The Scottish Government

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.

The SPP is likely to reflect this and other international commitments to safeguarding biodiversity.

Bern Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (1979)

Aimed to promote co-operation between European states to protect biodiversity.

This continues to form an important underlying international commitment, which should be integral to the development and content of the SPP.

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. .

As with the Bern Convention, it is important that the SPP reflects the provisions of the Convention.

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)

This is a key underlying international policy commitment, to be reflected in the SPP. The SPP has a particular role to play in identifying the relationship between designated biodiversity sites and land use planning.

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).

This is a key underlying policy commitment, to be reflected in the SPP. The SPP has a particular role to play in identifying the relationship between priority species and habitats and land use planning.

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 promoting a number of action themes relating to different environmental resources. Emphasises the rapid decline of some key characteristics and resources, including traditional man made landscapes, coastal zones, marine areas, wetlands, for forests, mountains and grassland.

Provides an important contextual document for the SPP to take into account. Particularly important to take into account comments that landscape diversity requires integration into mechanisms that are aimed at protecting and enhancing the natural heritage.

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. Makes specific references to agriculture and its role in relation to biodiversity conservation.

Provides important implementation mechanism at European level of biodiversity related policies.

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). Also states a requirement for the preparation of a Scottish Biodiversity Strategy, to which all public bodies should pay regard.

Important legislation at national level for SPP14 to reflect on and provide a statement of the land use planning response to these provisions.

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 over 25 year period. 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, to raise awareness of biodiversity value at a landscape or ecosystem scale, and to promote knowledge, understanding and involvement amongst people.

NPPG14 predated this strategy (and the Act, see above) and so it is important that policy is updated to reflect the priorities and proposals it suggests.

PAN60 Planning for Natural Heritage (2000)

PAN60 provides further advice on how natural heritage can be supported by planning policy and decision making. It states that landscape character protection and enhancement, biodiversity conservation, outdoor recreation and environmental education should all be important planning objectives, as together they help to achieve sustainable environments and support quality of life. It recommends cross sectoral working to achieve shared biodiversity objectives, as well as planning led action.

Important that the SPP reflects on progress made since the PAN, and the policy development process could also help to define whether new or supplementary advice is required in the future, on the basis of policy changes.

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. Requires Member States to develop more comprehensive frameworks to protect and enhance landscapes.

The Convention has been ratified by the UK Government, and it should therefore be recognised as providing an important steer for the SPP.

SNH Natural Heritage Futures (2002)

Provides baseline information for the assessment, and also 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.

Useful source of data and provides an insight into potential policy priorities for SPP. Identified solutions for future landscape management could be reflected in the policy.

PAN60 Planning for Natural Heritage (2000)

Confirms the importance of planning for landscape protection and enhancement, including for nationally important landscapes (National Parks, National Scenic Areas, designed landscapes and wild land). States that development plans should reflect each of their distinctive landscapes and that high standards of design and use of appropriate materials should help to minimise intrusion from inappropriate development.

As discussed previously, it is important that the SPP reflects on progress made since the PAN, and the policy development process could also help to define whether new or supplementary advice is required in the future, on the basis of policy changes.

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.

Useful for the SPP to take into account this evolving policy context, and to consider the implications of research underpinning the SPP21 policy development process.

Cultural heritage

Scottish Historic Environment Policy ( SHEP) 1 (and associated SEA Environmental Report)

Provides the overarching framework for historic environment policy in Scotland, within which a series of SHEPs will be set. Aims to promote effective conservation and to enhance enjoyment and understanding of the historic environment. Recognises the importance of the historic environment as an economic resource and aims to assist social and environmental regeneration.

Policies in the SHEP series are likely to be primarily translated into planning policy by NPPGs 5 and 18 as they are reviewed. However, the overall approach to the historic environment, and potential links with natural heritage should be taken into account within the SPP.

SHEP3 Gardens and Designed Landscapes (Consultation Document) 2006

This SHEP sets out a series of consultation questions for consideration by stakeholders. Key issues include whether a higher level of protection should be afforded to Historic Gardens and Designed Landscapes. Notes that planning authorities have a role to play in providing appropriate policies for identified sites of local importance and states that HS plays a supportive role in planning decision making relating to sites included within the Inventory.

These sites, and their protection, reflect the importance of recognising the cultural and aesthetic values of Scotland's landscapes. Important that any broader landscape related policy (and biodiversity related measures) within the SPP complement this regulatory framework and maximise the potential benefits of such sites.

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.

Cultural heritage value of wider landscapes, as well as formal historic gardens and designed landscapes should be taken into account within the SPP. Scope for mutually beneficial conservation efforts should be taken into account.

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.

Provides broader framework of relevance to the SPP.

NPPG5 Archaeology and Planning (1998)

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.

Landscape and biodiversity policy objectives have the potential to impact upon archaeological heritage, and vice versa. Useful for SPP14 to highlight this relationship and encourage mutually beneficial projects and initiatives.

NPPG18 Planning and the Historic Environment (1999)

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.

Some direct links between many aspects of this policy and the natural environment, particularly the need to protect and (where appropriate) enhance historic gardens and designed landscapes, and the importance of the wider setting of historic resources.

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.

Important for the SPP to consider the positive and negative effects that a broader right of access to land and waterways may have on biodiversity. Implications of community land ownership should also be taken into account. Scope for the SPP to complement the access and shared ownership agendas should also be explored further.

Closing the Opportunity Gap (2004)

This is the Scottish Executive's overall approach to reducing social disadvantage in Scotland. It aims to prevent people from falling into poverty, to provide routes out of poverty and to sustain people in lifestyles that are free from poverty. The six objectives include increasing employment opportunities for disadvantaged groups, building confidence and skills of young people, reducing financial exclusion, neighbourhood regeneration, health improvement and provision of improved access to services.

The SPP is likely to only have tangential relevance to this strategy, but the potential links between social inclusion and environmental quality should not be overlooked. Potential indirect links could also be made with the health agenda, in terms of promoting general wellbeing through quality of living environments, and more specific measures ( e.g. promoting health walks in natural areas).

People and Place: Regeneration Policy Statement (2006)

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.

Useful to note location of regeneration priority areas, so that added value from associated strategic greening projects, which sometimes form part of regeneration proposals, might be achieved.

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.

Potential issues arising from the need for land for housing development, and the importance of safeguarding biodiversity and landscapes. Possible tensions arising particularly on settlement edges where demand and vulnerability are potentially highest. Important to bear in mind this and other drivers of land use change when considering an appropriate approach to natural heritage planning.

Scottish Executive (2003) Improving Health in Scotland - The Challenge

Overarching strategy for health that covers physical, social and mental health. Raises awareness of health as a cross sectoral issue, and notes the need to address key risk factors. Also raises issue of health inequalities in Scotland, and states that Community Planning Partnerships are an important mechanism for overcoming this at the local level, including by helping to improve physical and social environments.

Possible broad contribution of natural heritage to physical and mental health and well being could be taken into account as part of the SPP preparation process.

Physical Activity Task Force (2003) Let's Make Scotland More Active

Aims to ensure that the Scottish population becomes more active, setting the target of all adults accumulating at least 30 minutes of moderate activity on most days of the week, and an hour for children. By achieving improved rates of activity, levels of chronic heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and colon cancer could be substantially reduced.

As above. Research shows that added benefits can be gained by people exercising in natural environments ( e.g. reduced blood pressure, faster rates of recovery etc.) This could be more actively promoted to maximise the health benefits of the SPP.

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.

Important for the SPP to take into account evolving policy and practice on greenspace, and to identify scope for mutual benefits arising when combined with SPP11.

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. Sets out commitments to improving quality as a result, including development of a New Directive.

Soil quality has an important role to play in supporting biodiversity and landscape. The SPP should recognise this, and could contribute to broader soil objectives that focus on its biological quality.

PAN33 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.

Important that possible synergies and conflicts between these policy aims are reflected in the SPP. Whilst site reclamation can provide biodiversity and landscape enhancement, the potential value and possibly unique characteristics of such sites should not be overlooked.

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.

Water quality relates to ecological diversity, and at some sites water issues may be particularly relevant to their quality. Joint working is likely to be required to ensure that the overall objectives of the WFD support ongoing biodiversity conservation and enhancement programmes. The ongoing work by organisations like the JNCC to link concepts of 'favourable ecological status' and 'good ecological status' should be taken into account, with SPP14 recognising these links as far as possible.

Water Environment and Water Services (Scotland) Act 2003 ( WEWS Act)

Transposes the Directive 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.

This legislation is generally supportive of the likely aims of SPP14, with links between water environment and ecological and landscape aims being relevant considerations for the SPP.

SEPA (2006) A Plan of Action - River Basin Planning in the Scotland River Basin District / Solway Tweed River Basin District, Consultation Documents

Currently open for consultation, these reports set out the proposed arrangements for River Basin Management Planning in the each of Scotland's two RBD. They state that reports setting out Significant Water Management Issues ( SWMI) will be published in July 2007, with draft RBMPs anticipated in 2008.

SWMI issues and potential responses within RBMPs should be taken into account as they emerge.

The Water Environment (Controlled Activities) (Scotland) Regulations 2005

Sets out the process by which activities that have the potential to affect Scotland's water environment are regulated. Authorisation under the CAR is required for discharging to waters, disposal of pollutants to land, abstractions, impoundments and engineering works affecting water bodies.

Relevant regulatory framework for the SPP to take into account, particularly if focusing on water dependent biodiversity and landscape resources.

Scottish Executive Environment Group (2002) Scotland's Bathing Waters A Strategy for Improvement

Aims to reduce water pollution in order to specifically improve bathing water catchments. Measures include changes to agricultural practices to address diffuse pollution, ensuring compliance with controls of industrial discharges, and making more use of Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems ( SUDS).

Provides general support for the likely aims of the SPP. The SPP could identify the contribution which land use planning can make to this policy agenda.

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. Prescribes appropriate responses in accordance with varying levels of flood risk. Notes that proposals for development that rely on flood prevention measures should be viewed with caution.

Encourages consideration of the natural heritage effects of flood management schemes as an integral part of development plan policies. SPP14 should take this relationship into account where relevant.

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.

Likely to be broadly beneficial in relation to the aims of SPP14. SPP14 also potentially has an indirect role to play in contributing to air quality improvements.

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 previous.

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. States that air pollution can have consequences for health and ecosystems, with the latter being caused primarily by processes of acidification and eutrophication. Sets targets for reducing specific pollutants.

Emphasis of links between air quality and ecosystems specifically noted within the Strategy. Important that SPP takes into account the impacts of processes such as acidification, and proposes remedial action where appropriate.

The Air Quality Strategy for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Working Together for Clean Air (2000)

Provides more specific UK targets for reducing air pollution and sets out local authority responsibilities for achieving most of these. States that land use planning and transport planning have a key role to play in contributing to these targets.

Aims to contribute to protection of the natural environment by improving air quality. Notes that this is a requirement when considered in conjunction with the Habitats and Birds Directives (above).

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.

Underpins more specific policy commitments to reducing climate change. Biodiversity and landscapes can be affected by climate change, and their management can also potentially contribute to mitigation and adaptation measures.

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.

As with the overall Kyoto Agreement, this raises some opportunities and challenges for biodiversity and landscape planning. Potential shift in thinking about conservation priorities in the long term might be expected, as a result of changing values and vulnerabilities arising from climate change.

Changing Our Ways - Scotland's Climate Change Programme (2006)

Provides national interpretation of broader climate change objectives. States that Scotland is seeking to exceed its share of carbon emission reductions by 1 million tonnes, going beyond UK targets of a 12.5% reduction in greenhouse gases between 2008 and 2012, a reduction of C0 ₂ by 20% by 2010 and 60% by 2050.

Refers to the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy and also notes the importance of the planning system in adapting to climate change. Considerable research has and is being undertaken which provides more specific guidance on the implications of climate change (and its related policy framework) on biodiversity.

Material Assets

SPP2 Economic Development (2002)

Clearly supports the role of planning in delivering Framework for Economic Development in Scotland. States that planners should respond positively to change and reflect the needs of the market.

The wider role of the planning system in facilitating economic development, including by providing appropriate sites for investment, should be taken into account when preparing SPP14.

SPP6 Renewable Energy. (2007)

Sets out a framework for planning to encourage, approve and implement renewable energy proposals. The SPP reflects a general policy emphasis on achieving renewable energy development in Scotland, and balances this with the need to protect natural heritage resources, including biodiversity and landscape.

This wider policy commitment should be borne in mind when considering the role of SPP14. Potentially useful role of SPP14 in providing further discussion of the natural heritage opportunities and challenges arising from this aspect of planning policy.

A Forward Strategy for Scottish Agriculture: Next Steps (and associated retrospective SEA)

The strategy aims to strengthen links between food production, processing, marketing, rural development and sustainable environmental management. It seeks to improve competitiveness, achieve sustainable development and promote high environmental standards. Actions are structured around 4 strategic priorities: food production and marketing, rural development, environment and communications.

Although SPP14 should focus on the role of land use planning in relation to the natural environment, it is important that broader land uses, and their influence on environmental quality, are taken into account. The SEA highlighted a number of issues requiring further assessment, including the need for joined up working to ensure that new development emerging under the strategy ( e.g. tourism or processing facilities) does not result in negative effects on the natural or built environment. Negative landscape change from farming and forestry practices will also require action across a range of policy sectors, being beyond the remit of agriculture alone.

The Scottish Forestry Strategy (2006) (and associated SEA)

Sets out a framework for nationally and privately owned forestry throughout Scotland. Key priorities include addressing climate change (a cross cutting theme), contributing to landscape quality, and protecting and enhancing biodiversity. The SFS notes potential for working positively with the planning system to achieve aims such as sustainable forestry management, renewable energy development and creation of new woodland frameworks.

The SPP should seek to complement these aims where possible and appropriate. There is particular potential to progress environmental enhancement initiatives that benefit landscapes and biodiversity, through co-ordination of forestry investment and links with significant new development areas. Proposed activities such as renewable energy development and carbon sequestration have implications for landscape and biodiversity that planning can play a role in managing.

Rural Development Programme for Scotland 2007-2013. The Strategic Plan

Sets out priorities for allocating EU funding for rural development over the coming years. Has three key themes of underpinning performance and quality in the primary sectors, enhancing rural landscapes and natural heritage, and promoting a more diverse rural economy and thriving rural economies. Rural Development Plan also prioritises the amenity of villages, affordable housing, and distribution and storage networks to allow access to local markets.

Important that the SPP takes into account wider aspirations and challenges for rural areas if it is to provide complementary and realistic land use policies. Key role for planning in achieving an appropriate balance between environmental protection and development.

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 a positive approach to development which reinforces and does not undermine the quality of rural areas should be taken into account when developing this more environmentally focused 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, and to ensure that Europe looks beyond its boundaries in making informed decisions about sustainability.

Broad commitments to sustainable development should underpin the development of the SPP.

European Sixth Environmental Action Programme 2002-2012 (2002)

Sets out a strategy for the environmental component of sustainable development in Europe. States that climate change, nature and biodiversity, health and quality of life, and natural resources and waste should be prioritised. Provides a framework for new national level environmental legislation, and encourages involvement and integration of environmental issues across wider policy sectors.

The SPP should reflect the priorities for nature and biodiversity that are set out in the programme, where possible.

Scottish Executive et al (2005) One future - different paths - The UK's shared framework for sustainable development

Sets out shared commitments by the devolved administrations to achieving sustainable development. Focuses on a 'new' definition of sustainable development where current populations can meet their needs without prejudicing the quality of life of future generations. Defines shared principles of: living within environmental limits; ensuring a strong, healthy and just society; achieving a sustainable economy; promoting good governance; and using sound science responsibly.

Broad commitments to sustainable development should underpin the development of the SPP.

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. Notes the need for urgent action in response to growing problems and pressures.

Broad commitments to sustainable development should underpin the development of the SPP. The SPP should seek to particularly reflect the accepted aim of 'mainstreaming' sustainable development, and components of it, by continuing to ensure that natural heritage considerations are integral to the statutory land use planning system.

Scottish Executive Environment Group (2005) Indicators of Sustainable Development for Scotland, Progress Report

Measures progress towards a wide range of sustainable development targets. Shows where good progress has been made, and where trends suggest that further remedial action is required to ensure stated objectives are met.

Measures have been taken into account, where relevant, in relation to the baseline for this SEA.

Planning etc. (Scotland) Act 2006

Introduces reforms of the Scottish Planning System. Defines the role of the National Planning Framework, as part of the hierarchy of development plans in Scotland. Also aims to strengthen community involvement, and to make development plans and development management more efficient.

The SPP is being prepared with the aims of planning reform being specifically borne in mind.

National Parks (Scotland) Act 2004

Sets out the four aims of National Parks in Scotland: conservation and enhancement of natural heritage, sustainable use of natural resources, promoting understanding and enjoyment, and the sustainable economic and social development of the area's communities. Provides framework for designating areas, organisational and funding structures, and requirements for the preparation of National Park plans.

The special status of the two existing National Parks could be taken into account and reflected in the SPP. As far as possible and appropriate, potential designation of a new coastal National Park should also be noted and built into the policy review process.

NPPG13 Coastal Planning (1997)

States that the Scottish coast is of national significance. For planning purposes coasts can be defined as being developed, undeveloped or isolated, and each type of area requires a different approach to development planning and control. Provides guidelines for development, including the need to avoid siting developments on the coast unless this is a locational requirement, and targeting developments on the developed coast. Conservation of the natural and cultural heritage of the coast is encouraged.

Special environmental characteristics of Scottish Coasts, and planning frameworks associated with them, should be reflected in the SPP.

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.

Emphasis on high quality design likely to particularly complement the provisions of the SPP relating to landscape.

SPP20 Role of Architecture and Design Scotland (2005)

Defines the role of Architecture and Design Scotland in relation to the planning system. Emphasises the importance of delivering high quality design in all types of development.

As previous.