Nature Conservation

Structure Plan Chapter 3 - Caring for the Environment

3.2 - Nature Conservation

3.2.1

The Clackmannanshire and Stirling area is important for nature. Many areas and sites with valued habitats and species have been given special designations which identify them as worthy of protection. These designated sites include many of European and National importance as well as those that are locally significant (Figure 3.1).

Figure 3.1

International	Special Protection Areas (SPA) including Proposed SPAs Special Areas for Conservation (SAC) including Candidate SAC RAMSAR Sites
National	National Nature Reserves Sites of Special Scientific Interest
Local	Local Nature Reserves Sites of Local Wildlife Importance Ancient Woodlands

3.2.2

Sites of International importance are marked on the Key Diagram (and defined in the glossary). The area has one RAMSAR site, one Special Protection Area (SPA) and one potential SPA, 8 candidate and 2 possible Special Areas of Conservation (SAC). NPPG14 "Natural Heritage" sets out in detail the roles of the planning authorities and the Scottish Ministers with regard to the protection of these sites and the limited circumstances in which development may be permitted. Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), of which there are 83 throughout the area, are sites of national importance for nature conservation and geolog y. These designated sites are key assets of the area. However, natural heritage is not confined to the various designated sites, but is found throughout our towns and countryside. Habitats and species in need of protection extend beyond designated sites. NPPG 14 also stresses that locally important and non-designated sites must also be considered in planning decisions. The level of protection afforded to sites with no designation will not normally be as high as that afforded to international and national designated sites. Local natural heritage features including trees and woodlands, lochs and burns do however make a valuable contribution to the area and can form extensive corridors for wildlife. The principles set out in NPPG 14 will be applied and appropriate policies and proposals for these areas will be included within Local Plans.

3.2.3

The Government has pledged itself to conserve and enhance "biodiversity" - the combination of all animals and plants within an area and the habitats that sustain them. Both Stirling and Clackmannanshire Councils are currently undertaking biodiversity audits which will provide better information about the nature conservation value of the whole of the area. These audits will inform preparation of future Local Biodiversity Action Plans which will be taken into account in policy development and planning decisions.

3.2.4

In terms of designated sites, the Structure Plan policy approach is related to the hierarchy of nature conservation designations outlined in Figure 3.1. All sites, whether they are designated as being of national or local importance need to be protected from inappropriate development, and where possible, enhanced (see Policy ENV5). Accordingly:

Policy ENV1 - Nature Conservation

The protection and conservation of wildlife, wildlife habitats and other natural features will be supported as follows:

Development which will impact adversely upon the identified conservation interest of a designated or proposed area of international or national importance for nature conservation will not be permitted unless it is demonstrated that the objectives of designation and overall integrity of the area will not be damaged or that there is no alternative solution and there are overriding public interest imperatives.
Development which may affect a site of local importance for nature conservation (including non designated sites, and habitats and features listed in Annex 1 of the EU Habitats Directive) will only be permitted if it can be demonstrated that it will have no significant adverse impact on the conservation interest of the site, habitat or feature.
All development proposals will be considered in the light of the recommendations and findings of the Local Biodiversity Action Plans (and related Habitat Action Plans and Species Action Plans). Where there is, in the planning authority's opinion, a potential adverse effect upon local biodiversity, an ecological appraisal of the development will be sought and considered before the proposal is determined.
Where opportunities are available a development proposal which is supported under the terms of 1 - 3 above will be required to provide a net environmental benefit through enhancement of the nature conservation interest. By agreement this may be at off-site locations.