maintain regionally distinct landscapes, reflecting patterns of land use and historic settlement | 0 |
Protects or enhances biodiversity, flora or fauna | Contributes to or complements ecological enhancement, providing mutual benefits for cultural and natural heritage where possible | 0 | | | No clear relationship between this part of the SPP and broader natural heritage policy aspirations from this component of the SPP. |
Aims to ensure that planning for historic conservation does not lead to loss of, damage to or fragmentation of biodiversity sites | 0 |
Promotes the development of a sustainable settlement pattern and physical infrastructure | Takes into account the historic character of settlements and their surrounding landscapes in defining sustainable patterns of development | + | | | Policy unlikely to result in significant effects on these criteria, beyond a general recognition of, and support for, the role of Conservation Areas as contributors to the overall character of settlements. No explicit recognition of the potential contribution to broader aspirations for sustainable models of settlement expansion. |
Reduces potential conflict between infrastructure provision arising from settlement expansion and the historic environment | 0 |
Reduces energy consumption and/ or CO2 emissions | Identifies how planning can help to maximise the contribution of historic environment to energy conservation targets | 0/-? | Effects would be temporary and largely short term, reflecting the timescale of development plans. In the longer term this may become more challenging as climate change adaptation gathers pace. | Policies may cumulatively lead to more significant adverse effects on the climate change or energy conservation agenda if universally applied. | No explicit recognition of the relationship between the historic environment, energy conservation and climate change within the policy. Rigorous application of the criteria that states that developments with detrimental effects should be refused could limit the scope for taking forward energy efficiency based initiatives, micro renewables schemes, etc. These possible tensions should be made explicit within the policy or within associated advice as it is reviewed. Development plan SEAs should explore this issue further. |
Helps to achieve adaptation to climate change that benefits the historic environment | 0/-? |
Encourages efficient use of land and resources | Recognises the intrinsic value of historic buildings and remains as non renewable resources | + | Effects likely to be secondary in relation to broader aspirations to conserve non-renewable resources. | | Generally neutral or minor positive effects from policies within the SPP. SDP and LDPSEAs should weigh up the aesthetic benefits of using traditional materials with the implications in terms of efficient resource use. |
Recognises the potential resources issues arising from the use of traditional materials, and seeks to manage impacts where possible | 0 |
Policy/proposal: Planning authorities should ensure that development will not adversely affect the integrity and setting of designated wreck sites.
SEA Objectives | Criteria | Overall effect | Characterisation of effect | Comments on secondary, cumulative, synergistic effects | Comments - including proposals for amendment, mitigation or enhancement, reference to pertinent aspects of the baseline |
|---|
Safeguards or where appropriate enhances the historic environment | Protects/enhances (where appropriate) sites that are recognised for their architectural and/or archaeological heritage value, and their settings | ++ | Policy would have the effect of avoiding permanent damage to, or loss of, non-renewable resources. | | Generally positive effects anticipated from this policy, although limited due to the fact that planning provisions currently extend offshore only in respect of marine fish farming out to 3 nautical miles (wrecks of historic, archaeological or artistic importance may be declared as protected areas in Scotland's territorial waters, out to 12 nautical miles). Wrecks form an important resource for recreational divers, thereby contributing to rural and coastal tourism. |
Recognises and reflects the heritage value of wider (non-designated) landscapes including gardens and designed landscapes and townscapes | 0 |
Harnesses the economic, cultural and social opportunities provided by the historic environment | + |
Respects and protects the character, diversity and special qualities of Scotland's landscapes | Recognises and supports the cultural heritage value of designated and non designated landscapes | 0 | | | No clear effects or relationship. |
Helps to maintain regionally distinct landscapes, reflecting patterns of land use and historic settlement | 0 |
Protects or enhances biodiversity, flora or fauna | Contributes to or complements ecological enhancement, providing mutual benefits for cultural and natural heritage where possible | + | | Secondary effect. | Indirect benefits from protection of wreck sites. These are often rich in marine biodiversity, forming artificial reefs. |
Aims to ensure that planning for historic conservation does not lead to loss of, damage to or fragmentation of biodiversity sites | 0 |
Promotes the development of a sustainable settlement pattern and physical infrastructure | Takes into account the historic character of settlements and their surrounding landscapes in defining sustainable patterns of development | 0 | | | No clear effects or relationship. |
Reduces potential conflict between infrastructure provision arising from settlement expansion and the historic environment | 0 |
Reduces energy consumption and/ or CO2 emissions | Identifies how planning can help to maximise the contribution of historic environment to energy conservation targets | 0 | | | No clear effects or relationship. |
Helps to achieve adaptation to climate change that benefits the historic environment | 0 |
Encourages efficient use of land and resources | Recognises the intrinsic value of historic buildings and remains as non renewable resources | 0 | | | No clear effects or relationship. |
Recognises the potential resources issues arising from the use of traditional materials, and seeks to manage impacts where possible | 0 |
Policy/proposal: Archaeology policy: preserve in situ where possible, if not record remains. Notes that not all valuable resources are scheduled and draws attention to non-statutory registers. Developers should make appropriate provision for excavation, recording, analysis, notification and publication.
SEA Objectives | Criteria | Overall effect | Characterisation of effect | Comments on secondary, cumulative, synergistic effects | Comments - including proposals for amendment, mitigation or enhancement, reference to pertinent aspects of the baseline |
|---|
Safeguards or where appropriate enhances the historic environment | Protects/enhances (where appropriate) sites that are recognised for their architectural and/or archaeological heritage value, and their settings | ++ | Permanent negative effects could arise if the policy was not implemented. However, enacting the policy may not lead to permanent positive effects. | | Clear recognition of the potential value of non-designated resources, as well as qualified but pragmatic policy guidance on conservation of archaeological remains in situ where possible. Requirement for developers to make appropriate provision for work required potentially helpful, providing it is appropriately enforced at the local level. |
Recognises and reflects the heritage value of wider (non-designated) landscapes including gardens and designed landscapes and townscapes | ++ |
Harnesses the economic, cultural and social opportunities provided by the historic environment | 0 |
Respects and protects the character, diversity and special qualities of Scotland's landscapes. | Recognises and supports the cultural heritage value of designated and non designated landscapes | + | | | Would generally support the value of broader landscapes by ensuring that archaeological remains are protected or recorded as appropriate. |
Helps to maintain regionally distinct landscapes, reflecting patterns of land use and historic settlement | + |
Protects or enhances biodiversity, flora or fauna | Contributes to or complements ecological enhancement, providing mutual benefits for cultural and natural heritage where possible | +/-? | | Potential for cumulative or synergistic negative effects where archaeological remains are extensive and coincide with concentrations of habitats or species that are particularly vulnerable to disturbance. | Potential for positive or negative effects on biodiversity resources. Projects to conserve resources in situ may be compatible with those relating to natural heritage conservation. Conversely, conflict may arise where excavation and recording is best option for archaeological remains, and the site has additional ecological sensitivities. Mitigation might be built into archaeological protocols - although this is likely to be an issue which goes beyond the remit of the planning authority and relates more to technical processes of archaeological bodies. |
Aims to ensure that planning for historic conservation does not lead to loss of, damage to or fragmentation of biodiversity sites | -? |
Promotes the development of a sustainable settlement pattern and physical infrastructure | Takes into account the historic character of settlements and their surrounding landscapes in defining sustainable patterns of development | + | | | Balanced policy should help to ensure that settlement expansion and infrastructure can be achieved without adversely affecting archaeological remains. Further guidance/examples of good practice may help to illustrate positive examples of this being achieved in practice. Minor benefits only anticipated. |
Reduces potential conflict between infrastructure provision arising from settlement expansion and the historic environment | + |
Reduces energy consumption and/ or CO2 emissions | Identifies how planning can help to maximise the contribution of historic environment to energy conservation targets | 0 | | | No clear indication of potential impacts on climate change adaptation, although it is possible to envisage that preservation of remains in situ where possible may complement or undermine adaptation strategies. No significant links with energy conservation targets being realised. |
Helps to achieve adaptation to climate change that benefits the historic environment | -/+? |
Encourages efficient use of land and resources | Recognises the intrinsic value of historic buildings and remains as non renewable resources | ++ | Recording where preservation cannot be achieved would provide long term benefits. | Consistent application of the policy should lead to significant cumulative positive effects at the national level. | Benefits of safeguarding or recording resources would reduce risk of permanent damage or loss of archaeological remains. |
Recognises the potential resources issues arising from the use of traditional materials, and seeks to manage impacts where possible | 0 |
Policy/proposal: Recognition of the potential value of 'unforeseen remains' - notes that these should be respected and recorded and protected where considered to be nationally important.
SEA Objectives | Criteria | Overall effect | Characterisation of effect | Comments on secondary, cumulative, synergistic effects | Comments - including proposals for amendment, mitigation or enhancement, reference to pertinent aspects of the baseline |
|---|
Safeguards or where appropriate enhances the historic environment | Protects/enhances (where appropriate) sites that are recognised for their architectural and/or archaeological heritage value, and their settings | + | Policy would have the effect of avoiding permanent damage to, or loss of, important non-renewable resources. | If universally applied, this could have significant cumulative benefits. However, there may also be a risk that comprehensive adoption of this policy could result in cumulative tensions with regard to providing appropriate sites for development. Judicial application would therefore be important - focus on nationally important resources. | Provides an important opportunity to ensure that unrecognised or unforeseen remains are adequately protected. |
Recognises and reflects the heritage value of wider (non-designated) landscapes (including gardens and designed landscapes and townscapes | ++ |
Harnesses the economic, cultural and social opportunities provided by the historic environment | 0 |
Respects and protects the character, diversity and special qualities of Scotland's landscapes. | Recognises and supports the cultural heritage value of designated and non designated landscapes | 0 | | | No clear relationship between landscape conservation and preservation of unforeseen archaeological remains. |
Helps to maintain regionally distinct landscapes, reflecting patterns of land use and historic settlement | 0 |
Protects or enhances biodiversity, flora or fauna | Contributes to or complements ecological enhancement, providing mutual benefits for cultural and natural heritage where possible | +/-? | Any losses or damage could be permanent/ irreversible given the sensitivity of the receiving environment. | | Potential for minor conflicts arising from excavation of archaeological resources, as noted in relation to archaeological policy more generally. At the same time, initiatives might seek to achieve mutual benefits. |
Aims to ensure that planning for historic conservation does not lead to loss of, damage to or fragmentation of biodiversity sites | -? |
Promotes the development of a sustainable settlement pattern and physical infrastructure | Takes into account the historic character of settlements and their surrounding landscapes in defining sustainable patterns of development | +/-? | Any losses or damage could be permanent/ irreversible given the sensitivity of the receiving environment. | | Likely to be generally supportive of sustainable settlement expansion, and should help to achieve infrastructure provision in a sustainable way. However, there is also potential for conflicts arising between the need for development, settlement expansion and infrastructure. As with previous policy, effects largely depend on local level interpretation and implementation. |
Reduces potential conflict between infrastructure provision arising from settlement expansion and the historic environment | +/-? |
Reduces energy consumption and / or CO2 emissions | Identifies how planning can help to maximise the contribution of historic environment to energy conservation targets | 0 | | | No clear relationship with energy conservation objectives. Potential for this part of the SPP to complement or conflict with some climate change adaptation measures. For example, coastal realignment could be stalled as a result of suspected archaeological remains, whilst flood management could be complemented by archaeological conservation objectives arising from discovery of unforeseen remains. |
Helps to achieve adaptation to climate change that benefits the historic environment | -/+ |
Encourages efficient use of land and resources | Recognises the intrinsic value of historic buildings and remains as non renewable resources | ++ | | | This component of the SPP is in line with the overall emphasis on recognising the non renewable nature of historic remains. |
Recognises the potential resources issues arising from the use of traditional materials, and seeks to manage impacts where possible | 0 |
Combined matrix
SEA Objectives | Criteria | Positive adaptable resource | CA appraisals | SDPs | LDPs | Model policies | Criteria for demolition of Listed Buildings | Criteria for applications in CAs | Designated wreck sites | Archaeological policy | Protection of unforeseen remains |
|---|
Safeguards or where appropriate enhances the historic environment | Protects/enhances (where appropriate) sites that are recognised for their architectural and/or archaeological heritage value, and their settings | ++ | ++ | + | ++ | ++ | ++/- | ++ | ++ | ++ | + |
Recognises and reflects the heritage value of wider (non-designated) landscapes including gardens and designed landscapes and townscapes | + | ++ | + | ++ | + | 0 | ++ | 0 | ++ | ++ |
Harnesses the economic, cultural and social opportunities provided by the historic environment | ++ | + | + | ++? | + | ++ | + | + | 0 | 0 |
Respects and protects the character, diversity and special qualities of Scotland's landscapes. | Recognises and supports the cultural heritage value of designated and non designated landscapes | 0 | 0/+? | + | ++ | + | 0 | 0 | 0 | + | 0 |
Helps to maintain regionally distinct landscapes, reflecting patterns of land use and historic settlement | + | 0/+? | + | ++ | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | + | 0 |
Protects or enhances biodiversity, flora or fauna | Contributes to or complements ecological enhancement, providing mutual benefits for cultural and natural heritage where possible | 0/? | + | 0? | +? | 0 | 0 | 0 | + | +/-? | +/-? |
Aims to ensure that planning for historic conservation does not lead to loss of, damage to or fragmentation of biodiversity sites | 0 | + | 0? | +? | 0/+ | 0 | 0 | 0 | -? | -? |
Promotes the development of a sustainable settlement pattern and physical infrastructure | Takes into account the historic character of settlements and their surrounding landscapes in defining sustainable patterns of development | + | ++ | 0 | ++? | + | + | + | 0 | + | +/-? |
Reduces potential conflict between infrastructure provision arising from settlement expansion and the historic environment | + | +? | + | +? | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | + | +/-? |
Reduces energy consumption and / or CO2 emissions | Identifies how planning can help to maximise the contribution of historic environment to energy conservation targets | +/-? | ? | ? | ? | 0/- | 0 | 0/-? | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Helps to achieve adaptation to climate change that benefits the historic environment | +? | 0 | ? | +? | 0/- | 0 | 0/-? | 0 | -/+? | -/+ |
Encourages efficient use of land and resources | Recognises the intrinsic value of historic buildings and remains as non renewable resources | + | 0 | 0 | ++ | ++ | +/- | + | 0 | ++ | ++ |
Recognises the potential resources issues arising from the use of traditional materials, and seeks to manage impacts where possible | 0 | 0 | 0 | ? | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |