The Scottish Government

Natural heritage

Scotland is famed for the beauty of its natural heritage. This not only includes its landscape and geology but its plant and animal life. The concept of natural heritage can be both simple and complex and embraces the interrelationship of landform, habitat, wildlife and landscape and their capacity to provide enjoyment and inspiration.

It encompasses both physical attributes and aesthetic values and, given the long interrelationship between human communities and the land in Scotland, has important cultural and economic dimensions. Attractive and ecologically rich environments, where the natural heritage is valued and cherished, are essential to social and economic well-being.

Policy summary

National Planning Policy Guideline (NPPG) 14: Natural Heritage provides guidance on how policies for the conservation and enhancement of natural heritage should be reflected in land use planning.

• Development plans should include policies and proposals for the protection, and where appropriate, enhancement of natural heritage within designated areas and throughout their area, and should seek to improve opportunities for public enjoyment and understanding of the natural heritage.
• Planning Authorities should have full regard to the natural heritage in determining planning applications and contributing to projects. All relevant policy and legal tests must be met before development significantly affecting a protected species or designated area may be permitted.

SPP Update

As part of the commitment to proportionate and practical planning polices, the Scottish Government is rationalising the Scottish Planning Policy (SPP) and National Planning Policy Guidance (NPPG) series into a single, shorter statement of national planning policy. The initial sections of the consolidated SPP were published in October 2008 as Scottish Planning Policy (SPP) covering the core principles, aspirations and expectations of the planning system. The remaining sections of the consolidated SPP, covering community engagement, sustainable development, outcomes and the subject policies, were published for consultation in April 2009. The consultation closed in June 2009. A further consultation on changes to the sustainable development, climate change, flooding and coastal planning sections and to policy on onshore oil and gas operations and high amenity business locations ran from September 30, 2009 until November 12, 2009. The final consolidated SPP will at published by the end of 2009. More information on the consolidation is available on the SPP home page.