Name of PPS objective | Environmental requirements of PPS | How it affects, or is affected by revised SPP3 |
Biodiversity, flora and fauna |
Convention on Wetlands of International Importance 1971 (amended 1982 and 1987) | Otherwise known as the Ramsar Convention, this emphasises the special value of wetland, particularly as a key habitat for waterfowl. The Convention resulted in designation of sites for management, conservation at international level. | Requirement to protect these sites from loss or damage by development. |
Bern Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (1979) | Aimed to promote co-operation between European states to protect biodiversity. | Requirement to protect these sites from loss or damage by development. |
UN Convention on Biological Diversity (1992) | Article 6 requires that all parties to the Convention develop national biodiversity strategies plans or programmes, and that they seek to integrate the provisions of these across other policy sectors. Article 7 requires the identification of key resources, and their protection. Monitoring of potentially damaging process and activities should also be undertaken. | Requirement to protect these sites from loss or damage by development. |
Council Directive 92/43/ EEC the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora | Established a commitment to designating networks of sites of ecological importance across Europe. These are known as Natura 2000 sites and include special protection areas ( SPAs designated under the Birds Directive - see below) and special areas of conservation ( SACs). | Requirement to protect these sites from loss or damage by development. |
Council Directive 79/409/ EEC on the conservation of wild birds | Protects all wild birds (together with their nests and eggs) and their associated habitats. Commitment to designation of SPAs (see previous). | Requirement to protect these sites from inappropriate development as far as possible. |
The Pan-European Biological and Landscape Diversity Strategy (1995) | The Strategy aims to reverse the decline of landscape and biological diversity, by promoting innovation and proactive policy making. It supports preceding measures for protecting natural heritage, and aims to supplement this by further supporting a number of action themes relating to different environmental resources. | The emphasis on maintaining diversity and distinctiveness should be borne in mind as far as possible. |
EU Biodiversity Strategy (1998) | Aims to "anticipate, prevent and attack" any reduction or loss of species and habitats across Europe. Supports implementation of the Habitats and Birds Directives, supports the establishment of networks of protected sites, aims to achieve conservation by making plans for priority resources. Also notes the importance of biodiversity outside of protected areas. | The revised SPP3 should recognise the value of designated resources, and of wider non-designated resources where relevant. |
Nature Conservation (Scotland ) Act 2004 | Introduced a 'duty to further the conservation of biodiversity' for all pubic bodies, and sets out more specific provisions within this ( e.g. for SSSIs). | The revised SPP and development plans should seek to protect biodiversity in accordance with the Act, including by avoiding adverse impacts on sites, habitats and species of value as defined in the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy and associated priority lists. |
Scotland's Biodiversity - It's In Your Hands. A strategy for the conservation and enhancement of biodiversity in Scotland (2004) | Sets out Scottish aims relating to biodiversity. Seeks to go beyond a previous emphasis on protecting individual sites to achieve conservation at a broader scale. Aims to halt loss and reverse decline of key species, and to raise awareness of biodiversity value at a landscape or ecosystem scale. | There is likely to be a limited role for the revised SPP in helping to proactively deliver biodiversity conservation and enhancement. However, there may be potential for resources to be taken into account in policy or advice on site selection. |
NPPG 14 Natural Heritage (1999) ( NB under review) | Provides the key statement on planning in relation to natural heritage. Summarises obligations in relation to natural heritage, and provides specific advice on how these can be taken forward in development plans. Includes an emphasis on safeguarding and enhancing natural heritage outwith designated sites. Notes that planning has an important role to play in meeting requirements for land for housing, transport, economic activity and recreation, whilst avoiding loss of natural heritage capital. This should be partly achieved by restricting development, but NPPG14 notes that development may not necessarily conflict with environmental conservation. New development on previously degraded sites can also help to achieve enhancement objectives. | The revised SPP3 should reflect this approach to natural heritage conservation, and recognise the positive role of planning in achieving enhancement, in addition to more protective measures where required. |
Population and human health |
Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 | Set out a new right of responsible access in Scotland, and made provisions for community right to buy. Core paths to be identified in each local authority area, promoting more widespread and functional walking, cycling and riding and thereby supporting improved levels of physical activity. | The growing level of community land ownership, and small number of right to buy projects that have benefited housing sectors in remote rural areas, could be taken into account within the revised SPP. Emphasis on walking and cycling networks is also relevant to policy recommendations on locational choices. |
People and Place: Regeneration Policy Statement | Provides the policy commitments relating to regeneration, moving the agenda forward in light of recent progress. States continuing commitments to the Clyde Corridor as a national priority and also emphasises the regional impacts of regeneration in Ayrshire and Inverclyde. Aims to improve governance in these areas and to particularly target transport connections to aid the regeneration process. | The revised SPP3 should reflect the significant contribution policies related to planning for housing land can make towards regeneration objectives. |
SPP3 Planning for Housing (2003) | Aims to ensure that planning promotes high quality residential environments, and delivers an effective and sufficient supply of housing land in appropriate locations. Notes that sustainable extensions to settlements should be carefully planned and states that new housing should be guided to locations that are accessible by foot, cycle and public transport. States that a plan led approach should be taken to delivering housing land, with development plans setting out how demand for housing will be met. Plans should be regularly updated and alternative provisions should be made where there are delays in plan making that reduce the capacity to keep up with housing demand. | The revised SPP will update and replace this document. Whilst a major policy review is not currently expected, there is a need for the revised SPP3 to strengthen the importance of, and methods for, ensuring that sufficient land is made available to meet housing market needs. |
PAN 74 Affordable Housing (2005) | Sets out guidance on how planning authorities can help to deliver an appropriate mix of housing in terms of type, tenure, price and location. Notes that the need for affordable housing varies between localities as a result of varying market conditions. Affordable housing should be viewed as an integral part of the overall supply of housing. | The SPP should complement, and be supported by, this PAN. Affordable housing forms an important part of the overall housing policy agenda in Scotland. |
UK Fuel Poverty Strategy (Fourth Annual Progress Report, 2006) | Covers the Scottish commitment to eliminating fuel poverty in Scotland by November 2016, as far as is reasonably practicable. The Scottish Executive was also aiming to achieve a 30% reduction in fuel poverty in Scotland by 2006. | The SPP could usefully note the potential for fuel poverty reduction to be delivered through appropriate siting and design of new housing developments. |
SPP11 Physical Activity and Open Space (Consultative Draft) 2006 | Sets out a framework for planning to support both passive and active recreation. Notes the importance of good quality green space as part of civic realm, and states that councils should prepare open space strategies, based on audits of their areas. | Recognition of open space requirements within communities and private space related to housing developments as part of contributing to broader environmental quality should be reflected in the revised SPP3. |
Soil |
EU Thematic Strategy for Soil Protection (2005) | Notes that soil has important functions but that degradation of its quality is accelerating, partly due to wind and water erosion and also as a result of depletion of organic matter content. It sets out commitments to improving quality as a result, including development of a New Directive. A Scottish Soil Strategy is currently in preparation. | A Scotland wide strategy for soil will be developed in the near future. In the meantime the provisions of the European Strategy should form a framework for soil protection and improvement that the SPP should take into account where appropriate. |
PAN 33 Development of Contaminated Land (2000) | Emphasises the role of the planning system of reclaiming and developing contaminated land as a means of improving its general amenity and environmental contribution. States that contamination should be taken into account within the preparation of development plans. | The revised SPP has a role to play in supporting the redevelopment of land. The PAN emphasises the need for remediation to be tailored to meet the requirements of intended end use of sites, and for a positive approach to planning applications, to ensure that reclamation results in appropriate developments and environmental improvements. |
Water |
Water Framework Directive 2000/60/ EC | This provides an overarching strategy, including a requirement for EU Member States to ensure that they achieve 'good ecological status' by 2015. River Basin Management Plans were defined as the key means of achieving this. | The SPP should ensure that any proposals or polices support this aim by avoiding adverse impacts on the water environment. |
Water Environment and Water Services (Scotland) Act 2003 ( WEWS Act) | Transposes the Directive (above) into the Scottish context. Aims to protect the water environment including by ensuring a reliable and high quality supply of water, reducing groundwater pollution significantly, and protecting marine and other waters. More specifically, sets out arrangements for River Basin Management Planning in Scotland and Controlled Activities Regulations. Whilst RBMP are not programmed for publication until 2009, in the meantime the findings of the Significant Water Management Issues Reports for the Scotland and Solway tweed River Basin Districts have been taken into account. | Scope to complement the activities of SEPA in developing RBMPs and applying Water Environment Controlled Activities Regulations ( CAR) 2005 should be considered within the SPP and subsequent development plans as appropriate. |
SPP7 Planning and Flooding (2004) | Sets out requirements for planning authorities to take into account flood risk in allocating sites for development and making decisions about applications. Sets out a national risk framework. Notes that proposals for development that rely on flood prevention measures should be viewed with caution. Emphasises the particular vulnerability of certain types of development to flooding, including housing, but notes that flood risk should not impede provision of sufficient land for housing within development plans. | Flood risk should be highlighted as a key consideration to be taken into account when identifying land for housing. The potential additional influence of climate change should also be borne in mind given the long term nature of the document. |
PAN 79 Water and Drainage (2006) | Provides advice on how planners can work with other organisations to ensure that water and waste water infrastructure meets the needs of current and future households. | The revised SPP should take this into account, and where possible consider how planning can respond to, and inform capacity improvements. |
PAN 61 Planning and Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (2001) | Explains the working principles of Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems ( SUDS), and notes the important role that planning has to play in delivering SUDS. States that strategic level planning should provide guidance on SUDS where major areas of urban expansion or regeneration are identified. | SUDS have a potential role to play in housing developments. The SPP should aim to promote their use where appropriate. |
Air Quality | | |
1996/62/ EC Directive on ambient air quality assessment and management | Overarching Directive on air qualiy that seeks to provide a co-ordinated and consistent approach to air quality in order to avoid negative impacts on health and the environment. Aims to achieve improvements in air quality where it is poor and sets out a framework for monitoring. | Overall commitment to air quality should be taken into account. The SPP has a potential role to play in influencing land use decisions, including by considering possible links between locational choices for the housing sector and associated emissions. |
1999/30/ EC Directive relating to limit values for sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and oxides of nitrogen, particulate matter and lead in ambient air | Provides more specific guidance on the need to improve air quality and reduce emissions of specific types of gas. | As above |
EU Thematic Strategy on Air Pollution (2005) | Sets out interim objectives for improving air quality. Notes that existing legal instruments will be merged to form single Directive on Air Quality. | As above |
The Air Quality Strategy for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. (2007) | Sets a clear long term vision for improving air quality in the UK, and specific national targets for reducing air pollution and local authority responsibilities for achieving most of these. States that land use and transport planning form an important part of an integrated approach to air quality improvement. | As above. In particular there is a national level need to focus on reducing ground level ozone which is partly influenced by land-use change and reducing vehicle use. The revised SPP3 can contribute in relation to sustainable settlement strategies and promotion of energy efficiency measures in housebuilding. |
Climatic Factors |
Kyoto Protocol (1997) | Sets out international agreement on targets and mechanisms for addressing climate change. Includes commitments to improved energy efficiency, reductions of greenhouse gases, carbon sequestration, sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, appropriate market mechanisms, sustainable transport and waste management. | Housing development , and therefore SPP3 and its subsequent implementation, has a limited role to play in contributing to this overall agenda. However, scope for low impact housing with renewable energy supplies, energy efficient design etc. could be raised as an opportunity within the SPP. |
The Second European Climate Change Programme (currently in preparation) | The first programme focused on achieving climate change targets by reducing emissions and increasing carbon sequestration. The review notes that the work identified in the first programme is being undertaken according to plan, but that further measures will be required in order to meet the EU's commitments under the Kyoto agreement. Some aspects of the first programme have been more successful than others, with energy generation targets having been met, but transport objectives proving more difficult to achieve. Current Commission policy is therefore focusing on achieving modal shift (with targets to reduce CO2 emissions of cars having already been met). | As above. |
The UK Climate Change Programme 2006 | This new Climate Change Programme will take us close to our domestic target, and ensure that the UK can make the real progress by 2020 towards the long-term goal to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by some 60 per cent by about 2050 that we committed to in the 2003 Energy White Paper. The package of existing and new policy measures in the Programme are projected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions to 15-18 per cent below 1990 levels - the new measures saving 12 million tonnes of carbon by 2010. This is very good progress. Our overall emissions of greenhouse gas emissions are now projected to be 23-25 per cent below 1990 levels in 2010 - around double our Kyoto target. (Included here as it includes some policy measures which are reserved to the UK Government.) | As above. |
Changing Our Ways - Scotland's Climate Change Programme (2006) ( NB policy statement of the previous administration) | Provides national interpretation of broader climate change objectives. Key principles of reducing emissions of greenhouse gases and adaptations to reduce impacts of climate change remain relevant although the detailed actions are likely to be revisited. | As above |
Material Assets |
Scottish Executive (2006) Scotland's National Transport Strategy (and associated SEA) | Sets out overall aims including improving journey times and connections, reducing emissions, and improving the quality, accessibility and affordability of public transport. Also states a commitment to introducing a carbon balance sheet that will be applied in relation to each key decision under the strategy. | The revised SPP has a role to play in reducing the emissions produced by the transport sector by highlighting how housing land allocations can be made on the basis of most sustainable options. |
SPP17 Planning for Transport (2005) | Sets out relationship between land use planning and transport. Planning can help to reduce the need to travel through appropriate land allocations and settlement strategies, help to achieve a shift to more environmentally sustainable modes of transport, and to reduce environmental impacts. Transport Assessments should be used early in the development process to build an understanding of potential impacts of development decisions. | The overall emphasis on sustainable land use choices that help to minimise journey lengths and maximise scope for travel by sustainable modes should be reflected.. |
UK Energy White Paper. Our energy future - creating a low carbon economy (2003) | Sets out the challenges for the energy sector in the UK, and defines how it should change over the coming years. Key priorities include reducing CO2 emissions from the sector by 60% by 2050 (and substantially by 2020), providing more reliable energy supplies, updating the energy supply network (including the grid) and creating more diversity, including by promoting more renewable energy generation and local level supplies. | These broad commitments should be taken into account, with new housing developments making provision for renewable sources of energy supply as required. |
SPP6 Renewable Energy (2007) | Recently updated policy sets objective for planning to help ensure that Scotland meets its stated targets for renewable energy generation (40% of generation by 2020) as far as possible ahead of the target date. This includes an emphasis on zero or low carbon developments, through energy efficient design and construction, micro renewables and decentralised renewable energy generation. All developments with a floorspace exceeding 500 square metres will be expected to incorporate measures which ensure that existing carbon dioxide reduction targets (2007 building regulations standards) are exceeded by at least 15%. In addition development plans should consider whether and how these targets could be further exceeded. The SPP states that consideration is also currently being given to extending permitted development rights to allow more micro renewables developments to be installed on existing buildings. | The revised SPP should take these targets into account and raise the importance of promoting low or zero carbon housing developments in line with these targets. |
Energy Efficiency and Microgeneration: achieving a Low Carbon Future: A Strategy for Scotland (Draft for Consultation) (2007) | Policy sets out positive commitment to small scale, domestic level contributions to the broader agenda of a low carbon future. The Strategy notes that further work is required to establish how this can be achieved. | The revised SPP should aim to reflect this emerging agenda, by emphasising the role of energy efficiency and microgeneration in reducing carbon emissions from the housing sector. |
SPP10 Planning for Waste Management (2007) | Promotes a sustainable approach to waste management which relies on a number of objectives and a set of policy and spatial principles which address waste management, waste transport, environmental and health issues and cumulative impact. The SPP specifically encourages incorporation of local waste management facilities in housing layouts and consideration of the impacts of new waste management facilities on existing and planned residential areas. | The revised SPP3 should take account of the specific relevant content of this policy. |
Cultural Heritage, including architectural and archaeological heritage |
Memorandum of Guidance on Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas, Historic Scotland (1998) | Sets out advice on the designation and protection of listed buildings, conservation areas, gardens and designed landscapes. Specifically defines the role of planning authorities, including in terms of development management and enforcement. | Emphasis on protecting designated historic sites should be taken into account when considering strategies for housing land allocations. |
Historic Scotland, Passed to the Future: Historic Scotland's Policy for the Sustainable Management of the Historic Environment, (2002) | Sets out the key principles for achieving a sustainable historic environment, including recognising value, good stewardship, assessing impact and working together. Notes that natural and human impacts on the historic environment should be taken into account. States that the precautionary principle should be applied where historic resources are unknown. | The potential importance of non-designated historic resources are uncertain should be taken into account. |
SHEP 1(Historic Scotland, 2007) | Sets an overarching policy framework for the historic environment in Scotland. | Important that housing respects and reflects important aspects of the historic built environment. |
SHEP 2 (Historic Scotland, 2007) | Sets out proposals for identifying and protecting ancient monuments. | Important to ensure that planning for housing seeks to avoid impacts on protected archaeological resources. |
NPPG 5 Archaeology and Planning (1998) ( NB under review) | Sets planning policies and guidance relating to archaeological resources. Notes that both designated sites and unknown resources are of importance to the cultural heritage and identity of Scotland. Recommends that planning authorities play a key role in safeguarding such resources from inappropriate development. | As noted above, this overall commitment to safeguarding the historic environment should be reflected.. |
NPPG 18 Planning and the Historic Environment (1999) ( NB under review) | Sets out national planning policy relating to the historic environment, including listed building, conservation areas and historic gardens and designed landscapes. States that the planning system has a key role to play in protecting such resources from development, through recognising their value in development plans and making appropriate development management decisions. | As above, it is important that housing land allocations and associated policies take into account the value and capacity of the historic environment to accommodate change. |
Landscape | | |
Council of Europe, European Landscape Convention 2000 | States that landscapes across Europe make an important contribution to quality of life and cultural identity, but that they are being transformed as a result of a number of factors, including town planning, transport and infrastructure and the economy. | The potential importance of non-designated as well as designated landscapes should be taken into account in the development of policy within the revised SPP. |
SNH Natural Heritage Futures (2002) | Provides baseline information and draws attention to particularly important processes of change. Priorities for future landscape management include creating better settings for towns and cities, creating industrial landscapes that reflect local identify, careful siting and design of development along key rural transport routes, management of agricultural change, forestry restructuring to improve 'naturalness' and sensitive management of natural processes e.g. flood management using soft engineering. | The revised SPP should take into account the value and vulnerability of the changing landscapes within which housing land allocations might be set. |
NPPG 14 Natural Heritage (1999) ( NB under review) | Sets out planning policy relating to natural heritage, including landscape. Outlines the various levels of protection that many landscapes are afforded, but also notes that often their character can be under pressure from processes of change. States that the planning system has a role to play in protecting landscapes from inappropriate or poorly designed development, and achieving enhancement close to settlements and in areas which have been degraded. | As noted above, the landscape protection and enhancement policies set out in the revised SPP should be borne in mind when preparing advice on housing land allocations. |
SPP21 Green Belts (2006) | Updates national planning policy relating to green belts. States a continuing commitment to green belts as a tool for providing greater certainty and safeguarding against inappropriate development on the urban fringe. Aims to maximise the benefits of green belts through positive and co-ordinated planning. Potential release of green belt land should be considered when reviewing potential for long term settlement expansion. | Relevant policy, given that green belts may come under pressure for housing developments. Integrated approach to settlement expansion should be reflected in the revised SPP. |
Other / cross sectoral policies | | |
European Strategy for Sustainable Development (renewed, 2006) | Builds on the preceding strategy, by identifying key priorities for an enlarged Europe to focus on up to 2010. This includes climate change and clean energy, sustainable transport, sustainable protection and consumption, health, better use of natural resources, social inclusion and fighting global poverty. Aims to achieve better policy integration in addressing these challenges. | High level commitment to sustainable development sets the foundations for the revised SPP. Potentially useful for clarification of the sustainability of different housing development options, settlement patterns, land allocations etc. |
Choosing Our Future - Scotland's Sustainable Development Strategy (2005) | Sits under the cross national shared framework for sustainable development to define Scottish priorities for sustainable development. Aims to mainstream sustainable development, measure progress more explicitly and strengthen accountability. | Strategy amplifies Scottish commitments to sustainable development. The revised SPP3 should seek to reflect this as far as possible. |
Planning etc. (Scotland) Act 2006 | Introduces reforms of the Scottish Planning System. Aims to strengthen community involvement, and to make development plans and development management more efficient. Introduces a duty to ensure that sustainable development is a key consideration within the national planning framework and development plans. | Sets out new planning framework within which the revised SPP will be set. Emphasis on timely delivery of development plans and regular updating should assist with delivering SPP objectives. |
SPP1 The Planning System (2002) | Defines the overall role of the planning system in achieving sustainable development. Notes that planning should consider both short and long term consequences of development. Emphasises the need to progress sustainable economic development, to help achieve social justice and to maintain and improve environmental quality. | The overall commitment to sustainable development should be reflected within the revised SPP. |
SPP15 Planning for Rural Development (2005) | Sets the land use planning framework for rural development in Scotland. Aims to positively promote sustainable development in the countryside, whilst safeguarding environmental resources. Notes the importance of natural heritage as an economic driver in rural areas. | The emphasis on positive, high quality development in the countryside should be reflected as far as possible in the revised SPP3's provision for rural housing. |
Designing Places: A Policy Statement for Scotland, (2001) | Aims to promote high quality design within planning throughout Scotland. States that good design is an essential part of sustainable development, and aims to encourage collaboration and training amongst development professionals in order to deliver higher quality standards. | The revised SPP should reflect the support for quality design as far as possible. |
SEPA (2003) National Waste Plan | Key challenges include reducing landfilled waste in line with EU targets and increasing recycling, composting and energy from waste. Confirms target of recycling or composting 25% of municipal waste by 2006 and 55% by 2020. Underlying aims include reducing the environmental impacts of waste management and addressing current environmental injustices. | The SPP could help to promote improved efficiencies in waste management, including by promoting recycling of construction materials, and ensuring that new development areas are linked with appropriate waste management infrastructure. |
Statutory Guidance on Planning and Sustainable Development: consultation paper (March 2007) | Provides an overview of the role of planning in delivering sustainable development. Notes that sustainable development need not preclude development, but should promote development in the right locations, and of the right design and quality. This is useful guidance, but had not been adopted as policy at the time of writing. | The SPP should reflect some of the principles set out within the paper as appropriate, to help ensure its policies are sustainable. Advice on development location, design and layout of buildings is particularly relevant to SPP3. |