Aberdeen City Council Core Paths Plan Strategic Environmental

Transcription

Aberdeen City Council
Core Paths Plan
Strategic Environmental Assessment
Scoping Report
March 2008
Table of Contents
1
The Core Paths Plan ..................................................................................................... 1
1.1
Strategic Environmental Assessment.................................................................. 1
1.2
The Aberdeen City Core Paths Plan ................................................................... 1
2
Other Strategies, Plans, Programmes and Environmental Protection Objectives... 3
2.1
Relationship with Legislation, Strategies, Plans, Programmes and
Environmental Protection Objectives .................................................................. 3
3
Baseline Information..................................................................................................... 6
3.1
The Purpose of Collecting Baseline Information.................................................. 6
4
Environmental Problems .............................................................................................. 8
4.1
Existing Environmental Problems........................................................................ 8
5
Scope and Level of Detail Proposed for the Environmental Assessment .............. 10
5.1
Introduction ....................................................................................................... 10
5.2
SEA Objectives ................................................................................................. 10
5.3
Proposed Methodology for Assessing Environmental Effects ........................... 12
5.4
Indicators and Monitoring.................................................................................. 18
6
Next Steps ................................................................................................................... 19
6.1
Next Steps ........................................................................................................ 19
6.2
Consultation Timescale..................................................................................... 19
6.3
Structure of the Environmental Report .............................................................. 20
Appendix A
- Other Relevant Strategies, Plans, Programmes and Environmental
Protection Objectives ................................................................................................. 21
Appendix B - Environmental Baseline................................................................................... 36
Appendix C - Testing CPP Objectives ................................................................................... 87
Appendix D - CPP Selection Criteria ..................................................................................... 91
Appendix E - Assessment of Individual Core Paths............................................................. 98
Scoping Report - Aberdeen City Core Paths Plan
1
The Core Paths Plan
1.1
Strategic Environmental Assessment
The Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005 requires that public sector strategies,
plans and programmes are subject to Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA).
The Aberdeen City Core Paths Plan (CPP) will be subject to SEA. As required by the above
legislation, an Environmental Report will be prepared to set out the likely significant
environmental effects of the CPP. It will also set out measures to prevent, reduce or offset
these effects and will propose a framework for monitoring predicted effects.
The Environmental Report will be published with the draft CPP for formal consultation with the
public and the Consultation Authorities; Historic Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and
the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).
Following the consultation phase, a Post-Adoption SEA Statement will be produced to set out
how the findings of the Environmental Report and comments from consultation have been taken
into account in the development of the final CPP. This will also set out the final monitoring
framework.
1.1.1
This Scoping Report
The purpose of this SEA Scoping Report is to set out sufficient information on the Aberdeen
City Core Paths Plan to enable the Consultation Authorities to form a view on the consultation
period and scope/level of detail that will be appropriate for the Environmental Report.
Comments from the Consultation Authorities will be taken into account in the environmental
assessment and in the preparation of the Environmental Report.
1.2
The Aberdeen City Core Paths Plan
1.2.1
Introduction
Aberdeen City Council is preparing the Aberdeen City Core Paths Plan as a result of the
provisions of Sections 17 to 20 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003. The subject covered
by the plan includes paths and access to the outdoors. The Core Paths Plan (CPP) will cover
the period 2008 to 2012 or until the plan is next reviewed (Guidance1 suggests CPPs should
generally cover a period of 5 years). The plan covers the whole of Aberdeen City.
The purpose of the plan is to identify and provide a basic framework of routes sufficient to give
the public reasonable access throughout Aberdeen City. This basic framework of routes will be
both in and around local communities and will also link into and support wider networks of other
routes.
1.2.2
Key Facts
The key facts relating to the Aberdeen City CPP are set out below in Table 1.1:
1
Paths for all Partnership and Scottish Natural Heritage, (July 2005), “Core Paths Plans – A
Guide to Good Practice”,
Table 1.1
Aberdeen City CPP: Key Facts
Name of
Responsible
Authority
Title of Strategy
What Prompted
the Strategy
Strategy Subject
Period Covered
Frequency of
Updates
Strategy Area
Strategy Purpose
Contact Point
Aberdeen City Core Paths Plan
The term ‘Core Paths’ was introduced in the Land Reform (Scotland)
Act 2003. This Act set out that all Local Authorities and National Parks
have a statutory duty to draw up a Core Paths Plan that will “provide
the basic framework of routes sufficient for the purposes of giving the
public reasonable access throughout their area. This basic framework
of routes will link into, and support, wider networks of other paths”.
Outdoor Access
2008-2012 (or until a review is deemed necessary)
Every 5 years or as appropriate
Aberdeen City Council Boundary
The purpose of the CPP is to identify and designate networks of core
paths which will make it easier for everyone to enjoy the outdoors
responsibly. The CPP vision, aims and objectives provide further detail
on the Plan’s purpose.
Rachel Sharp
Senior Planner (Access)
St Nicholas House
Broad Street
Aberdeen
AB10 1BW
Tel
Fax
Email
01224 523316
01224 636181
[email protected]
2
Other Strategies, Plans,
Programmes and Environmental
Protection Objectives
2.1
Relationship with Legislation, Strategies, Plans, Programmes and Environmental
This section highlights legislation, strategies, plans, programmes and environmental protection
objectives which are relevant to this SEA. Where appropriate, SEA objectives have been
developed to ensure that key issues from these are incorporated in the assessment.
Appendix A contains more information regarding linkages to the SEA and CPP.
Table 2.1
Relevant Legislation, Strategies, Plans, Programmes and Environmental
International Legislation
• The EC Directive on the Conservation of Wild Birds 79/409/EEC 1979
• The EC Directive on the Conservation of Natural Habitats of Wild Fauna and Flora
92/43/EEC 1992
• Directive 2000/60/EC The Water Framework Directive
http://europa.eu.int/comm/environment/water/water-framework/index_en.html
• Directive 1996/62/EC on Ambient Air Quality and Management
http://europa.eu.int/comm/environment/air/ambient.htm
• Directive 2001/42/EC on the assessment of the effects of certain plans and programmes on
the environment
• Kyoto Protocol to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change 1992
National Legislation
• Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981
• The Conservation (Natural Habitats & c) Regulations 1994
• Nature Conservation Act 2004
• Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979
• Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) (Scotland) Act 1997
• The Air Quality Limit Values (Scotland) Regulations 2003
• Water Environment and Water Services (Scotland) Act 2003
• The Pollution Prevention and Control (Scotland) Regulations 2000
• Road Traffic Reduction Act 1997
• Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003
• Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000
• Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005
• Transport (Scotland) Act 2005
National
• Securing the future – UK Government sustainability development strategy (2005)
http://www.sustainable-development.gov.uk/publications/uk-strategy/uk-strategy-2005.htm
• NPPG1 - The Planning System (Revised June 2000)
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/library3/planning/nppg/tpsr-00.asp
• NPPG2 - Business and Industry http://www.scotland.gov.uk/consultations/planning/nppg2r00.asp
• NPPG8 - Retailing http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/1998/10/nppg8
• PAN 60 – Planning for Natural Heritage
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2000/08/pan60-root/pan60
• NPPG14 -Natural Heritage / Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 / Nature Conservation
Scotland Act 2004 http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/1999/01/nppg14
• PAN 75 – Planning for Transport
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/47121/0020840.pdf
NPPG5 Archaeology and Planning http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/1998/10/nppg5
NPPG 18 Planning and the Historic Environment
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/1999/04/nppg18
• PAN 42 Archaeology – The Planning Process and Scheduled Monument Procedures
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/library5/planning/pan42-00.asp
• SPP 7 – Planning and Flooding
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2004/02/18880/32952
• SPP17 - Planning for Transport
• Scottish Climate Change Programme (2000)
• Consultation on proposals for a Scottish Climate Change Bill
• UK Biodiversity Action Plan (1994)
• Scotland's Biodiversity: It's in Your Hands - A strategy for the conservation and
enhancement of biodiversity in Scotland
• Scotland’s Transport Future – Transport White Paper 2004
• Our Energy Future – Creating a Low Carbon Economy 2003
• Climate Change: The UK programme
http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/climatechange/pubs/ukccp/index.htm
• Air Quality Strategy for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland (2000)
• Choosing our Future: Scotland’s Sustainable Development Strategy
• Scotland’s Transport Future; “Guidance on the Development of Local Transport Strategies”
(2005)
• National Transport Strategy
• National Waste Strategy
• National Cycling Strategy (Department for Transport) (1996)
• Memorandum of Guidance on Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas 1998
http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/index/policyandguidance/memorandumofguidance.htm
• Passed to the Future (Historic Scotland’s policy for the sustainable management of the
historic environment) http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/index/policyandguidance/freepublications/free-publications-3.htm)
• SEPA Groundwater Protection Policy http://www.sepa.org.uk/pdf/policies/19.pdf
• SEPA Policy on the Culverting of Watercourses http://www.sepa.org.uk/pdf/policies/26.pdf
•
Core Paths Plans – A Guide to Good Practice
http://www.pathsforall.org.uk/cms_uploads/Core_Paths_Plans.pdf
Local and Regional
• National Waste Strategy and the North East (Grampian) Area Waste Plan
http://www.sepa.org.uk/nws/areas/north_east/index.htm
• The Finalised Aberdeen Local Plan - Green Spaces New Places
http://www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/acc/pdf/planning/Aberdeenlocalplan/LocalPlan.pdf
• Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route http://www.awpr.co.uk
• Joint Health Improvement Plan
http://www.aberdeenccn.info/Web/Site/Networks/CHP.asp?menuID=12&MenuItemID=38&
MenuType=PAGE
• North East Scotland Together – Structure Plan http://www.nestuk.net/Appoved%20NEST%20Pages/2002NESTWebApprovedPlanWebs%20.htm
• Economic Growth Strategy for North East Scotland http://www.scottishenterprise.com/publications/nesef-development-strategy-2002-2010.pdf
• North East of Scotland Local Biodiversity Action Plan
http://www.nesbiodiversity.org.uk/plan.pdf
• Regional Transport Strategy http://www.nestrans.org.uk
• Strategic Development Plan
• Community Plan
http://www.communityplanningaberdeen.org.uk/Web/Site/Internet/OurCommunityPlanandA
nnualReports.asp?menuID=45&MenuItemID=200&MenuType=MENU
• Local Agenda 21
http://www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/acc/YourCity/yourenvironment/Local%20_Agenda_21.pdf
• Aberdeen Outdoor Access Strategy
http://www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/ACCI/nmsruntime/saveasdialog.asp?lID=806&sID=3055
• Aberdeen’s Environmental Strategy
•
•
•
http://www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/ACCI/web/site/CommunityAdvice/SL(YourEnvironment)/cm
a_youenviron_envinfo.asp
Road Safety Plan
http://www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/acc/YourCouncil/Departments/envprop/Road_Safety_Plan2
.pdf
From the analysis of the relevant plans, programmes and environmental protection objectives,
the key points arising from this analysis are that the core paths plan should:
• promote biodiversity and protect all wild, rare and vulnerable birds, their nests, eggs and
habitats;
• maintain and restore natural habitats to ensure biodiversity;
• encourage the promotion of sustainable communities that focus on the sustainable use of
natural resources;
• support strategies that help to limit or reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases;
• encourage increased use of renewable energy resources and more efficient use energy
and water;
• protect wildlife from disturbance, injury and intentional destruction;
• promote a safe, clean environment and good quality services;
• promote sustainable alternatives to car and reduce congestion traffic pollution through the
promotion and provision of well-designed paths;
• promote economic growth, social Inclusion, environmental improvement, health and safety;
• promote strategies that do not degrade the coastal environment;
• promote the economy, support the community and the public service;
• set the framework for development consents for major housing developments;
• help to promote protect and, where appropriate, enhance the historic environment; and
• seek to promote watercourses as valuable landscape features and wildlife habitats.
3
Baseline Information
3.1
The Purpose of Collecting Baseline Information
The collection of environmental baseline information has a number of functions. It provides the
basis for predicting, evaluating and monitoring the environmental effects of the CPP.
The SEA predicts changes to the baseline that are likely to occur as a result of implementing
the strategy. Baseline information also provides a starting point for monitoring the actual effects
of the strategy. In addition, the review of baseline information has helped to identify the
environmental problems discussed in Chapter 4.
3.1.1
Level of Detail
A summary of baseline information is presented in Appendix B. The appendix is divided under
headings for the SEA categories (biodiversity, landscape, etc.) and for each category, the
following information is provided:
SEA indicator
Quantified, baseline information
Comparators and targets
Trends
Issues/Constraints
Data source(s)
The appendix sets out the baseline information that will be used in the assessment. It is
possible that, as the CPP develops, it may be necessary to collect additional baseline
information to aid the assessment. This will depend on the level of detail included in the CPP
itself. At this stage it is not expected that significant amounts of additional baseline information
will be required.
3.1.2
Changes to Baseline
Changes to the environment are likely due to a range of reasons e.g. natural processes or
through human activities which are not linked to the CPP. For the SEA to identify how the
environment will change due to the CPP, it is important to be aware how it would change
without it. The Environmental Report will therefore describe the likely evolution of the
environment without the implementation of the CPP.
This will also aid the identification of cumulative and synergistic effects.
At this stage, it is considered that without the implementation of Aberdeen City Core Paths
Plan, the likely future changes to the area could include:
•
•
•
•
no increase in the number of people taking part in healthy recreational activities;
greater opportunity for conflicts between recreational activities and land management;
people having lower levels of appreciation of their environment and their impacts on it; and
less planned management of access leading to land management conflicts and negative
impacts on sensitive environmental sites.
3.1.3
Baseline Data and Monitoring
Following the implementation of the CPP, the environmental effects will be monitored and the
baseline information collected for the Environmental Report in order to provide a starting point
for monitoring effects. Following consultation on this Scoping Report, monitoring proposals will
be set out in the Environmental Report. The final monitoring framework will be presented in the
Post-Adoption SEA Statement.
4
Environmental Problems
4.1
Existing Environmental Problems
Existing environmental problems have been identified to ensure that relevant issues are taken
into account in the assessment. This exercise has informed the development of SEA
objectives.
It is important to be aware of existing problems for the assessment of cumulative and
synergistic impacts.
Existing environmental problems which are of relevance to the CPP were identified through
discussions with Aberdeen City Council Environmental Planners and through analysis of
baseline information. The relevant environmental problems identified to date are set out in
Table 4.1.
4.1.1
Potential Environmental Problems
This section of the Scoping Report does not highlight potential future environmental problems
associated with the CPP. The SEA will assess the potential for environmental problems
associated with the CPP and these will be stated in the Environmental Report.
Table 4.1 below highlights potential issues that will be taken into account in the assessment of
environmental effects.
Table 4.1
Existing Environmental Problems
SEA
Category
Environmental Problem
Biodiversity, Loss/fragmentation of habitats and
Flora &
disturbance to species due to the
Fauna
construction of new paths.
Pollution of the water environment
through construction and ongoing run-off
has negative effects on aquatic habitats.
Habitat loss and fragmentation due to
historic culverting of water courses for
path projects.
Landscape
The construction of new paths could have
and Visual
negative effects on landscape character
Amenity
and visual amenity.
Light pollution (associated with
development of new routes) could
negatively affect landscape character
and visual amenity.
Potential removal of landscape elements,
such as traditional granite buildings,
stone dykes, hedges and trees could
expose land in places.
Implications for the CPP
The CPP could promote new
path infrastructure which could
have the potential to result in
disturbance to habitats and
species. The SEA will predict
and, where possible, will mitigate
these effects.
infrastructure which has the
potential for adverse effects on
landscape character and visual
amenity. The SEA will identify
likely effects and possible
measures to mitigate these
effects.
Cultural
Heritage
New path infrastructure could adversely
affect landscape and townscape
character.
New path infrastructure could lead to a
loss of unknown and locally known
architectural remains from new
development, vandalism and coastal
erosion.
infrastructure which has the
the historic environment or on
the setting of historic buildings or
features. The SEA will identify
likely effects and possible
measures to mitigate these
effects.
Air Quality & An Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) The CPP should help to reduce
Climatic
the use of private vehicles
was declared in parts of the City Centre
Factors
through the promotion of walking
in June 2002 as a result of predicted
and cycling, which will have a
exceedances of the annual mean air
positive effect on air quality.
quality objective of 40ugm-. Further
AQMAs are being considered for other
parts of the City.
Run-off of pollutants from paths and rock
salt from paths maintenance could have
a potentially negative effect on adjacent
rivers. This is of greatest significance in
rural locations where drains and ditches
are more likely to empty directly into
watercourses rather than entering
sewage treatment systems.
Short-term pollution of water courses due
to construction and widening of paths.
Flooding events are predicted to increase
in frequency and severity due to the
effects of climate change.
Bathing water quality is not consistently
meeting EC Guideline Standards in
Aberdeen.
There are 2 watercourses that are
classified as seriously polluted (Mains of
Dyce Burn (poor biology), & East Tollos
Burn (poor biology and chemistry)), both
in the City. Far Burn (Dyce pumping
station) (biology); Far Burn (Airport,
Wellheads SWS) (biology and
chemistry); Scatter Burn (entry to River
Don) (chemistry).
Population & Growing levels of obesity and health
Human
problems due to reduced levels of
Health
physical activity amongst the local
population.
Soil &
Loss of soils and agricultural land due to
Material
the construction of new paths
Assets
infrastructure
Water
infrastructure and maintenance
activities which have the
the water environment. The SEA
will identify actions which have
the potential for adverse impacts
and will develop measures to
mitigate these effects.
The CPP should facilitate
increased access to the
outdoors and encourage greater
levels of physical activity.
New path infrastructure could
potentially result in the loss of
soils and agricultural land. The
SEA will predict if effects are
likely to be significant.
5
Scope and Level of Detail
Proposed for the Environmental
Assessment
5.1
Introduction
This chapter of the Scoping Report sets out details of the proposed environmental assessment.
It highlights the aspects of the environment that will be considered, the SEA objectives that will
be used to assess effects and the proposed methodology for evaluating the significance of
effects.
A list of indicators that it is proposed would be used to monitor effects of the CPP is provided at
the end of this chapter.
5.2
SEA Objectives
5.2.1
Scoping In and Out of Issues
The Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005 requires that consideration is given to the
likely significant effects of the CPP, including its alternatives, on the following aspects of the
environment:
Biodiversity, Flora and Fauna
Landscape
Cultural Heritage
Water
Soil
Air
Climatic factors
Population
Human Health
Material Assets
Due to the potential for wide ranging environmental effects from the CPP, it has been decided
that no SEA issues will be scoped out. SEA objectives have therefore been developed to
address all of the SEA categories.
5.2.2
SEA Objectives
The SEA objectives presented in Table 5.1 will be used to appraise the objectives and policies
of the Aberdeen City CPP, as well as its alternatives. Judgements will be made regarding
whether predicted changes to the baseline are likely to have positive, negative or neutral effects
on the SEA objectives.
The development of SEA objectives took into account:
2
SEA Guidance2
Objectives of other relevant strategies, plans, programmes and environmental protection
objectives
Knowledge amongst stakeholders of local environmental issues
Identified environmental problems
Environmental baseline information
SEA Toolkit, Scottish Executive, September 2006
The objectives are broad to enable all potential impacts within each category to be identified
within the assessment. For each broad SEA objective particular consideration will be given to
potentially sensitive receptors and existing environmental problems. These are referred to as
‘matters for consideration’ in Table 5.1. For example, when assessing whether a policy will
‘protect maintain and, where appropriate, enhance biodiversity’, particular consideration will be
given to potential impacts on European, nationally and locally protected sites and species.
In some cases, due to the similarities between some of the SEA categories, as shown in Table
5.1 below, it has been considered more useful (and simpler for the purposes of the
assessment) to group some of the environmental issues into one objective. For example, air
quality and climatic factors.
Table 5.1
SEA Objectives
SEA Objective
1. Protect, maintain
and where appropriate,
enhance biodiversity
Matters for Consideration
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
h)
2. Protect and where
appropriate, enhance
the quality and
distinctiveness of
landscapes and
townscapes
and where appropriate,
enhance the historic
environment
4. Improve local air
quality, and reduce
Aberdeen’s
contribution to climate
change
5. Improve water
quality and reduce
flooding
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
a)
b)
c)
a)
b)
c)
d)
Internationally protected sites (Special
Protection Areas (SPA), Special Areas of
Conservation (SAC) and Ramsar sites);
Nationally protected sites (Sites of Special
Scientific Interest (SSSI));
Locally protected sites (District Wildlife
Sites (DWS));
European Protected Species (e.g. bats,
otters, great crested newts; cetaceans);
Nationally protected species (e.g. badgers);
Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP)
priority habitats and species;
Wildlife corridors (e.g. verges adjacent to
transport infrastructure and rivers); and
All habitats which may be lost, fragmented
or disturbed by transport-related activities.
Landscape and townscape character;
Visual amenity;
Designated sites and sensitive
landscapes/townscapes e.g. National
Scenic Areas;
Potentially sensitive receptors to visual
impacts e.g. residential areas; and
Light pollution.
Scheduled Ancient Monuments (SAM);
Gardens and Designed Landscapes;
Listed Buildings;
Conservation Areas;
Known and unknown archaeology; and
Other historic features.
Key pollution indicators e.g. PM10 and
NO2;
Sensitive areas, where pollution has
exceeded recommended levels; and
Overall transport-related CO2 emissions.
Pollution of water bodies including coastal
waters and groundwater;
Catchment hydrology;
Aquatic biodiversity;
Flooding and vulnerability of path;
infrastructure to flooding events;
SEA
Category
Biodiversity,
flora and
fauna
Landscape
Cultural
heritage,
landscape
Air Quality
and Climatic
Factors
Water
5.3
6. Improve human
health and
accessibility, social
inclusion and access
to the natural and
historic environment
e) Travel disruption due to weather; and
f) Drainage.
a) Air quality;
a) Physical activity e.g. walking and cycling;
b) Noise and vibration;
c) Access to the natural and historic
environment; and
d) Footpaths and cycleways
7. Protect soil and
material assets
a) Use of natural resources e.g. minerals
b) Effects on private property
Population
and Human
health
Soil, material
assets
Proposed Methodology for Assessing Environmental Effects
This section sets out the proposed method for predicting environmental effects and evaluating
the significance of these effects. Three elements of the CPP will be assessed:
CPP Objectives;
Alternatives (Please note that given the high level nature of these, a broad assessment has
been undertaken, the results of which are presented in this Scoping Report – see 5.3.2); and
Draft Core Path proposals (e.g. specific routes). Please note that only those paths which,
having been screened through the desk based appraisal, are considered to have potential
impacts on environmentally sensitive locations will be subject to environmental assessment.
While it is intended to individually assess only those paths that have the potential to have
negative environmental impacts, it should be noted that, in effect, an environmental appraisal
has been undertaken of all paths through the desk based assessment of each of the paths
using core paths selection criteria, which contains environmental impact assessment factors.
This is explained further in section 5.3.3.
Proposed techniques for assessing the aforementioned elements of the CPP are set out in the
remainder of section 5.3.
5.3.1
Assessing the CPP Objectives
There will be an initial appraisal of the CPP objectives. This will take the form of a matrix to test
the compatibility of the CPP objectives and SEA objectives. At this stage it is expected that the
CPP objectives will be directly linked to the SEA objectives.
A sample matrix is provided in Appendix C. In general, this will be a simple and high-level
compatibility test. Where incompatibilities are identified, amendments to the CPP objectives will
be considered.
5.3.2
Assessing Alternatives
5.3.2.1
Strategic Alternatives
While it is considered that there is no real alternative to the Core Paths Plan (since it is a
statutory strategic document), three broad strategic options (Do Nothing”, “Do Optimum” and
“Do Maximum”) have been developed for the purposes of appraisal.
The “Do Nothing” Option is based on the current paths in use without additional designation as
‘core paths’ through the Core Paths Plan. The “Do Maximum” option considers the widest
possible network of paths irrespective of their site features and barriers. The “Do Optimum”
Option is a combination of the “Do Nothing” and “Do Maximum” Options based on the
provisions of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003. The Act requires Aberdeen City Council to
“draw up a plan for a system of paths (“core paths”) sufficient for the purpose of giving the
public reasonable access throughout their area”.
The “Do nothing”, “Do Optimum” and “Do Maximum” options have been assessed against some
broad sustainability and implementability criteria and the results are as set out in Table 5.2
below.
Table 5.2: Appraisal of Options
Economic
Sustainability
Social
Sustainability
Environmental
Sustainability
Do Nothing
This option provides
poor access to sites. As
a result there are weak
links between tourism
sites within the City.
Unlikely to increase
public health through
physical activity. Poor
health can affect
people’s ability to
sustain economic
growth. Unlikely to have
much positive impact on
attracting and retaining
people and business,
unlike more proactive
options.
This option largely
follows the status quo.
Inadequate information
on current network and
coherent signage as well
as missing links. This
option will not
encourage connection
and social cohesion
among communities
more than is achieved at
present.
Undefined paths and a
lack of some links and
lack of management
have led to people
creating desire lines
across sensitive sites.
Legal and
Administrative
feasibility
According to the Land
Reform (Scotland) Act
2003, “it is the duty of
the local authority … to
draw up a plan for a
system of paths (“core
paths”) sufficient for the
purpose of giving the
public reasonable
access throughout their
area.” This option will
not meet the
requirements of the Act.
Technical and
Economic
Feasibility/ Best
Value
This option does not
present any technical or
economic problems
since no action will be
taken. The definition of
Optimum Option
more opportunities for
promotion and
development of
linkages between
various tourist sites
and economic
activities. Business
opportunities are
likely to be greater.
Maximum Option
greatest opportunities
for promotion and
development of
linkage between
various tourist sites
and economic
activities.
However, in terms of
the resource
implications for
delivering this option,
this would not be
realistically
achievable.
Comments
In terms of wider
economic
sustainability, the
maximum option is
the best option on the
basis of the
opportunities it
provides. Although in
reality the “Do
Optimum” option is
most appropriate.
more opportunities for
physical activities,
social cohesion and
community
interconnectedness.
the greatest
opportunities for
physical activities,
social cohesion and
community
interconnectedness.
In terms of social
sustainability, the
maximum option is
the best option on the
basis of the
opportunities it
provides.
The scale of paths
and routes considered
under this option will
provide opportunities
for people to enjoy the
natural and the
in such a way as to
avoid sensitive sites;
encourage the
creation of wildlife
corridors, and
enhance biodiversity.
According to the Land
Reform (Scotland) Act
2003, “in drawing up
the plan, the local
authority shall have
regard to...the need to
balance the exercise
of those rights and the
interests of the owner
of the land in respect
of which those rights
are exercisable.”
This option meets the
legal requirement for
creation of core paths
and respecting the
rights of owners. It is
also more likely to
meet the “sufficiency”
and “reasonable”
requirements.
This option is
technically and
economically feasible
and meets best value
considerations
The scale of paths
and routes likely
under this option
would have a much
more significant
impact on sensitive
sites and biodiversity.
From the
environmental
standpoint the best
option is the
“Optimum Option.”
Although this option
meets the legal
requirement for
creation core paths, it
is likely to violate the
rights of owners.
Legally, the best
option is the
“Optimum Option.”
This option is not
technically and
economically feasible,
as its implementation
would mean that a
The best option under
these criteria is the
“Optimum Option”.
Health, Safety,
Quality of life,
Geography and
Access
Preferred
Option
best value in the Local
Government (Scotland)
Act 2003 is not limited to
economic consideration
alone. It covers issues
such as continuous
improvement; balance
between quality, cost,
efficiency, effectiveness,
economy, equal
opportunity
requirements and
sustainable
development. Doing
nothing is not a mark of
continuous
improvement, equal
opportunity and
sustainable
development.
Some of the existing
paths cross roads and
undefined areas, which
can create health and
safety hazards. A lack of
adequate and good
quality routes does not
encourage the
enjoyment of the natural,
built and the historic
environment.
great deal of
construction work and
associated cost.
This option seeks to
address health, safety
and quality of life
issues.
This option includes
The best option under
all the routes and
these criteria is the
“Optimum Option”.
paths in the “Do
Nothing” option as
well as all new
desirable routes
including some very
steep slopes, deep
valleys, marshy
areas, and sensitive
sites. It also considers
possible demolition
and tunnelling. In this
respect, it ignores the
criteria of Health,
Safety, Quality of life,
Geography and
Access.
From the above analysis, the “Optimum” Option emerges as the preferred option in terms of
performance against the various sustainability and implementability criteria (i.e. social and
environmental sustainability; legal and administrative feasibility; technical and economic
feasibility/best value; health, safety, quality of life, geography and access).
5.3.3
Assessing specific core path proposals within the Core Paths Plan
5.3.3.1
Pre-Appraisal of Candidate Core Paths
This section briefly describes the pre-appraisal desk-based tasks and fieldwork that has been
undertaken as an initial assessment of candidate core paths.
First of all, through the first round of consultation and information gathering, the City’s informal,
wider paths network was identified. In partnership with the Aberdeen Outdoor Access Forum, a
vision, aims and objectives for the Core Paths Plan were established, relating closely with
strategic objectives for the City (Outdoor Access Strategy, Community Plan). From these
stemmed assessment criteria, intended to assist with the selection of candidate core paths,
which would then form the basis of the Consultative Draft Core Paths Plan. The assessment
criteria are summarised as:
•
The nature and geography of routes within the option;
•
The scope of use and users of paths;
•
Health, quality of life and safety considerations;
•
Links between and access to places and locations; and
•
Environmental, economic and social sustainability.
The full list of selection criteria along with explanations of the factors considered in assessing
paths against each of the specific criteria is presented in Appendix D.
The assessment of each of the candidate core paths has primarily been undertaken as a deskbased task, with each of the candidate paths appraised using information generated from
Aberdeen City Council’s Geographical Information System. This has subsequently been
complemented by further on the ground assessment of paths.
For each of the criterion, paths were scored using a scale of minus two to plus two - where
minus two means a major negative impact, minus one means a minor negative impact, zero
means no impact, one means a minor positive impact, and two means a major positive impact.
Possible Candidate Core Paths that scored poorly were reviewed to determine why this was so.
The review led to one of four outcomes;
1. The path remained as it met a more specialised criteria not offered by many other paths
throughout the network.
2. The path was re-routed so as to avoid low scoring impacts on the assessment criteria.
3. The path was re-routed as to attract higher scoring impacts on the assessment criteria.
4. The route was abandoned and/or an alternative route was assessed for suitability.
As a result of this process, paths that had a negative impact or did not meet the assessment
criteria were amended or replaced with a more satisfactory option. It is also important to note
that as per Government Guidance, the likely resources available for ensuring the achievability
and sustainability of the Core Paths Network have been a key consideration, requiring the
prioritisation of routes to be suggested as Candidate Core Paths.
In summary, appraisal has already been undertaken of each of the proposed core paths.
Importantly, this has already involved environmental appraisal through assessment against the
environmental factors set out in the selection criteria.
5.3.3.2
Assessing specific core path proposals within the Core Paths Plan
In addition to the general assessment of all paths, it is recognised that there is a requirement for
some more specific environmental assessment of proposed core paths which have the potential
to impact on environmentally sensitive sites. Therefore, the aforementioned path assessment
has been used as a tool to screen for such paths and these paths will be taken forward to more
detailed environmental assessment against the SEA objectives. It should be noted that it is the
intention that certain paths will be grouped for the purposes of assessment where appropriate
(i.e. where a number of different paths run through the same environmentally sensitive site).
The environmental assessment of the core paths will involve the following stages:
Predicting the potential environmental effects of implementing specific core paths (or groups
of core paths) and identifying the magnitude of these effects;
Developing mitigation measures; and
Presenting residual effects in the Environmental Report.
The first phase in the assessment involves predicting the likely environmental effects of each
core path (or core path group) on the SEA objectives and identifying how the baseline situation
is likely to change as a result.
Predicted effects will be considered in terms of their magnitude. Significance will be determined
by considering the sensitivity of the receptor in relation to the magnitude of the predicted effect.
In undertaking the assessment, consideration will be given to the ‘matters for consideration’ for
each SEA objective listed in Table 5.1.
5.3.3.3
Effect Magnitude
For the purpose of this SEA, the magnitude of the predicted effect will be identified as
negligible, minor, moderate or major. Magnitude is a combined measure of the geographical
scale of the effect; the probability of the effect; the duration of the effect; whether changes in the
baseline are permanent or temporary; reversible or irreversible; direct or indirect; the frequency
of the effects and the rate of change. Direction of change is measured as positive, negative or
neutral. The following is a summary of how the magnitude of the predicted effect will be
determined:
Table 5.3: Criteria for Determining Effect Magnitude
Magnitude
Symbol
-
Negligible
or Minor
Moderate
or Major
or
Description
No effect on the baseline. Effects would be one or more of the
following: possible, short term, indirect
Slight change in the baseline. Effects would be one or more of
the following: likely, short term, direct or indirect
Identifiable change in the baseline. Effects would be one or
more of the following: definite, medium term, direct or indirect,
reversible
Substantial identifiable change in the baseline. Effects would
be one or more of the following: definite, long term, direct,
irreversible
The terms used above to describe effect magnitude relate to the following descriptions of the
predicted effects that the Core Paths Plan may potentially have on the environment:
Table 5.4: Types of Predicted Effects
Predicted Effect
Probability
Geographical Scale
Frequency
5.3.3.4
Description
Definite
Likely
Possible
Community or Local
(settlement / town)
Regional (Structure Plan area)
National (UK)
European or International
Frequent
Rare
Presenting the Results of the Assessment
The results will be presented in a matrix and summarised in the text of the Environmental
Report. An example of the matrix is provided in Appendix E.
5.3.4
Cumulative Impacts
In some instances the environmental effects of individual actions may be insignificant when
considered in isolation. However, the combined effect of several paths within the CPP may be
of greater significance.
The SEA will take into account these cumulative effects and will assess the overall impacts
predicted for each receptor. The Environmental Report will therefore set out the likely
cumulative impacts for each SEA category (Biodiversity, Cultural Heritage, etc). Where
possible or appropriate, mitigation measures will be developed for these cumulative impacts.
5.3.5
Appropriate Assessment
Article 6 (3) and (4) of the ‘Habitats Directive3’ requires that plans and projects be subject to
appropriate assessment where there is a potential impact on any Natura 2000 site. Specifically,
article 6 requires that ‘any plan or project not directly connected with or necessary to the
management of the site but likely to have a significant effect thereon, either individually or in
combination with other plans or projects, shall be subject to appropriate assessments of its
implications for the site in view of the site’s conservation objectives’.
The only Natura 2000 site within the Aberdeen City Council area is the River Dee Special Area
of Conservation (SAC). The potential for impacts on the SAC will be considered as part of the
SEA, though through the desk-based appraisal, and as confirmed by recent discussions with
Scottish Natural Heritage, it is considered that proposals to implement paths along with River
Dee may have the potential to affect the River Dee SAC. Therefore, an Appropriate
Assessment will require to be carried out should proposals be taken forward to implement the
River Dee paths as core paths.
At this stage however, it should be noted that a feasibility study is being undertaken which
considers the provision of improved path infrastructure in this area. This includes the possibility
of creating a cycle route along the River Dee (candidate Core Path 70c). Should the decision be
taken that the Council wish to proceed with this option, it would have the potential to alter the
type of path that otherwise would have been developed as a core path, thereby having different
impacts on the environment. Therefore, it has been considered more useful to wait until firmer
proposals emerge as to the type of path that the Council will seek to implement along this route
before undertaking an appropriate assessment at this site.
Aberdeen City Council will keep consultative authorities fully informed on this issue and the
status of the appropriate assessment.
5.3.6
Mitigation Measures
The SEA Directive requires that through mitigation measures, recommendations will be made to
prevent, reduce or compensate for the negative effects of implementing the plan. It also seeks
to ensure that positive effects identified are enhanced. The proposed framework for mitigating
significant environmental effects is shown in Table 5.5.
Table 5.5: Mitigation Framework
SEA Issue
Existing Problem
Biodiversity, Flora & Fauna
Landscape
and
Visual
Amenity
Cultural Heritage
Air Quality & Climatic
Factors
Water
Population & Human Health
Soil & Material Assets
3
Plan Impact
Mitigation Measures
Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and
Flora, 1992
5.4
Indicators and Monitoring
Aberdeen City Council is required to monitor the significant environmental effects arising from
the plan’s implementation. A monitoring report will therefore be integrated into the adopted plan
to constantly monitor the significant environmental effects. The proposed framework for
monitoring significant environmental effects of the implementation of the plan is shown in Table
5.6 below.
Table 5.6: Mitigation Framework
What
needs to
be
monitored
?
What sort of
information is
required?
(Indicators)
Where can
the
information
be
obtained?
Are there
gaps in the
existing
information
and how
can it be
resolved?
When
should the
remedial
action be
considered
?
Who is
responsible
for
undertaking
the
monitoring?
How should
the results
be
presented?
What
remedial
actions
could be
taken?
6
Next Steps
6.1
Next Steps
Table 6.1 sets out the remaining SEA milestones.
Table 6.1: Next Steps
Task / Milestone
6.2
Description
Carry out
environmental
assessment
Predict and evaluate the significance of likely environmental effects,
including cumulative effects.
Develop mitigation
Develop methods to prevent, reduce and offset significant adverse
effects.
Develop
monitoring
proposals
Develop a set of indicators to monitor the significant adverse effects of the
CPP.
Prepare
Environmental
Report
Prepare Environmental Report; a proposed structure is set out in section
6.3.
Public
Consultation
The formal draft Aberdeen City CPP and Environmental Report will be
published for public consultation and will be submitted to the SEA
Gateway. The consultation phase is expected to be for 12 weeks.
Assess significant
changes
Significant changes to the CPP will be assessed, if appropriate.
Prepare PostAdoption SEA
Statement
This will include the assessment of any significant changes and will note
mitigation if appropriate. The statement will highlight how the findings of
the SEA and comments from consultation have been taken into account in
the development of the final CPP. It will also set out a final monitoring
framework, taking into account the comments on the proposed monitoring
framework from the Environmental Report.
Monitoring
The predicted significant environmental effects will be monitored
throughout the implementation of the CPP and remedial action will be
taken where possible or appropriate.
Consultation Timescale
It is proposed that the Environmental Report and Aberdeen City CPP are published for public
consultation for a period of 12 weeks in late spring / early summer 2008. The CPP is expected
to be adopted in late 2008.
Response on this Scoping Report is anticipated within 35 days of receipt of the report.
6.3
Structure of the Environmental Report
The proposed structure for the Environmental Report is as follows:
Non-technical summary
Introduction
- The purpose of the CPP and SEA
- Activities to date
- Key facts relating to the CPP
Context and method
- Relationship with other strategies, plans, programmes and environmental protection
objectives
- Environmental baseline information
- Environmental Problems
- Likely evolution of the environment without the CPP
- SEA objectives
- Assessment methods, including uncertainties and assumptions
Assessment results
- Compatibility test for CPP objectives
- Predicted effects of alternatives considered
- Predicted effects of the core paths proposal
- Predicted cumulative effects
- Mitigation measures
- Proposed monitoring framework and indicators
Appendix A - Other Relevant
Strategies, Plans, Programmes
and Environmental Protection
Objectives
Appendix A - Relationship with other Strategies, Plans, Programmes and Environmental Protection Objectives
Name of Strategy /
Plan / Programme /
Objective
International
Legislation
The EC Directive on
the Conservation of
Wild Birds 79/409/EEC
1979
Relevant Requirement of Plan/Programme/Objective
The EC Directive on
the Conservation of
Natural Habitats of
Wild Fauna and Flora
92/43/EEC 1992
Directive 2000/60/EC
The Water Framework
Directive
on Ambient Air
Quality and
Management
Protect birds naturally occurring in the European territory, applies to birds, eggs, nests
and habitats.
Preserve, maintain or re-establish a sufficient diversity and area of habitats. Maintain
populations of species taking into account ecological, scientific, economic and cultural
requirements.
Pay particular attention to wetlands especially those of international importance.
Preservation, protection and improvement of the quality of the environment, including
the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora.
Maintain and restore natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora, working towards
ensuring biodiversity and taking account of economic social and cultural requirements
and regional and local characteristics
To establish a framework for the protection of inland surface waters, transitional
waters, coastal waters and groundwater
To enhance protection and improvement of the aquatic environment and promote
sustainable water use.
To protect the environment as a whole and human health.
To maintain ambient air quality where it is good and to improve it in other cases using
limit values and/or alert threshold set for ambient air pollution levels.
Preserve best ambient air quality compatible with sustainable development
Relationship with Aberdeen City CPP
Any path infrastructure development
resulting from the CPP must comply with this
legislation. The CPP is likely to contain
actions to promote the conservation of
biodiversity.
Any path infrastructure development
resulting from the CPP must comply with this
legislation. The CPP is likely to contain
actions to promote the conservation of
biodiversity. This legislation requires that
Appropriate Assessment is required for plans
or projects with the potential to adversely
affect the integrity of Natura sites. Should
works be required within or close to any
Natura sites, proposals will be screened, in
consultation with SNH, for the need to carry
out an Appropriate Assessment.
Any development resulting from the CPP
must comply with this legislation. Paths and
the management of them may have the
potential to adversely affect water quality,
which could affect whether targets set by the
WFD are met.
The development of core paths and the
promotion of increased levels of walking and
cycling would have positive effects on air
quality.
Name of Strategy /
Plan / Programme /
Objective
on the assessment of
the effects of certain
plans and
programmes on the
environment
Requires strategic environmental assessment to be carried out for certain spatial
public sector plans and programmes.
This legislation was the precursor for the
Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act
2005, which requires the Aberdeen City CPP
to be subject to SEA.
Requires a cut in emissions of greenhouse gases of 5.2% compared to the year 1990.
The goal is to lower overall emissions of six greenhouse gases - carbon dioxide,
methane, nitrous oxide, sulfur hexafluoride, HFCs, and PFCs - calculated as an
average over the five-year period of 2008-12. National limitations range from 8%
reductions for the European Union and some others to 7% for the US, 6% for Japan,
0% for Russia, and permitted increases of 8% for Australia and 10% for Iceland.
The development and implementation of the
CPP should influence Aberdeen’s
contribution to climate change through the
promotion of more sustainable travel modes
such as walking and cycling.
Protection of wildlife (birds, animals and plants), countryside, national parks, public
rights of way and the designation of protected areas such as sites of special scientific
interest or limestone pavement orders.
Measures relating to the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora.
Provides for the designation and protection of ‘European Sites’. (SCIs, SACs, SPAs
and RAMSAR sites)
Protection of European protected species (such as bats and great crested newts)
Conservation of biodiversity
Increases protection for Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)
Amends legislation on Nature Conservation Orders,
Provides for Land Management Orders for SSSIs and associated land
Strengthens wildlife enforcement legislation
To consolidate law relating to ancient monuments and to provide for the inspection
and recording of matters of archaeological interest and to regulate such activities.
Provides for nationally important archaeological sites to be statutorily protected as
scheduled ancient monuments
Requires authorisation in the form of Scheduled Monument Consent, for the
undertaking of certain works
Listing of buildings of special architectural or historic interest
Kyoto Protocol to the
UN Framework
Convention on
Climate Change 1992
National Legislation
Wildlife and
Countryside Act 1981
The Conservation
(Natural Habitats & c)
Regulations 1994
Nature Conservation
Act 2004
Ancient Monuments
and Archaeological
Areas Act 1979
Planning (Listed
The CPP has the potential to affect
biodiversity and the SEA assesses potential
effects. Mitigation measures will be presented
which seek to address adverse effects.
Places a statutory duty on Aberdeen City
Council to further the conservation of
biodiversity. The Selection Criteria used to
help identify candidate core paths included
criteria on the promotion of biodiversity.
The CPP has the potential for adverse effects
on the historic environment and this will be
considered as part of this SEA.
The CPP has the potential for adverse effects
Name of Strategy /
Plan / Programme /
Objective
Buildings and
Conservation Areas)
(Scotland) Act 1997
The Air Quality Limit
Values (Scotland)
Regulations 2003
‘Building preservation notice’ Temporary listing
Restriction on work affecting listed buildings
Authorisation of works listed building consent
Applications for listed building consent
Power to impose conditions on grant of listed building consent
Revocation and modification of listed building consent
Rights of owners compensation
Prevention of deterioration and damage
Conservation Areas designation
Preservation and enhancement of conservation areas
Transpose into national legislation the requirements of Directive 2002/3/EC
Duty to ensure compliance with limit values of relevant pollutants in ambient air
Sets target values and long term objectives for levels of ozone in ambient air
Assess ambient air quality
Production of action plans where there is a risk of exceeding limit values for any of the
relevant pollutants
on the historic environment and this will be
considered as part of this SEA.
quality.
Any development resulting from the CPP
must comply with this legislation. New path
developments or path upgrades have the
potential to adversely affect water quality,
which could affect whether targets set by the
WFD are met.
Water Environment
and Water Services
(Scotland) Act 2003
Implements the Water Framework Directive in Scotland and requires:
Protection of water environment
Production of river basin management plans
The Pollution
Prevention and
Control (Scotland)
Regulations 2000
Aims to control pollution from industrial sources. It requires the prevention or reduction of Promotion of increased levels of walking and
emissions from installations and promotes techniques that reduce the amount of waste
cycling has the potential to reduce levels of
and releases overall
pollution.
Road Traffic
Reduction Act 1997
Requires local Authorities to create “an assessment of the levels of local road traffic in
their area, and a forecast of the growth of these levels”
and to specify targets for “a reduction in the levels of local road traffic in the area or a
reduction in the rate of growth on the level of such traffic”
The CPP will increase promotion of walking
and cycling which may affect road traffic
levels.
Name of Strategy /
Plan / Programme /
Objective
Land Reform
(Scotland) Act 2003
Countryside and
Rights of Way Act
2000
Increases the public right of access, within certain controls, to private land
Provides new rights of public access to areas of open land and provisions for
extending the right to coastal land
Improves rights of way legislation, by encouraging the creating new routes and
clarifying existing routes
Increases protection for sites of special scientific interest
Strengthens wildlife enforcement legislation
Provides for better management of areas of outstanding natural beauty
Environmental
Assessment
(Scotland) Act 2005
Transport (Scotland)
Act 2005
Extends Scottish legislation for SEA beyond the requirements of the ‘SEA Directive’
The CPP assesses the potential for effects on
accessibility and promotes the development
of walking and cycling networks.
The SEA of the Aberdeen City CPP is being
carried out in accordance with this legislation.
The Regional Transport Strategy for the
North East of Scotland 2007 – 2021 has been
Proposals for development of Regional Transport Partnerships, Regional and National
created as a result of this legislation. The
Transport Strategies
RTS promotes modal shift to more
Enables a national concessionary scheme
sustainable modes including walking and
Procedures for tackling road works
cycling – an objective that the CPP will assist
with.
National
Securing the future –
UK Government
sustainability
development strategy
(2005)
•
•
•
•
•
•
Sustainable consumption and production
Natural resource protection and environmental enhancement
Sustainable communities
Climate change and energy
Mentions the Renewable Obligation, launched in April 2002, which requires
electricity suppliers to source a percentage of their electricity sales from eligible
renewable sources. The current target is for 10% of electricity to be supplied from
renewable by 2010/11, with an aspiration to double this by 2020. The government
has also announced its intention to extend the obligation to 15% in 2015/16
The government has set a target of achieving at least 10gigawats (GW) of Good
The CPP promotes increased outdoor
access and increased levels of walking and
cycling that will support efforts to combat
climate change. The development of core
paths linking settlements could also support
the development of sustainable communities.
Name of Strategy /
Plan / Programme /
Objective
NPPG1 The Planning System
(Revised June 2000)
NPPG2 Business and Industry
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
NPPG8 Retailing
•
•
•
•
•
•
PAN 60 – Planning for
Natural Heritage
•
•
•
NPPG14 Natural Heritage /
Wildlife and
Countryside Act 1981 /
Nature Conservation
•
•
•
•
Quality CHP capacity – capacity that meets or exceeds set standard, by 2010
Promoting sustainable economic development
Encouraging and supporting regeneration and social justice
Maintaining and enhancing the quality of natural heritage and built environment
Encouraging more sustainable travel patterns
Enabling sustainable development
Ensuring that business and industrial development does not lead to unacceptable
damage to the environment and that it contributes to the maintenance, and where
possible to the improvement of environmental quality
Enabling a distribution of sites that gives greater weight to energy efficiency in terms
of access by public transport including rail as well as by road
Applying environmental assessment where appropriate
Taking account of the interaction between location, transport and the environment
Ensuring that new retail developments can be reached by a choice of means of
transport
Town Centres – Vitality
Town Centres - The Sequential Test
High Quality Urban Design
Maintaining and enhancing landscape character
Matters on which the authority will consult SNH; timescales for responding to
consultations; the content of SNH responses; regular meetings, input to
development plan preparation and pre-application discussions on major cases;
informing SNH of planning decisions;
Consider the impacts on and benefits of the natural environment when considering
implementation or policies
Presence of any protected species or habitats is a material consideration
Protecting designated sites
Safeguarding and enhancing the wider natural heritage beyond the confines of
designated areas
Protecting landscape heritage / SSSIs
The CPP should help to encourage
increased use of sustainable travel patterns.
The selection criteria used in the
identification and appraisal of core paths
included an assessment of the potential of
paths to supporting economic
development/business opportunities.
The selection criteria used to identify core
paths assessed the ability of core paths to
link into key facilities and services,
Opportunities for new businesses to emerge
following the development of new core paths
has also been considered as part of the
selection criteria.
The CPP should develop policies that will
maintain and enhance landscape character.
This will be assessed as part of this SEA.
The CPP will develop policies that will protect
or enhance natural heritage. This could
impact upon the design and development of
core paths.
Name of Strategy /
Plan / Programme /
Objective
Scotland Act 2004
PAN 75 – Planning for
Transport
•
•
•
•
NPPG5 Archaeology
and Planning
NPPG 18 Planning and
the Historic
Environment
PAN 42 Archaeology –
The Planning Process
and Scheduled
Monument
Procedures
SPP7 – Planning and
Flooding
SPP17 – Planning for
Transport
•
Safeguarding areas which have value for the enjoyment of the natural heritage
Integration of modes of transport and land use to deliver economic, health, social,
education and environmental objectives
Identify local, regional and national stakeholders and co-ordinate and consult on
strategies and policies.
New developments to be more user focused and to ensure that modal choice is
genuinely promoted.
Sets out the Government's planning policy on how archaeological remains and
discoveries should be handled.
To encourage the preservation of our heritage of sites and landscapes of
archaeological and historic interest.
Sets out the Government's planning policies in relation to the historic environment
with a view to its protection, conservation and enhancement
To secure preservation whilst accommodating and remaining responsive to present
day needs.
Includes advice on the handling of archaeological matters within the planning
process and on the separate controls over scheduled monuments under the Ancient
Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979.
Development plans should reconcile the need for development with the interests of
archaeology.
When determining a planning application, the desirability of preserving a
monument (whether scheduled or not) and its setting is a material consideration.
New development should not take place if it would be at significant risk of flooding
from any source or would materially increase the probability of flooding elsewhere.
To prevent further development which would have a significant probability of being
affected by flooding or which would increase the probability of flooding elsewhere.
Planning authorities must take the probability of flooding from all sources and the
risks involved into account during the preparation of development plans and in
determining planning applications.
Outlines the important links between land-use planning and the development of a
sustainable transport system.
The CPP will be subjected to consultation
and sets out various measures to develop an
integrated transport system. The
development of a CPP will help to promote
the use of more sustainable modes. Core
paths proposals could also potentially be
developed through developer contributions
as part of new developments for example.
Consideration of the historic and
archaeological environment must be taken
when planning new core paths.
Consideration of the historic environment
must be taken when planning new core
paths.
Consideration must be given to ancient
monuments and the archaeological
environment when implementing any new
core paths.
The CPP must take the possibility of flooding
into account when identifying core path
proposals.
The CPP should help to facilitate increased
levels of walking and cycling.
Name of Strategy /
Plan / Programme /
Objective
•
Climate Change: The
UK programme
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
UK Biodiversity
Action Plan (1994)
Scotland's
Biodiversity: It's in
Your Hands - A
strategy for the
conservation and
enhancement of
biodiversity in
Scotland
Scotland’s Transport
Sets out the national transport hierarchy i.e. walking, cycling, public transport, private
car.
Reaffirm local government responsibilities set out in Energy White Paper:
Encourage more sustainable development and land use, also by facilitating the
rollout of low carbon technologies
Work with housing associations, the private sector and others to install energy
efficiency measures, community heating projects or integrated renewable
generation;
Local authorities must prepare a strategy for improving energy efficiency within
residential accommodation and produce annual progress reports, and setting targets
Powers to promote well-being in their communities by offering energy saving
measures or low carbon technologies to homeowners and businesses, alone or in
partnership with others;
Local authorities can actively reduce emissions and also provide a core market to
those offering energy services and low carbon technologies. Best Value
Performance Indicator 180 requires local authorities to benchmark energy use in
their operational property;
Local authorities are required as they develop their local transport policies to
address shared priority for transport, including congestion and air quality, including
promotion of sustainable alternatives to car use(I.e. walking and cycling)
The CPP should facilitate increased levels of
walking and cycling, thereby reducing the
City’s contribution to climate change.
Conservation of habitats and species
Outlines a number of actions with the overall aim of conserving biodiversity for the
health, enjoyment and well being of the people of Scotland now and in the future
The CPP has the potential to affect
biodiversity and the SEA Environmental
Report will assess potential effects.
CPP promotes responsible access to the
outdoors
Promote economic growth by building, enhancing, managing and maintaining
The development of the CPP supports the
Name of Strategy /
Plan / Programme /
Objective
Future – Transport
White Paper 2004
Our Energy Future –
Creating a Low
Carbon Economy 2003
Scottish Climate
Change Programme
(2000)
Consultation on
Proposals for a
Scottish Climate
Change Bill
Air Quality Strategy
for England, Scotland,
Wales and Northern
Ireland (2000)
Choosing our Future:
Scotland’s
Sustainable
Development Strategy
transport services, infrastructure and networks to maximise their efficiency.
Promote social inclusion by connecting remote and disadvantaged communities and
increasing the accessibility of the transport network.
Protect out environment and improve health by building and investing in public
transport and other types of sustainable transport which minimise emissions and
consumption or resources and energy.
Reduce accidents and enhance personal safety of pedestrians, drivers, passengers
and staff.
Improve integration and ensure smooth connections between different forms of
transport.
overriding objectives to achieve modal shift
and the use of more sustainable forms of
transport.
To cut the UK’s carbon dioxide emissions - the main contributor to global warming - by
some 60% by about 2050, as recommended by the RCEP, with real progress by 2020 The CPP will help to reduce local
contributions of greenhouse gases through
the promotion of increased levels of walking
Aims to improve business use of energy , use renewable sources of electricity, cut
and cycling.
emissions from the transport sector, continue cutting emissions from agriculture,
improve energy efficiency and to ensure the public sector takes a leading role for
example by develop green travel plans.
Outlines the framework for the current and successive administrations in Scotland to
ensure that the nation’s emissions are reduced by 80% by 2050.
The CPP and ongoing promotion of walking
and cycling will play an important part in
contributing to emission reduction targets.
Plans to improve and protect ambient air quality in the UK, to protect people’s health
and the environment without unacceptable economic or social costs. Details of
national air quality standards and objectives for nine pollutants.
quality.
Respecting the limits of the planet’s environment, resources and biodiversity – to
improve our environment and ensure that the natural resources needed for life are
unimpaired and remain so for future generations.
Meeting the diverse needs of all people in existing and future communities, promoting
The purpose of SEA, according to the SEA
directive is to: ‘provide for a high level of
protection of the environment and to
contribute to the integration of environmental
Name of Strategy /
Plan / Programme /
Objective
Scotland’s Transport
Future – Guidance on
Local Transport
Strategies
•
personal well-being, social cohesion and inclusion, and creating equal opportunity for
all.
Building a strong, stable and sustainable economy which provides prosperity and
opportunities for all, and in which environmental and social costs fall on those who
impose them (Polluter Pays) and efficient resource use is incentivised.
Promoting good governance
Using Sound science responsibly.
considerations into the preparation and
adoption of plans and programmes with a
view to promoting sustainable development.’
Provides guidance for Local Authorities in developing Local Transport Strategies
Full consideration has been given to the
guidance in developing the CPP.
The Strategy is based upon the Scottish Executive’s 5 transport objectives:
To promote economic growth by building, enhancing, managing and maintaining
transport services, infrastructure and networks to maximise their efficiency
To protect our environment and improve health by building and investing in public
transport and other types of efficient and sustainable transport which minimise
emissions and consumption of resources and energy
To promote social inclusion by connecting remote and disadvantaged communities
and increasing the accessibility of the transport network
To improve safety of journeys by reducing accidents and enhancing the personal
safety of pedestrians, drivers, passengers and staff
To improve integration by making journey planning and ticketing easier and working to
ensure smooth connection between different forms of transport.
The aim is to encourage more effective use of natural resources through greater
efficiency, waste minimisation, recycling and increased value recovery from waste.
National Transport
Strategy
National Waste
Strategy
The main objectives include;
Ensuring that waste is recovered or disposed of without endangering human health
and without using processes or methods which could harm the environment and, in
particular, without causing nuisance through noise or odours.
Establishing an integrated and adequate network of waste disposal installations,
The CPP will help to deliver objectives for
modal shift and increased levels of walking
and cycling.
Construction activities have the potential to
generate waste and mitigation measures
within the Environmental report will set out
commitments intended to address this.
Name of Strategy /
Plan / Programme /
Objective
National Cycling
Strategy (Department
for Transport) (1996)
Memorandum of
Guidance on Listed
Buildings and
Conservation Areas
1998
Passed to the Future
(Historic Scotland’s
policy for the
sustainable
management of the
historic environment)
taking account of the best available technology not involving excessive costs.
Encouraging the prevention or reduction of waste production and its harmfulness, in
particular by the development of clean technologies more sparing in their use of
natural resources.
Increase cycle use
Achieve convenient cycle access to key and major destinations and provide cycle
parking facilities at these destinations.
Improve cycle safety and reduce cycle theft by improving security and recovery.
Provide increased cycle use within all local highways and traffic management
schemes
Design safe and convenient cycle use of the road network
Reallocate road spacing to cycling.
Raise awareness, expertise and status amongst transport providers, service
providers, employers, potential cyclists and other road users.
Encourage and enable cycling amongst school children, and encourage cycle use for
business trips.
Unlock financial resources to meet the strategy objectives.
To make the best use of existing infrastructure and resources and to integrate cycling
into other programmes.
Progress the national cycling strategy and monitor the results of the strategy.
Provides information on procedures for activities which may affect listed buildings,
conservation areas and gardens and designed landscapes.
Recognising Value
All actions should include long-term strategies for management, conservation, use,
maintenance and monitoring, and good stewardship of the historic environment
should have regard to its capacity for change as well as to the sustainable use of
resources.
Assessing impact on the historic environment.
Sustainable management should involve everyone.
Many paths outlined within the CPP will be
multi-use and will cater for cyclists.
The SEA will assess the potential impacts of
the CPP on the historic environment and will
make recommendations for avoiding,
reducing or offsetting these impacts.
Name of Strategy /
Plan / Programme /
Objective
Provide a sustainable future for Scotland’s groundwater resources by protecting
legitimate uses of groundwater and providing a common SEPA framework to:
SEPA Groundwater
Protection Policy
SEPA Policy on the
Culverting of
Watercourses
Core Paths Plans – A
Guide to Good Practice
‘Protect groundwater quality by minimising the risks posed by point and diffuse
sources of pollution’ and;
‘Maintain the groundwater resource by influencing the design of abstractions and
developments, which could affect groundwater quantity’
• Policy to minimise the impacts of culverting on the environment through for example
encouraging bridging rather than culverting where it is necessary for transport links
to cross watercourses.
•
Guidance on the preparation of development of Core Paths Plans.
The SEA will assess the potential impacts of
the CCP on the water environment.
Mitigation will be developed through the SEA
for identified impacts such as construction
and other transport-related actions e.g.
maintenance.
This policy should be taken into account for
any transport projects are proposed which
cross watercourses.
The Aberdeen Core Paths Plan is being
developed in accordance with the guidance
set out in this document.
Local and Regional
The North East
(Grampian) Area
Waste Plan
The Finalised
Aberdeen Local Plan
Green Spaces New
Places
Preventing waste generation at source
Increasing segregated kerbside collection of recyclable and compostable materials
More bring centres and provision of materials recovery facilities (MRFs)
Introduction of home composting and expansion of small-scale community
composting Energy-from-waste (EfW) or other recovery/treatment technologies (in
the longer term)
An end to the landfilling of unsorted waste by 2010.
The Finalised Aberdeen Local Plan 2004 written statement sets out a number of policies
with regard to land use, development and transport. The key relevant requirements of
the Local Plan are that;
• Developments are accessible, that there are mitigating measures proposed to take
account of the effect on traffic levels
• Pedestrian and Public Transport links should be strong and where not provided
commercially, should be provided by the developer
• Transport provision within the development should be based upon a maximum
number of car parking spaces, cycling, walking, public transport and motorcycle
facilities should be provided
• Developments should not increase the numbers in off street car parking
Construction activities have the potential to
generate waste and mitigation measures
within the Environmental report will set out
commitments intended to address this.
The CPP supports the Local Plan through
the establishment of paths that will help to
increase the accessibility of developments by
sustainable modes.
Name of Strategy /
Plan / Programme /
Objective
Aberdeen Western
Peripheral Route
Developers should formulate green transport plans and set modal shift targets
Transport Assessments must accompany all applications
Land has been safeguarded for P&R sites and future Crossrail development.
Reducing traffic impact, in particular heavy goods vehicles on Aberdeen and
surrounding area
Contributing to reducing air pollution particularly in the city centre where greatest.
The effects of the construction of the AWPR
on candidate core paths have been
considered in developing the CPP.
Reduce health inequalities and implement actions to specifically improve upon
(within Aberdeen City)
Mental Health
Obesity
Alcohol
Drugs
Smoking
The ability of core paths to provide access to
health facilities and also to green spaces is a
key consideration within the selection criteria
used to identify potential core paths. The
CPP should also help to improve levels of
health through the promotion of walking and
cycling.
NEST aims, amongst other objectives, to integrate the linkages between transport
and land use through policies that make a positive contribution to the environment,
the economy and will help increase social inclusion.
The CPP should work with other strategies
including the North East Scotland Structure
Plan to safeguard and minimise
environmental impacts.
Become a city and region of enlightenment
To attract and develop the best people
To be a world class strategic location
To be a unique destination for leisure and business visitors
To promote sustainable economic growth
To develop sustainable, competitive and inclusive communities
Aid the conservation of important threatened species and habitats, and to form part
of Local Agenda 21 (sustainable development) initiatives
•
•
•
•
•
•
Joint Health
Improvement Plan
North East Scotland
Together – Structure
Plan
Economic Growth
Strategy for North
East Scotland
North East of Scotland
Local Biodiversity
Action Plan
•
•
•
•
•
The provision of improved access to open
green space has been considered as a factor
that contributed to quality of life and can help
retain population levels in an area.
The selection criteria used in the
identification and appraisal of core paths also
included an assessment of the potential of
paths to support economic
development/business opportunities.
The CPP may result in the development of a
number of core paths that may affect species
and habitats listed in the Biodiversity Action
Plan.
Name of Strategy /
Plan / Programme /
Objective
Regional Transport
Strategy
Strategic
Development Plan
The RTS has 4 main objectives:
• To enhance and exploit the North East’s competitive economic advantages, and
reduce the impacts of peripherality
• To enhance choice, accessibility and safety of transport, particularly for
disadvantaged and vulnerable members of society and those living in areas where
transport options are limited
• To conserve and enhance the North East’s natural and built environment and
heritage and reduce the effects of transport on climate and air quality
• To support a strong, vibrant and dynamic City Centre and town centres across the
North East.
The local authorities in the North East are currently working towards a new Strategic
Development Plan.
The RTS promotes modal shift to more
sustainable modes including walking and
cycling – an objective that the CPP will assist
with.
Community Plan
Local Agenda 21
Aberdeen Outdoor
Access Strategy
To reach agreement on a shared vision for the City, which is informed by views of
the people and organisations of Aberdeen.
To listen to the expressed views of different communities of Aberdeen and debate
the issues that are important for the future of our City. This will inform the people
who make the decisions.
To bring people together to determine what is needed and harness the skills and
resources available to us to achieve it.
To make sure that decision-makers can be held accountable.
To promote Aberdeen locally, nationally and internationally.
To measure our success, review our progress and make changes needed to achieve
our vision.
A framework is set out that asks the Council to listen to what local people say they
want for their city agree on the priorities and targets for the next 10 years to address
the City’s needs agree to tackle them together
To formulate a well used network of safe, clear and enjoyable routes linking people
and places that every person in Aberdeen wants to, and is proud to, use to get from
one place to another for work or for leisure.
The CPP could help to increase the
accessibility of developments including
potential new settlements through the
provision of core paths.
The CPP will contribute to the aims of the
Community Plan, by listening to the views of
residents and organisations and meeting the
vision of providing a sustainable City with an
integrated transport system that is accessible
to all.
The CPP must recognise the Council’s policy
of listening to what people say and
consulting on important issues that can affect
them.
The CPP builds on from the development of
the Aberdeen Outdoor Access Strategy and
through the implementation of core paths will
promote responsible use of the outdoors and
Name of Strategy /
Plan / Programme /
Objective
increased use of sustainable, active forms of
transport.
Aberdeen’s
Environmental
Strategy
Road Safety Plan
The Environmental Strategy is based on the principles of sustainability, with
transportation listed as one of the eight priority areas for the strategy. The Council has
also produced an Environmental Management Policy Statement of which one of the
commitments listed is to “improve our commitment to efficient and appropriate use of
transport and travel”.
The Road Safety Plan sets a number of targets for reducing road casualties through
improved education, enforcement and engineering works.
The CPP complements the Environmental
Strategy by aiming to minimise the
environmental impact of travel through the
promotion of sustainable travel modes such
as walking and cycling.
The CPP could help to support an
improvement in road safety by encouraging
increased travel by walking and cycling,
particularly via off-road core paths.
Appendix B - Environmental
Baseline
Appendix B - Baseline Data
Appendix B1: SEA Topic: Biodiversity
SEA Indicator
Quantified information
Condition
of Scotstown Moor SSSI in
There are 28 Natura 2000
designated
Aberdeen is subject to
sites in Aberdeenshire such
areas
indirect development
as the River Dee, which has
pressure due to changes in implications for development.
the water table adjacent
The area of Aberdeenshire
development, which is
designated as Natura 2000
affecting flush and bog
sites is half the total Scottish
habitats.
Figure.
The River Dee’s
The lack of appropriate
designation as a Special
management of some
Area of Conservation will
designated natural heritage
have a knock-on effect on
sites is affecting their
future development within
underlying objective (of that
the river’s catchment.
designation) and overall
The lack of appropriate
integrity.
No monitoring of SINS has
management of some
designated natural heritage been undertaken, but they
sites is affecting their
are under review.
underlying objective (of that The main targets to be
designation) and overall
achieved are the
integrity.
conservation and
enhancement of designated
No monitoring of SINS has
been undertaken, but they
sites, and permitting only
are under review.
those developments that will
not adversely affect these
designations directly and
indirectly, unless the
proposal will be of national
benefit to the population.
Trends
Planning policies have
generally prohibited
developments within
International and national
designations that may harm
these sites, and indirect
impacts are affecting some
important wetland sites.
The River Dee’s designation
as a Special Area of
Conservation will affect future
development within the river’s
catchment.
Issues/constraints
International designations:
the significance and purpose
of SACs is that development
in or adjacent to them, such
as the River Dee catchment
may cumulatively prevent the
objectives of these
designations being met, and
prevent new development
being developed.
Indirect impact of
development on designated
sites that are affecting their
water table, and therefore the
quality of wetland habitats.
Impact from large-scale
leisure and recreation uses.
Increase of access to
designated sites could be
damaging to some sites.
Data source(s)
Structure Plan (NEST) (2006)
Monitoring Environment
Monitoring Paper,
Aberdeenshire Council
Aberdeenshire Council, Natural
Heritage team
Moray Council (2003)
Development Plan Monitoring
Paper
http://www.moray.gov.uk/moray
_standard/page_42476.html
Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire
Council (2006) Natural Heritage
Topic Paper
Aberdeen City (2002) State of
the Environment Report,
aberdeenfutures
http://www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/
ACCI/nmsruntime/saveasdialog.
asp?lID=2424&sID=883
Sites of Special
Scientific
Interests
(SSSIs)
Aberdeen City has 3 SSSIs
covering 47 hectare which
covers 0.2% of Aberdeen
Compared with Aberdeen
City, Aberdeenshire has
about 82 SSSIs covering
39805 hectares taking about
6% of Aberdeenshire.
Compared with Scotland,
which has 1,455 SSSIs on
1,036,553 hectares of land
covering about 12.92% of
the entire land area of
Scotland
No trend
Core path development could
put pressure on the resource
There presence of the SSSI
will constrain the location of
development within their
catchment
SNH (2004) SNH Facts &
Figures 2003/2004. Battleby:
SNH
Special Areas of
Conservation
(SAC)
There is 1 SAC (Dee SAC)
in Aberdeen City.
No trend
Core path development could
The presence of the SAC will
constrain the location of
development within their
catchment
SNH
Special
Protection Areas
(SPA)
There is no SPA in
Aberdeen City
No trend
No constraint in Aberdeen
City
SNH
Country Parks
(CP)
There are no country parks
in Aberdeen City
There are about 18 SACs in
Aberdeenshire on 35, 334
hectares of land representing
5.6% of the land area of
Aberdeenshire. On 9.9% of
Scotland’s land area, there
are 238 SACs covering 962,
667 hectares.
There are about 10 SPAs in
Aberdeenshire on 29, 926
hectares of land. In Scotland,
there are 142 SPAs covering
an area of 630, 305
hectares and this land takes
8% of the land area.
In Aberdeenshire, there are
4 country parks occupying
276 hectares and takes
0.04% of the land area. In
Scotland 0.08% of land
accommodates 36 country
parks on 6481 hectares.
No trend
City
SNH
Local Nature
Reserves (LNR)
In Aberdeen City, 0.6% of
land accommodate 4 LNRs
on 126 hectares.
In Aberdeenshire, about
0.004% of land
accommodate 2 LNRs on 28
hectares. Compared with
Scotland, there are 36 LNRs
covering 9, 410 hectares of
land, and this represents
0.12% of land.
No trend
The development of core
paths could put pressure on
the resource
SNH
National Nature
Reserves (NNR)
There is no NNR in
Aberdeen City
There are 6 NNRs in
Aberdeenshire on 14225
hectares of land and this
represents 2.2% of land. For
Scotland, there are 63 NNRs
on 111913 hectares of land
representing 1.5% of land
No trend
City
SNH
Ramsar sites
There is no Ramsar sites in
Aberdeen City
No trend
City
SNH
National Scenic
Areas (NSA)
There is no NSA in
Aberdeen City
In Aberdeenshire, 0.2% of its
land accommodate 4
Ramsar sites which cover
1239 hectares. In Scotland,
there are 51 Ramsar sites.
This represents 4.2% of land
accommodating 313181
hectares of Ramsar sites
There is 1 NSA in
Aberdeenshire. It covers 43,
3000 hectares and takes
6.8% of land. In Scotland
12.5% of land accommodate
40 NSAs covering 1, 001,
800 hectares
No trend
Core paths development
could put pressure on the
resource
SNH
Appendix B2: District Wildlife Sites in Aberdeen and Associated Designations
District Wildlife Sites in Aberdeen and their other Associated Designations
1 Balnagask to Cove
18 Den of Leggert
District
2 Tullos Hill
19 Westburn of Rubislaw
Wildlife Sites
3 Don Estuary
20 Rubislaw Den
(DWS)
4 Balgownie/Blackdog Links
21 Hilton Wood
5 Charlestown Wood
22 Clerkhill Wood
6 Loirston Loch
23 Grandholme Moss
7 Kincorth Hill
24 Stoneyhill Wood
8 River Dee Valley
25 Monument Wood
8.1 Kincorth
26 Persley Quarries
8.2 Bridge of Dee
27 Walker Dam & Rubislaw Link
8.3 Pitfodels Castle
28 Allan Park Pond
8.4 Garthdee
29 Deeside Old Railway
8.5 Morison Island/Shakkin Briggie
30 Hazlehead Park
8.6 Lover’s Walk to St Maiks Well
31 Den Wood
9 River Don Valley
32 North Burn of Rubislaw
9.1 Braes of Don
33 Bucksburn Gorge
9.2 Crook of Don
34 Den of Maidencraig
9.3 Woodside
35 Cults Den
9.4 Lower & Upper Persley Woodland
36 Cults Quarry
10 Kinta Valley
37 Murtle House & Newton Dee
11 Lochside/Denmore
38 Hillhead Road
12 Scotstown Moor (Perwinnes Moss)
39 Burnbrae Moss
13 Newton of Shielhill
40 Farburn Wood
Site of Special
Scientific
Interest (SSSI)
14
15
16
17
1
12
Corby Loch
Glashie How
Danestone House
Cornhill Hospital
Balnagask to Cove
Scotstown Moor (Perwinnes Moss)
41
42
43
44
14
Gough Burn
Den of Moss-side
Foggieton
Murtle Den
Corby Loch
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
Blacktop
Binghill Wood
West Hatton
Brimmond Hill
Elrick Hill
Tyrebagger Hill
Woodlands Wood, Beidleston
Moss of Auchlea
Rotten of Gairn
Guttrie Hill
Culter House Woods
Hill of Ardbeck
Culter Burn
Woodend Woods, Peterculter
Little Hill, Caskieben
Kinaldie Den
Culter Compensation Dam
Old Manse Wood
Baads Moss
Mid Anguston Quarry
Leuchar Moss
Southlasts Mire
Aberdeen-Inverness & Kittybrewster Rail
Line
Woodland Walks, Foggieton
Cairdhillock, Kingswells
Rubislaw Quarry
1
Site of Interest 3
to Natural
4
Science (SINS) 6
8
12
Balnagask to Cove
Don Estuary
Balgownie/Blackdog Links
Loirston Loch
River Dee Valley
Scotstown Moor (Perwinnes Moss)
23
29
37
41
45
48
Grandholme Moss
Deeside Old Railway
Murtle House & Newton Dee
Gough Burn
Blacktop
Brimmond Hill
Local Nature
Reserve (LNR)
3
9
Don Estuary
River Don Valley
34
Den of Maidencraig
Tree
Preservation
Order (TPO)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Cornhill Road / Ashgrove Road
Lands of Summerhill (1)
Burnieboozle
Airyhall
Countesswells
Richmond House
Albyn Place
North Deeside Road Cults
Bridge of Dee/Garthdee
Ferryhill
Lands of Summerhill (2)
Mannofield
Queens Road-Queen's Cross / Spademill
Road / Anderson Dr
Queens Road-Anderson Drive / Old City
Boundary
Carden Place / Albert Terrace
Bon Accord Terrace / Hardgate
Eastbank / Fonthill Terrace
Loirston House
Hopetoun Grange Bucksburn
Ardbeck Peterculter
North Deeside Road Cults
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78A
79A
80
81
Rear of Gordon Arms Hotel Peterculter
58 Contlaw Road Milltimber
Brighton Place Peterculter
Cornyhaugh Road Peterculter
Craigton House Cults
Culter Mill Dam
Waulkmill Den
Rosewell Gardens
Den of Maidencraig
Danestone House
136 Bon-Accord Street
Culter Mill Dam Peterculter
Waulkmill Den Peterculter
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
49
60
61
70
Elrick Hill
Kinaldie Den
Culter Compensation Dam
Rubislaw Den
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
36 Balnagask Road
Murtle Den House Milltimber
142 Broomhill Road
Old Skene Road
422 North Deeside Road Cults
Ashgrove Road West / Forresterhill Road
Morningfield Hospital
Grandholm Mill Danestone
48 Contlaw Road Milltimber
28 Abbotshall Road Cults
Kepplestone Queens Road
Queens Road / Rubislaw Park Road
82A Prospect Terrace / Wellington Brae
150 40 Culter House Road
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
Stoneywood Road
The Bush Peterculter
Lochside Caravan Park
Riverside Terrace
Mains of Loirston Farm Cove
32 Carden Place
Bucklerburn Farm Peterculter
59 Rubislaw Den South
Clan House
East Middlefield
Lang Stracht
Newton Kingswells
Kirk Brae / Manor Place Cults
1 South Avenue Cults
22
23
24
25
26
27
Beaconhill Murtle
Southfield Cults
Sunert House Murtle
Inchgarth Road Cults
Woodthorpe Bieldside
Shielhill Bridge of Don
28 Norwood Hall Pitfodels
29 Stoneyhill Wood Grandholm
30 Culter House Road Milltimber
31 Kingshill House Kingsgate
32 Morningfield Road
33 House of Bethany Hardgate
34 Farburn Terrace Dyce
35 Kippie Lodge Milltimber
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
The Grange St Devenicks Place Cults
Abbotshall Road Cults
Denburn Road
Raeden / Midstocket Road
Denmore Park
Culter Mills
Leslie Terrace
92 Polmuir Road
Croyard 481 North Deeside Road Cults
Persley Margaret Cottage
Craigiebuckler House
Netherby Lodge
48 Union Terrace Gardens
49 Baillieswells House
90
91
92
93
94
95
78 Don Street Old Aberdeen
Friarsfield Road
Cornhill
Dalmaik Terrace The Bush Peterculter
Garthdee
Devanha Gardens South
96
97
Bieldside House
Culter Burn Kennerty Mills Road
Peterculter
98 Newton Dee / Old Ferry Road
Bieldside
99 Kirk Brae Cults
100 Beechgrove Beechgrove Terrace
101 Craigton Road Cults
102 13 Baillieswells Road
103 North Deeside Road/Netherby Road,
Cults
104 Netherby Road / North Deeside Road
105 Rosewell Gardens
106 Stone Cottage Baillieswells Road
107 Cranford House Cranford Road
108 Louisville Avenue
109 Oakhill Crescent Lane
110 Polmuir Road
111 Gordon Terrace Dyce
112 CuLter House Road Milltimber
113 Muggiemoss Road
114 Glen Cottage 63 Holburn Street
115 Priory Hill 60 North Deeside Road
Peterculter
116 Wellington Road
117 No longer exists see TPO 125
158
159
160
161
162
163
Standish The Bush Peterculter
South Avenue Cults
Tower Bar Tillydrone Road
Netherview Road Dyce
Grange Lodge South Avenue Cults
North Deeside Road / Milltimber Brae /
Milltimber Brae East
164 2 Cults Avenue Cults
165 King Street / Seaton Place
166 North Stoneywood Stoneywood Road
167 37 Kings Gate
168 222 North Deeside Road Peterculter
(Gordon Arms)
169 Red Gables Countesswells Road Bieldside
170 Tor na Dee / Oldfold Farm Milltimber
171 North Deeside Road Milltimber
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
Millden Road Cults
Hazlehead
35 Manse Road Cults
The Paddock Peterculter
Station Road East Milltimber
14 Polmuir Road
Whinhill Gardens
Oakbank
Culter House
Donside Paper Mill
Pitmedden Road Dyce
184 Lochside Road Denmore Park
185 Cliff Park Cults
Conservation
Area (CA)
Invasive Non
Native Species
Wildlife &
50 Melrose Cottage Craigton Crescent
Peterculter
51 Land at Thornhill
52 North Esplanade West
53 Beaconhill Milltimber
54 Dalmunzie Bieldside
55 The Firs Bieldside
56 Bieldside House Bieldside
57 265 North Deeside Road Milltimber
58 275 North Deeside Road Milltimber
59 Ardbeck House Peterculter
60 Jesmond Drive Glashieburn School
61 Jesmond Drive Middleton Park School
62 Birkland Culter House Road Milltimber
63 Kingswood Kingswells
64 Lower Danestone
65 Braes of Don
66 56/58 North Deeside Road Bieldside
118 Murtle Den Milltimber
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
67 384-388 North Deeside Road Cults
135 35 Culter House Road Milltimber
68 Manorlea Lower Danestone
136 1 Culter House Road Milltimber
8.4 Garthdee
9.1 Braes of Don
20
29
Friarsfield Road Cults
Brighton Place Peterculter
Holburn Street Ruthrieston
Rosewell House
3 Abbotshall Road Cults
34 Great Western Road
Binghill Road Milltimber
78/80 Devonshire Road
Eastfields Woodend Hospital
Braemar Place
West Cults Road Cults
Murtle Den House Milltimber
Station Road Dyce
Morningfield Road
34 Balnagask Road Torry
Rubislaw Quarry
Rubislaw Den
Deeside Old Railway
186 North Deeside Road / Gowanbrae Road
Bieldside
187 Nether Kingshill Kingswells
188 158 Morningside Avenue
189 Bride's Ward Culter House Road Milltimber
190 North Deeside Road Peterculter
191 307 Queens Road
192 Beechwood School
193 Ellon Road, Bridge of Don
194 The Palm Court Hotel, Seafield Road
195 Kingswells House, Kingswells
196 10 Grandholm Street
197 Rubislaw Park House, Rubislaw Park Road
198 Cults East Parish Church, Cults
199 Area North of Cromar Gardens, Kingswells
200 Hilton Campus, Hilton Street
201 17-21 South Avenue, Cults
202 Land East of Parkway at Easter Persley
Farm
203 St Margaret’s Playing Fields, 15
Summerhill Road
204 Cliff House, Craigton Road
35
Cults Den
American Mink (Mustela vison)
North America Cray Fish (Pacifastacus
Leniuscula)
New Zealand pygmyweed (Crassula
helmsii)
Rhododendron ponticum and hybrids
Wire weed (Sargassum muticum)
Japanese knotweed (Reynourtia japonica)
Himalyan Balsam
Hogweed
Water crowfoot
Catoptria permutatella
Otter Lutra lutra
Bottle-Nosed Dolphin Tursiops truncatus
Countryside
Act 1981
Schedule V
Species
Red Squirrel Sciurus vulgaris
Common Toad Bufo bufo
Bats (All species) pipistrellus
Appendix B3: SEA Topic: Landscape
SEA Indicator
Historic
There is 1 HGDL in
Gardens and
Aberdeen City
Designed
Landscapes
(HGDL)
Townscape
quality
There are 7 conservation
areas in Aberdeen.
There are 32 HGDLs in
Aberdeenshire covering
5745 hectares of land. This
takes 0.9% of
Aberdeenshire’s land. In
Scotland, there are 386
HGDLs on 66765 hectares
of land. The land take is
about 0.83%
Trends
No trend
Issues/constraints
Core path developments could
Data source(s)
SNH (2004) SNH Facts & Figures
2003/2004. Battleby: SNH
In the North East, there are
47 conservation areas, 20
of which are outstanding.
Almost 2 in 5 of the
population live in towns
with a population of
between 1,000 and
20,000.
Most small towns are
under pressure from:
population change;
economic restructuring;
concentration of
employment and services;
traffic growth; and
insensitive development.
The insensitive siting and
design of new core paths may
individually or cumulatively
adversely affect:
the setting of settlements; and
townscapes (e.g. conservation
areas).
Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire
Councils (2006) Topic Paper: Built
Heritage
Aberdeenshire Towns Partnership
http://www.atap.org.uk/home.htm
Moray council (2003)
Development Plan Monitoring
Report:
http://www.moray.gov.uk/downloa
ds/file43359.pdf
Aberdeen City: Community
Planning Regeneration
Masterplans (2006/7)
http://www.communityplanningab
erdeen.org.uk/Web/Site/Internet/R
egenerationMasterplans.asp
Landscape
character
Aberdeen City’s finalised
local plan includes a new
designation – Green Space
Network, which aims to
improve access to the
countryside, enhance valued
landscapes, and improve
wildlife habitats, and has
been developed in the form
of ‘green fingers or wedges’
along side the redrawn
Green Belt.
Aberdeenshire Council,
which uses Index 21
methodology to identify
where new development
should be sited (e.g. taking
full account of the
characteristics of the local
landscape and townscape
characteristics.
The four Landscape
Character Assessments
that cover the North East
provides a brief overview of
past land use practices and
discusses potential land
uses for existing
landscapes.
NPPG 14 states that
particular care is needed
when considering
proposals for new
development at the edge
of settlements or in open
countryside.
PAN44: Capacity for
housing in the landscape
demonstrates an
understanding of
traditional growth.
;
.
The inappropriate scale and
insensitive siting of new core
path development may
adversely affect landscape
characteristics (e.g. changing
it’s landscape character type,
not respecting local
topography/contours).
Scottish Executive (1999)
NPPG14: Natural Heritage
Designing Places:
A Policy Statement for Scotland
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/libr
ary3/planning/dpps-00.asp
Scottish Executive (1994) PAN44:
Capacity for housing in the
landscape.
Scottish Natural Heritage (1997)
National programme of landscape
character assessment: Banff and
Buchan, Review No 37.
South and Central Aberdeenshire:
landscape character assessment,
Review No 102.
Cairngorms landscape
assessment, Review No 75.
Landscape character assessment
of Aberdeen, Review No 80
Aberdeen City Council (2004)
finalised Local Plan: Green
Spaces, New Places
Appendix B3: SEA Topics: Human Health
SEA Indicator
Quality and
Significant development
Other urban areas like Dundee
availability of
pressure on open spaces within
are under substantial
public open space settlements.
development pressure.
in urban and rural Development on open spaces
Councils are required to take a
areas
limits the council’s ability to
long term and spatially
establish networks of linked
strategic perspective on open
open space areas.
space provision (NPPG 11),
There is pressure from private
and under the draft SPP11
sector developers to limit the
undertake an open space audit
extent of open space for new
and prepare an open space
residential developments.
strategy.
There is a lack of government
funding to allow local authorities
to continuously manage areas of
open space.
Trends
The pressure from private
developers to develop on
open space will continue.
The demand for public
open space will continue to
grow, and this must be
reflected, and over the long
term.
There is growing demand
for safer and more
accessible areas of open
space, which has promoted
the creation of PAN65.
Issues/ constraints
Significant
development pressure
for urban open spaces.
There is pressure to
reduce the size of
open spaces in
residential
developments.
Need for larger areas
of open spaces,
including civic or town
parks.
There is a lack of
government funding to
allow local authorities
to continuously
manage areas of open
space.
Data source(s)
State of the Environment Report
http://www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/A
CCI/nmsruntime/saveasdialog.as
p?lID=2424&sID=883
SNH Scottish Natural Heritage in
Dundee
http://www.snh.org.uk/pdfs/scottis
hparlimentleaflets/dundee.pdf
Scottish Executive (1996) NPPG
11: Sport, physical recreation and
open space
Planning Advice Note 65:
Planning and Open Space
Aberdeenshire Council’s
Information and Research team.
Consultative draft Scottish
Planning Policy 11: Physical
Activity and Open Space
Quality of life in
currently deprived
areas
Aberdeen ranked 23rd.
In Aberdeen City, the highest
levels of deprivation are located
in Woodside, Tillydrone,
Middlefield, Northfield,
Cummings Park, Torry and
Seaton neighbourhoods.
Sport and
recreation
facilities in areas
of identified need
In Aberdeen, there is still an
outstanding need for:
sports facilities in Cove;
junior golf course;
a new Stadium and Soccer
Academy;
one water based pitches and 2
sand based pitches; and
50m swimming pool.
(See Appendix 4, Table 4 for
further information on Aberdeen
City Council’s sports strategy)
Aberdeenshire is one of the
least deprived areas in
Scotland and is ranked 31st
out of 32 councils in terms of
multiple deprivation*.
Glasgow City and West
Dumbarton are the most
deprived.
Dundee City is ranked 4th.
One of the main outcomes
of Aberdeen’s Community
Regeneration Strategy is
six regeneration
masterplans for Cummings
Park, Middlefield,
Tillydrone, Torry, Woodside
and Seaton.
Poor access to
services in rural areas.
Centralisation of
service provision has
and will continue to
affect marginalised
areas.
Pockets of deprivation
through low job
opportunities and
income could be
adversely affecting
people’s mental health
in Aberdeen.
* Aberdeenshire Council (2004)
Scottish Index of Multiple
Deprivation (Oxford Report) –
Aberdeenshire: Key findings
http://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/
statistics/economic/SIMD%20Abs
hire%20Key%20Findings%20200
4.pdf
Aberdeen City: Community
Planning Regeneration
Masterplans (2006/7)
http://www.communityplanningab
erdeen.org.uk/Web/Site/Internet/R
egenerationMasterplans.asp
In Aberdeenshire, there is still
an outstanding need for:
16.66m x 8.5m pool at
Mintlaw;
6 Badminton Court Hall at
Peterhead and Fraserburgh
56m x 26m ice rink at
Peterhead.
Sportscotland strategy sets out
11 targets to be achieved by
2007, which focus on:
ensuring that most of the
population is taking part in
sport at least once a week.
Significant work has been
undertaken in Aberdeen, to
implement proposals
outlined in their sports
strategy, including the
upgrading of facilities at
Rubislaw sports pitches,
development of an extreme
sports centre; and
improved hockey pitches.
Through a new sports
strategy this
constraints will be
addressed.
Active Aberdeen 2002-2007: A
sport, recreation and physical
activity strategy for Aberdeen City
Aberdeenshire Council (2005)
Sports Facility Study Updated
Report
Sports and Active Lifestyles
Strategy (for the period 2002 to
2005). Sportscotland (2003) Sport
21: 2003 – 2007: The National
Strategy for Sport – Shaping
Scotland’s Future. Aberdeen and
Aberdeenshire Councils (2006)
Topic Paper: Sport and recreation
Aberdeen City Open Space Audit
Noise disturbance
from aircraft
118 complaints received
between 1999-2004, 10% only
relate to fixed-wing aircraft, and
most are complaints relating to
helicopters.
Most complaints were received
from Dyce and Bucksburn
residents.
57dB LAeq 16h is the ‘low
noise disturbance contour’
during daytime, and 48dB LAeq
8h during night-time.
PAN 56 lists four Noise
Exposure Categories to be
used when determining
planning permission.
In 2003 there were 2.52
million passengers, and
numbers are rising.
Few complaints
regarding noise from
fixed wing aircraft.
Most noise complaints
have been in relation
to helicopters.
Council’s (2004) Strategic
Forecasts 2003-2021:
p?lID=1720&sID=332
Environs Consulting Ltd (2004)
Aberdeen airport proposals for
fixed-wing aircraft, landing and
taking off at any time – Noise
Impact Assessment,
Aberdeenshire Airport Ltd
Planning and Noise
Appendix B4: SEA Topic: Cultural Heritage
SEA Indicator
Comparators and
targets
Conservation Areas 11 Conservation Areas in 36 Conservation areas
Aberdeen City
in Aberdeenshire
Trends
Issues/constraints
Data source(s)
No trend
The location and design
of new housing would be
constrained within the
conservation areas
http://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/pl
anning/devservices/index.asp
http://www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/acci
/web/site/Planning/SL/pla_Conserv
Area.asp
http://www.historicscotland.gov.uk/wwd_ancientmonu
ments_results.htm?Keywords=Ente
r+Keywords&Council=100&Classific
ation=0&CallBack=TRUE&submit.x
=29&submit.y=5
http://www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/AC
CI/web/site/xsm_SMR_Application.
asp
http://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/ar
chaeology/smr/smr_help.asp
Scheduled Ancient
Monuments (SAM)
37 Scheduled Ancient
Monuments in Aberdeen
City
467 Scheduled Ancient
Monuments in
Aberdeenshire
Development is putting
pressure on this feature
The location of new core
paths could be
constrained by SAM
Archaeological
sites
699 Archaeological sites
(from SMR) in the City
699 17935
Archaeological sites
(from SMR) in the Shire
The location of new
housing would be
constrained by
archaeological sites
54
SEA Indicator
Archaeological
sites
No schedules ancient
monuments have
recently been lost or
significantly destroyed.
However, damage to
remains of local
importance, which are
listed in the Sites &
Monuments Record
(SMR) is mostly caused
by vandalism, new
developments,
ploughing, forestry,
activities of utility
companies, rabbits, &
coastal erosion.
1212 Listed Buildings in
Aberdeen City
Listed Buildings
Comparators and
targets
3712 Listed Buildings
in Aberdeenshire
Trends
Issues/constraints
Data source(s)
The strong presumption in
NPPG5 on the preservation or
recording (if preservation is not
possible) of archaeological
sites has, and will continue to
encourage the safeguarding of
sites throughout Scotland.
Damage to remains of local
importance will continue
unless solutions are found,
e.g. funding agri-environment
schemes.
Loss of unknown and
locally known architectural
remains from new core
path developments,
vandalism and coastal
erosion.
Adverse impacts on the
setting of archaeological
remains from new core
path developments.
Heritage
Scottish Executive (1998) NPPG5:
Archaeology and Planning
The location and design
of new core paths could
be constrained by listed
buildings
http://www.historicscotland.gov.uk/wwd_listedbuilding
s_results.htm?Keywords=Enter+Ke
ywords&Council=100&Parish=0&Ca
llBack=TRUE&submit.x=40&submit.
y=5
55
SEA Indicator
Numbers of listed
buildings sites at
risk
There are about 1050
listed buildings in
Aberdeen City (Category
A –71, Category B – 618
& Category C – 362
Numbers of buildings at
risk (excludes those that
have been demolished):
Aberdeen: 10 (1 under
restoration)
% of listed buildings on
the Buildings at Risk
register
Aberdeen: 0.62%
[*NB, the Buildings At
Risk register includes not
only listed buildings, but
unlisted buildings in
conservation areas, but
as most of the buildings
on the register are listed,
the percentages
represent an almost
accurate picture.]
Comparators and
targets
In Aberdeenshire, there
are about
3709 listed buildings
Numbers of buildings at
risk (excludes those
that have been
demolished):
Aberdeenshire: 117 (6
under restoration)
% of listed buildings on
the Buildings at Risk
register*:
Aberdeenshire: 3%
[*NB, the Buildings At
Risk register includes
not only listed
buildings, but unlisted
buildings in
conservation areas, but
as most of the buildings
on the register are
listed, the percentages
represent an almost
accurate picture.]
.
Trends
Issues/constraints
Data source(s)
From the sample of
comparators taken, Aberdeen
has one of the lowest numbers
of listed buildings on the
Buildings At Risk register.
NPPG 18 states that the best
viable use may not necessarily
be the most profitable use. The
aim should be to find a new
economic use that is viable
over the long term with
minimum impact upon the
special architectural and
historic interest of the building
or area.
Although only a small
percentage of the listed
buildings in the North East
are on the Buildings at
Risk Register, the area
has one of the highest
numbers of properties at
risk.
Only a small number of
buildings at risk are
undergoing restoration in
the North East.
The majority of the
buildings at risk are in
rural areas, with few
undergoing restoration.
Heritage
Buildings at Risk Register for
Scotland (Scottish Civic Trust)
http://www.buildingsatrisk.org.uk/br
owsea.asp
Planning and the Historic
Environment
56
SEA Indicator
Listed buildings,
designed
landscape etc, and
conservation areas
Data on Aberdeen City
departures is currently
not available.
Comparators and
targets
In Aberdeenshire, 17
proposals departed
from the Structure Plan
(14 planning
applications were
recommended for
refusal by planning
officers), principally for
new windows.
Trends
Issues/constraints
Data source(s)
The purpose of conservation
areas designations is to
preserve or enhance the
character or appearance of
such areas and the spaces
between them, and care also
needs to be taken regarding
changes to the streetscape.
The inappropriate scale
and insensitive siting of
new core path
development may
adversely affect
landscape characteristics.
Planning and the Historic
Environment
NEST Monitoring – environment
Monitoring Paper
NPPG 18:
Conservation policies
should give a high
priority to maintaining
and enhancing the
prosperity and vitality of
historic areas.
57
59
60
61
62
63
64
Appendix B5: SEA Topic: Air & Climatic Factors
SEA Indicator
Comparators and
targets
As a target an AQMA
Air Quality
High NO2 levels (although not
can be designated
quite exceeding the annual
where an area exceeds
mean NO2 objective for 2005)
the annual mean NO2
along Victoria Rd (Torry), North
objective level of 40µ
and South Anderson Drives,
Great Northern Road, Auchmill
g/m-3 to be achieved by
Rd, and King St (north of
councils by 2005 under
Roselin Terrace).
the Air Quality
Aberdeen was designated as an (Scotland) Regulations
AQMA in 2001 for continuously
2000) and for exceeding
exceeding the 2005 annual
the 2010 annual mean
objective level for nitrogen
PM10 level.
dioxide (NO2). The annual
mean standard of NO2 in Union
St was 53 micrograms per cubic
metre (µg/m-3) and in Market St
71 µg/m-3, principally from
HGVs and buses. The AQMA
includes Market St, Union St,
King St, Guild St, and Virgina St.
In 2003, monitoring of
particulate matter (PM10),
showed an exceedence of the
2010 annual mean PM10
Trends
Issues/constraints
Data source(s)
The air quality in
Aberdeen’s city centre
and other (city) peripheral
roads is expected to
improve when the
Western Peripheral Route
is built, but results will not
be known until the road is
built (post 2010).
Total road traffic is
forecast to grow by
between 22%-34% for the
period 2002-2011.
In the long term, the
number of AQMAs will
decline as air quality
continues to improve
through developments in
transport and industry.
There could be issues
over locating new core
paths within or near the
AQMA. These areas
have poor air quality
levels and could affect
usage numbers, though
at the same time, it is
considered that
increased levels of
walking in these areas if matched by reduced
traffic levels - could
have a positive impact
on air quality.
Aberdeen City Council:
Air
Quality Report - 4th Stage Air
Quality Review and Assessment
(2003);
Updating & Screening
Assessment of Air Quality in
Aberdeen (2003); and
Aberdeen City Council Air Quality
Action Plan (2006)
BMT Cordah Ltd (2004) Local Air
Quality Management - Detailed
Assessment, Aberdeen City
Council
National Air Quality Objectives:
http://www.airquality.co.uk/archive
/laqm/information.php?info=object
ives
National Transport Strategy
Consultation – SEA
Environmental Report
Indicators of Sustainable
Development for Scotland:
Progress Report 2005
Air Quality (Scotland) Regulations
2000
*Air Quality (Scotland)
Amendment Regulations 2002
-3
objective of 18µg/m on Market
Street.Daily mean traffic
volumes (2002): Market Street:
31,958 Union Street: 19,293
Annual average daily traffic
along North/South/ Anderson
Drive is 36,246, and Auchmill
Rd, 41,223.
65
SEA Indicator
Carbon dioxide
(CO2) emissions
In Aberdeen an average
dwelling house produces 5,175
kg CO2.
Total road traffic is forecast to
grow by between 22%-34% for
the period 2002-2011.
Comparators and
targets
In Aberdeenshire an
average dwelling house
produces 6,318 kg CO2,
The average Scottish
household produces
5,505 kg CO2.
Scotland contributed
10% to the total UK CO2
emissions.
In 2003, Scotland’s main
contributors to CO2
emissions were:
33.2% from power
generation (30.5% is the
UK average), an
increase of 23.6%;
18% from road
transport; and
13% from domestic
households.
Kyoto Protocol (1997)
CO2 targets are 12.5%
below 1990 baseline –
Scottish emissions in
2002 were 6% lower.
Trends
Issues/constraints
Data source(s)
Overall greenhouse gases
are decreasing, but
Aberdeen is producing
high amount of carbon
dioxide in Scotland. This
is most likely due to the
area’s high dependence
on oil.
Materials with high CO2
levels are still
increasingly popular
(e.g. concrete and
tarmac).
However, the
development of core
paths, which promote
walking and cycling and
supports a reduction in
car use, will have
positive impacts on
carbon dioxide emission
levels.
Best Foot Forward (2006)
Domestic Carbon Dioxide
Emissions for Selected Cities,
British Gas
http://www.britishgasnews.co.uk/
managed_content/files/pdf/green
City.pdf
*DEFRA (2005) Greenhouse Gas
Inventories for England, Scotland,
Wales and Northern Ireland: 1990
– 2003
/reports/cat07/0509211321_Regh
g_report_2003_Main_Text_Issue
_1.doc, National Environmental
Technology Centre
UK Greenhouse gas inventory,
1990-2004
/reports/cat07/0605231047_ukgh
gi_90-04_v1.1.pdf
Councils (2006) Topic Paper:
Energy, Aberdeenshire Council
66
SEA Indicator
Areas affected
by flooding (sea)
571 properties in Aberdeen are
located within the indicative
floodplain or coastal area below
5 meters Ordnance Datum (OD).
The sea-level along the east
coast is predicted to rise 34 to
55 cm by the 2080s.
Those settlement affected
Aberdeen harbour.
Areas affected
by flooding
(fluvial)
By the 2080s, summer
precipitation decreases between
10-30% are predicted in the
north of Scotland.
309 properties in Aberdeen (out
of 104,543) are located within
the indicative floodplain.
Comparators and
targets
1,743 properties in
Aberdeenshire are
located within the
indicative floodplain or
coastal area below 5
meters Ordnance Datum
(OD).
2,219 properties in
Aberdeenshire (out of
95,174) are located
within the indicative
floodplain.
In Scotland, the number
of residential properties
within inland floodplains
is 71,402.
Trends
Issues/constraints
Data source(s)
By the 2080s, any part of
a settlement below the 5m
Ordnance Datum mark is
likely to be affected by
rising sea levels, high
tides, and storm surges.
Storm surges represent a
less severe threat in the
North East, as there are a
high proportion of rocky
coasts.
Storm surges are
predicted to rise by 5m,
although they will be
much lower further north.
Possible need for a
management retreat of
those paths below the
5m Ordnance Datum
mark.
Paths situated alongside
rivers may be
inadequate as sea
levels rise as a result of
climate change.
Office of Science and Technology
(2005) Foresight report: Future
Flooding Scotland
http://www.foresight.gov.uk/Previo
us_Projects/Flood_and_Coastal_
Defence/Reports_and_Publication
s/Scotland/final_scotland.pdf
Strategic Flooding Issues,
SEPA’s second generation
Indicative Floodplain Maps (1 in
200year flood event)
Compared with the rest of
Scotland, fewer properties
in Aberdeen are at
significant risk from
flooding.
Frequency of storm
events will increase,
although it will be less
significant along the east
of Scotland.
National guidance (SPP7:
Planning and Flooding)
requires no properties
(e.g. dwellings) to be
affected by flooding either
by being developed in a
flood-affected area, or
from development
upstream.
Rise in soil erosion from
storm events, will create
a greater need for
SuDS, and increase
their water holding
capacity.
Office of Science and Technology
(2005) Foresight report: Future
Flooding Scotland
http://www.foresight.gov.uk/Previo
us_Projects/Flood_and_Coastal_
Defence/Reports_and_Publication
s/Scotland/final_scotland.pdf
Scottish Executive (2004) Scottish
Planning Policy 7: Planning and
Flooding
67
SEA Indicator
Areas affected
by flooding
(pluvial)
72% of flood problems reported
relate to urban drainage
problems.
Only a handful of sites in
Aberdeen are affecting by
pluvial flooding, due to culverts
being too small for surface
waters run-off during heavy rain.
Natural
resources
consumption
(footprint)
Aberdeen’s annual global
footprint (in global hectares per
person (gha/p):
Total: 5.73gha/p
Energy consumption: 1.14gha/p
(20%)Food and drink: 1.07gha/p
(19%)Land travel: 0.81ha/p
(14%)Other (Government,
capital investment, holiday
activities, consumables services,
and housing): 2.35gha/p (47%)
Comparators and
targets
Settlements in
Aberdeenshire that are
affected by pluvial
flooding include Huntly,
Turriff and Westhill.
Pluvial flooding away
from the floodplain is
difficult to characterise
in terms of flood risk. It
typically occurs in builtup areas where the
urban drainage system
is poorly maintained or
unable to cope.
Aberdeenshire’s annual
global footprint:
Total: 5.60gha/p
Energy consumption:
1.09ha/person (19%)
Food and drink:
1.11ha/person (20%)
Land travel: 0.74ha/p
(13%)
Other: 2.7gha/p (48%)
Trends
Issues/constraints
Data source(s)
Sewers are generally
designed to a 1:30 year
return period and so
extreme flood events will
affect the sewerage
network. As a result,
there will be an increased
requirement of SuDS in
new (and even existing)
development schemes.
Rise in precipitation
during the winter months
and increase in storms
will result in the need for
SuDS to prevent pluvial
flooding in urban areas.
*Aberdeenshire Council (2005)
Flooding in Aberdeenshire: Fifth
Biennial Report
http://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/f
looding/report/5biennial.pdf
Aberdeenshire Council Flood
Prevention Team
The main contributors to
the NE’s global footprint
are energy consumption,
food and drink, and land
travel.
Aberdeen consumes
more resources per
person than any other
Scottish city and it has
the largest footprint in
Scotland, which cannot
be sustained in the longterm.
North East Global Footprint
Project
http://www.scotlandsfootprint.org/t
he_project/north_east.php
Aberdeen City Council and
Scotland’s Global Footprint
Project - Reduction Report for
North East Scotland Global
Footprint Project, Joint Global
Footprint Co-ordinator, Aberdeen
City Council
68
Appendix B6: SEA Topic: Water
SEA Indicator
Ground water and Water runoff is reduced by public
river levels
water supply abstraction for river
Dee.
Runoff is natural to within 10% at the
95 percentile flow for all rivers in the
North East.
precipitation in the south of
Scotland is predicted to
decrease by 20-40% under
the low emissions (Global
Sustainability), and to
decrease by more than
40% under the highemissions World Markets
scenario.
precipitation in the north of
Scotland is predicted to
the low emissions (Global
Sustainability), and to
the high-emissions World
Markets.
Trends
Rainfall levels are
predicted to decline
during the summer
months, which may affect
a rivers yield rate, but this
will be less severe further
north.
Rainfall in winter months
is predicted to increase.
Increase in water
consumption from
industrial consumers and
from increased residential
development.
Increase in leakages from
pipe infrastructure as it
‘ages’.
69
Issues/constraints
Need to start reducing
water abstraction by
incorporating water
efficient technologies
into new developments
in light of the predicted
decrease in summer
rainfall.
Data source(s)
Centre for Hydrology and Ecology
(River Flow – gauging stations)
(2004):
http://www.nwl.ac.uk/ih/nrfa/statio
n_summaries/op/SEPAnorth_map.html
SEPA:
http://www.sepa.org.uk/data/river_
levels/data.htm
Aberdeen City (2002) State of the
Environment Report,
aberdeenfutures
p?lID=2424&sID=883
Water quality
(biology and
chemistry)
In previous years Aberdeen beach
was not meeting the guideline
standards, but investigations on river
flows and tidal state have resulted in
an improvement in bathing water
quality.
Groundwater vulnerability map from
SEPA website indicates most of
Aberdeen as vulnerable from
pollutants that are not readily
absorbed or transformed.
In 2006 all bathing water
passed the European tests.
In 2005 there was 1 failure.
There are 2 watercourses within the
City with poor water quality.
There are 10 watercourses
within Aberdeenshire with
poor water quality.
In Scotland, 717km of
rivers are poor and 51km
are seriously polluted.
In 2005, 53.1km of water
courses in the North East
are classified as poor or
seriously polluted as a
result of poor chemistry and
biology quality.
There are 2 watercourses that are
classified as seriously polluted
(Mains of Dyce Burn (poor biology),
& East Tollos Burn (poor biology and
chemistry)) in the City.
In 2006, all 63 sites in
Scotland have satisfied
European bathing water
standards for the first time
since monitoring began.
Updated Scottish Water’s
sewage treatment works
have greatly improved
bathing water quality.
Water quality overall is
good in Scotland.
Improved agricultural
practices (e.g. runoff)
have reduced water
pollution.
The trend shows
improvement
Land based pollution from
wastewater and sewage
has being brought under
stricter control, which has
resulted in river quality
throughout the North East
slowly improving.
The development of
core paths will have a
negligible impact on
these watercourses.
70
SEPA:
http://www.sepa.org.uk/data/bathi
ngwaters/bw2006/north.asp
http://www.sepa.org.uk/data/bathi
ngwaters/bw2006/north.asp
http://www.sepa.org.uk/pdf/groun
dwater/tools/vulnerability.pdf
Scottish Executive Statistics
Environment:
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics
/Statistics/15637/sesoSubSearch/
Q/SID/82
European Directive 76/160/EEC,
which sets mandatory
bacteriological and other healthrelated standards for bathing
waters in Europe.
SEPA (River Classification
Stretch Data, 2005):
http://www.sepa.org.uk/data/classi
fication/river_classification.htm
Scottish Biodiversity Forum
(2003) Towards a strategy for
Scotland's biodiversity: Scotland’s
Biodiversity Resource sand
Trends
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resou
rce/Doc/47032/0014776.pdf
Coastal impacts
Use of motorised vehicles on sand
dunes.
Balloon releases, and marine litter
are damaging the marine
environment.
In Aberdeen sea borne waste
pollution is principally from urban
sewage (although this is declining)
and chemical waste
Additional element in
coastal impact from
Aberdeenshire might be
from agricultural fertilisers
There are only a few
places that allow quadbiking legally.
Sea-borne waste is a
common problem
throughout Scotland
Climate change and sea level rise
may make the coasts vulnerable to
flooding – from rising storm activities,
increased rainfalls and higher tides
71
Major impact both on
the sand dune erosion,
wildlife and the
enjoyment of other
beach users.
Bathing water quality
along the North East
coast is improving.
East Grampian Coastal
Partnership (Annual Report 200506):
http://www.egcp.org.uk/document
s/_Toc138674449
Forth Estuary Forum:
http://www.forthestuaryforum.co.u
k/downloads/strategy.pdf
Marine Conservation Society
http://www.mcsuk.org/mcsaction/p
ollution/introduction
Appendix B7: SEA Topic: Population
SEA Indicator
Household
size
Aberdeen household figures:
2003 – 98,380
2021 – 107,610
Aberdeen household size
figures:
2003 – 2.04
2021 – 1.83
Change in Aberdeen age
structure of head of household
between 2003 and 2021:
30-44yrs: -2,870
60+: +5,730
Years of
healthy life
expectancy
Life expectancy in Aberdeen:
Male 73.6 years Females 78.9
years
Comparators and
targets
Aberdeenshire
household figures:
2003 – 93,800
2021 – 104,300
Aberdeenshire
household size figures:
2003 – 2.41
2021 – 2.24
Average household size
in Scotland is 2.27.
Change in
Aberdeenshire age
structure of head of
household between
2003 and 2021:
30-44yrs: -6,660
60+: 16,700
Trends
Issues/constraints
Data source(s)
Household numbers
predicted to increase.
16,040 more houses are
required in the Aberdeen
Housing Market Area
6,880 more houses are
required in the Rural
Housing Market Area
Household size predicted to
decrease. In the North
East, the number of
households headed by
people aged 60+ is
predicted to increase by
50%.
The number of households
headed by people aged 3044 is predicted to fall by
6,660, a decrease of 25%
Increasing number of
households is creating more
demand for housing (and
land).
Possibility that the need for
more development land
could put pressure on or near
sensitive natural heritage
areas.
The growing age of the head
of the household may result
in more homes needed for
their needs (e.g. bungalows
or special needs dwellings).
CI/nmsruntime/saveasdialog.asp?lI
D=1720&sID=332
General Register Office for
Scotland: News Release –
Household estimates for 2005
http://www.groscotland.gov.uk/press/news2005/dr
op-in-number-of-vacant-dwellingsand-second-homes-in-scotland.html
Forecasts 20032021:http://www.aberdeencity.gov.u
k/ACCI/nmsruntime/saveasdialog.a
sp?lID=1720&sID=332
Life expectancy in
Aberdeenshire:
Male 75.5 years
Females 80.2 years Life
expectancy
In Scotland:
Male 73.8 years
Females 79.1 years
Life expectancy at birth for
Scots continues to improve,
and recent trends show a
slight narrowing of the gap
between males and
females to around 5.3
years in 2002-2004.
Aging population will create
demand for certain types of
houses (e.g. bungalows and
services (increasing the need
for more land) and care
homes.
Core paths developed will
also have to cater for all
abilities as far as possible,
including older, less able
members of society.
Scottish Executive Statistics (2006)
Life expectancy
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/
Statistics/Browse/Health/TrendLife
Expectancy
72
Size of
population
Aberdeen population figures:
2003 - 206,600
2021 - 202,636
Average age in 2005:
Aberdeen – 38 (m), 41 (f).
Aberdeenshire
population figures:
2003 - 229,330
2021 - 229,353
North East population
figures aged between 0
– 44 years:
2003 – 257,570
2021 – 216,333
North East population
figures aged 45+ years:
2003 – 178,360
2021 – 215656
Average age in 2005:
Aberdeenshire – 39 (m),
41 (f)
Approximately 2%
decrease within the City,
and 0.01% decrease within
Aberdeenshire.
In the North East, the
population aged 0 - 44 are
predicted to decline by an
average of 14% between
2003 and 2021.
The population aged 45
onwards is predicted to
increase by 31%, with
those aged 75+ increasing
the most (49.7%).
73
CI/nmsruntime/saveasdialog.asp?lI
D=1720&sID=332
Migration
change
Migration loss 2002-05:
Aberdeen is losing its
population to Aberdeenshire
and outside Scotland.
Migration gain 2002-05:
Aberdeen is gaining its
population from Scotland.
The relative age of those
migrating to Aberdeen is 15-19
yrs.
Only a slight net migration gain
is predicted to 2016, with a
decline post 2016.
Migration loss 2002-05:
Aberdeenshire is losing
it’ population to
Scotland.
Migration gain 2002-05:
Aberdeenshire is
gaining its population
from Aberdeen and
outside Scotland.
The migration trend in the
North East is slow growth
to 2016 and then a slow
decline thereafter.
However, migration is a
significant and difficult to
forecast element of
demographic change which
occurs in response to
international and national
as well as local factors.
74
In-migration will create
greater demand for houses
and services in
Aberdeenshire.
Possible need for services
catering for ‘non-Scotland’
migrants, especially if from
overseas (e.g. language and
cultural issues/differences).
Retiral ‘stealth’ in-migration
may affect housing and
service provision in
Aberdeenshire (i.e. an
increase need for).
Characteristics of the housing stock
Population and household change
Register for General Scotland
(2006) Mid-2005 Population
Estimates Scotland Population
estimates by sex, age and
administrative area, A National
Statistics publication
http://www.groscotland.gov.uk/files/05mype-cahbbooklet.pdf
Appendix B8: Additional Data on Population and Human Health
Like Scotland, the 3 biggest killers in Aberdeen are coronary heart disease, cancer and strokes.
To address health issues in the City, The Joint Health Improvement Plan (JHIP), part of the
community plan for Aberdeen was introduced for 2005-2008. It sets out the main priorities for the
city community planning partners - the public sector, voluntary organisations and the community.
The JHIP identifies the key health improvement issues facing the city, set within the context of
the national framework, Improving Health in Scotland, The Challenge (2003). It outlines how
these challenges will be tackled through a shared approach and common goals to improve
health and reduce inequalities by the concerted action of the community planning partnership.
The Aberdeen City Alliance (TACA) is charged with achieving these challenges.
Issue
Air quality
Implications
Air quality in the City is impacted
extensively by transport and other forms
of energy comsumption that releases
toxic fumes.
Land
contamination
Land contamination of hazardous
chemicals such as metals and persistent
organic compounds increases the
potential for chemical exposure through
uptake into the food chain, direct contact
with soil or contamination of water
supplies.
Land
CPP aims to improve health by
encouraging physical exercise for
recreation or active travel. Access to
the outdoors has also been shown to
improve mental well-being and patient
recovery time.
Pollution can affect drinking water,
recreational waters and areas where, for
example, shellfish are harvested and
thereby may enter the food chain.
Water quality
Waste
Radiation
Nutrient
enrichment
Poorly managed landfilling and
incineration can sometimes expose
people to water and air pollutants with
the potential for toxic or carcinogenic
effects. Landfills, composting and the
application of sewage sludge to land
may result in localised nuisance.
Direct exposure to radiation and
accumulation of radioactivity in food is
possible from Douneray or boats
berthed in Aberdeen Harbour. Possible
radon exposure from natural sources in
homes is linked to increased risk of lung
cancer.
Nitrogen and phosphorus from sources
such as farming can have an adverse
effect on drinking water quality and lead
75
Related Illness
Can aggravate existing
respiratory conditions
such as bronchitis and
asthma and can increase
the incidence of
cardiovascular illness and
strokes.
Could result in acute
illness due to
microbiological exposures
(e.g. Escherichia coli type
0157) or long-term effects
such as increase in
cancer risk. Lead
exposure can result in
neurodevelopment
disorders.
Can help prevent the
onset of heart disease
and
Microbiological
contamination (e.g.
Escherichia coli type 0157
contamination of bathing
waters) can give rise to
gastrointestinal illness.
May result in respiratory
illness or cancer.
Exposure can increase
the risk of cancer or
cause abnormalities in
babies.
Exposure to water
affected by blooms can
result in gastrointestinal
to toxic algal blooms.
Climate Change
It is predicted that climate change
impacts in Scotland may in general lead
to an increase in illness. Non seasonal
illness may increase, leading to extra
costs for sick leave and cover.
illness, skin irritation and
liver damage.
Flood-related illness (e.g.
stress, infections
associated with sewage
contamination) and heat
distress and fewer coldrelated deaths. Injuries
may result from more
extreme weather events.
Foreign diseases and
viruses may be able to
survive our climate.
Source SEPA State of the Environment Report 2006.
Financial Costs
Generally, costs in health care have been escalating in recent years. The costs incurred by
Aberdeen Royal Infirmary are below national averages for the speciality groups that can be
linked to quality of the environment.
Total allocated gross cost per case of inpatients (£)
Speciality Group
Aberdeen Royal Infirmary
Scottish Average
Cardiac surgery
4,364
9,261
Cardiology
2,491
2,868
Communicable diseases
3,076
3,690
Coronary care unit
1,290
1,648
Gastroenterology
3,093
3,319
Respiratory medicine
1,209
2,517
Source:
http://www.isdscotland.org/isd/servlet/FileBuffer?namedFile=Costs_R040_2006.xls&pContentDi
spositionType=inline
Crimes per 10,000 Population
In the Grampian Police Force Area during 2003, 724 crimes were recorded per 10,000
population and 1,125 offences per 10,000 of population were recorded.
In the Grampian Police Force Area during 2004-2005 the figure rose to 782 crimes recorded and
the number of offences per 10,000 of population to 1,155.
Crime figures have increased due to the improvement in reporting as a result of the
Crimestoppers hotline.
Annual Performance 2003-04 to 2005-06
Source: http://www.grampian.police.uk/foi-library/ar001/Annual%20Report.pdf
76
Deprivation
Whereas ‘poverty’ is usually defined in terms of a lack of financial resources and material goods,
the concept of ‘deprivation’ is more multi-dimensional. Deprivation exists where people lack a
range of resources that are commonly available to other people in society. These resources
include adequate housing, education, diet, clothing, fuel, household facilities and social
conditions. Multiple deprivation is a composite of the different dimensions or domains of single
deprivations.
The Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD) is the Scottish Executive’s official tool for
identifying small area concentrations of multiple deprivation. The SIMD provides a relative
ranking of 6,505 small areas (data zones) across Scotland from the most deprived (ranked one)
to the least deprived in Scotland (ranked 6,505). There are 267 data zones in Aberdeen, with an
average population of around 750. The most deprived data zones in Aberdeen are concentrated
in the ‘priority’ neighbourhoods that were identified in the Community Regeneration Strategy –
Tillydrone, Middlefield, Torry, Woodside, Seaton and Cummings Park.
Comparators
Table 1. Number of deprived data zones per 10,000 population
Council Area
Population
Data Zones in MD15 Rate per 10,000
(2004)
population
Glasgow
577,670
330
5.71
Inverclyde
82,430
42
5.10
Dundee
141,870
53
3.74
W Dunbartonshire
91,970
33
3.59
Clackmannanshire
48,240
15
3.11
N Lanarkshire
322,790
84
2.60
N Ayrshire
136,020
33
2.43
E Ayrshire
119,720
28
2.34
Renfreshire
170,610
36
2.11
S Lanarkshire
305,410
56
1.83
Edinburgh
453,670
63
1.39
Aberdeen
203,450
27
1.33
Source: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/151578/0040731.pdf
Table 2. Number and population of deprived data zones in Aberdeen City Council
Number of data zones in:
Most deprived
5% in Scotland
Most deprived
Most deprived
10% in
15% in
Scotland
Scotland
Number
9
18
27
Population
5,797
11,749
18,027
% Total Popn
2.8%
5.8%
8.9%
Most deprived
20% in
Scotland
36
24,715
12.1%
Table 3 Number of deprived data zones in Aberdeen , SIMD 2004 and SIMD 2006
Number of data zones in:
Domain
Current
Income
Employment
Health
Education
etc.
Most deprived
5% in Scotland
Most deprived
10% in Scotland
Most deprived
15% in Scotland
2006
6
2004
4
2006
13
2004
11
2006
22
2004
16
Most deprived
20% in
Scotland
2006
2004
32
28
9
15
7
0
8
5
16
30
14
4
22
17
27
43
28
9
39
33
35
56
48
77
15
52
46
Housing
Access etc.
Crime
All domains
4
0
4
0
20
3
20
6
41
10
41
16
64
23
64
26
28
9
2
38
18
8
59
27
18
74
36
27
Map 1. The 15% most deprived data zones nationally in the overall SIMD 2004 and SIMD 2006,
Aberdeen City
Table 4. Number of applications under the Homeless Persons legislation by local authority
Difference 2004-05
to 2005-06
1996-97
2001-01
2004-05
2005-06
Number
%
Scotland
40,989
45,004
57,454
59,970
2,516
4
Aberdeen City
1,916
1,584
1,645
2,001
356
22
Aberdeenshire
1,303
1,243
1,386
1,465
79
6
Dundee
1,037
861
1,461
1,938
477
33
Edinburgh
3,575
4,410
5,178
5,037
-141
-3
Glasgow
12,014
12,202
10,681
11,179
498
5
Table 5: Migration flows to and from Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire (2002 – 2005)
SEA Topic
Population
Destination
City
Shire
Scotland
Elsewhere
Net Change
Ori City
-4,568
+363
-2,065
-6,270
gin
Shire
+4,568
-
-704
Source: GRO(S) Population Estimates
78
+4,085
+7949
Map 2. Aberdeen Green Space Network
Source: http://www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/acci/web/files/LocalPlan/LocalPlan.pdf
There are 2,264.75 hectares of open space parks and gardens in the City. This includes public
and private open land subject to access but does not include Forestry Commission Woodlands.
There is six Forestry Commission woodlands which encircle the City.
Woodland covers 10% of the City area (See Table 6).
Table 6 Woodland in and around town
Region
Population Urban area
('000) *1
(ha) *1
Woodland
area (ha)
*1 *2
Woodland
cover (%)
Aberdeen
201
10600
1062
10
City
Source: http://www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/INFD-6AZJTY
79
Woodland
area per
1000 pop.
(ha)
5.3
Derelict
land (ha)
*3
105
Appendix B9: SEA Topic: Soil
SEA Indicator
Land
contamination
There are no statutorily
identified contaminated sites
in Aberdeen, although there
are 900 potentially
contaminated sites, which
are being considered for
investigation. 7 are currently
being studied (averaging 3
sites pa).
Comparators and
targets
There are 4 statutorily
identified
contaminated sites in
Aberdeenshire.
In the Shire, there are
5000 other potentially
contaminated sites,
including landfill sites,
former gasworks,
stations and goods
yards, petrol stations
and garages,
distilleries, smithy’s
and infilled ground.
Trends
Issues/constraints
Data source(s)
Contaminated may
increase as past sites for
landfill and gasworks are
investigated.
There are 5,900 potentially
contaminated sites recorded in the
North East. These include several
hundred high-risk sites such as
landfill and gasworks.
Contaminated land places financial
and technological constraints on
development.
Contaminated land impacts on the
water environment, i.e. ground
surface and coastal waters, and the
wider environment including for
instance local ecology.
Contaminated Land Inspection
Strategy
acci/web/files/Pollution/Contami
natedLandInspectionStrategy.pd
f
Contaminated Land Strategy
(under review December 2006)
Aberdeenshire Council Public
Register of Contaminated Land
Aberdeenshire Council GGP
overlay: Potentially
contaminated sites
80
Prime
agricultural land
(Grades 1 to
3.1)
Aberdeen contains very little
prime agricultural land
(300ha).
Climate change is predicted
to have an affect on
precipitation (to increase in
winter months and decrease
during the summer), storm
events, and sea level, which
will affect prime quality
agricultural land in the North
East.
In Aberdeenshire,
prime agricultural land
is located principally in
the central area
(excluding Marr), and
south of the Highland
Boundary Fault (near
Stonehaven).
Most Grade 2 prime
agricultural land is
found south of the
Highland Boundary
Fault, near
Laurencekirk (approx
950ha).
As a result of predicted
increases in winter rainfall,
all the major rivers in the
North East are prone to
meandering where flood
defences have not been
built.
Increase in storm events
may increase the threat of
soil erosion from the wind
on low-lying areas,
reducing the nutrient value
of fields.
Sea level on the east coast
is predicted to rise 34 to
55cm by the 2080s (rising
1.0mm per year).
Air temperatures are also
predicted to rise by a few
degrees.
81
Potential loss of prime agricultural
land from climate change –
precautionary approach may need
to be applied in certain areas (e.g.
on prime agricultural land near
flood plains, along the coast, and
on land of the highest quality).
Scottish Executive Statistics
(2005): Economic Report on
Scottish Agriculture
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publi
cations/2005/06/2290402/05121
Climate Change: Flooding
Occurrences Review:
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/cru/k
d01/lightgreen/ccfo.pdf
Davidson, D.A. and Grieve, I.C.
(2004) Trends in soil erosion,
SNH Commissioned Report No.
054 (ROAME No. F00AC106)
http://www.snh.org.uk/pdfs/publi
cations/commissioned_reports/F
00AC106.pdf
Office of Science and
Technology (2005) Foresight
report: Future Flooding Scotland
http://www.foresight.gov.uk/Prev
ious_Projects/Flood_and_Coast
al_Defence/Reports_and_Public
ations/Scotland/final_scotland.p
df
Waste disposal
in landfill
2005 figures for landfill and
recycling in Aberdeen stands
at:
landfilled biodegradable
municipal waste (BMW):
70,773; and
recycled/ composted
municipal solid waste
(MSW): 16.5% (22,500
tonnes) (this has increased
to 22% in 2005/06).
BMW landfill allowances for
Aberdeen are:
53,004 tonnes in 2009/10;
35,336 tonnes in 2012/13;
and 26,387 tonnes in
2019/20.
2004/2005 –13%
2005/2006 –19%
2006/2007 –21%
2005 figures for landfill
and recycling in
Aberdeenshire stands
at:
landfilled BMW:
83,222 tonnes; and
recycled/ composted
MSW: 15.1% (23,366).
National recycling
targets are:
2006 – 25%
2008 – 30%
2020 – 55%
Aberdeenshire’s
recycling targets:
2005/06 – 17%
2006/07 – 22%
BMW landfill
allowances for
Aberdeenshire are:
54,917 tonnes in
2009/10;
36,611 tonnes in
2012/13; and
27,340 tonnes in
2019/20.
To meet the Waste Landfill
Direct, the North of
Scotland Strategic Options
Review (includes Highland,
Moray, Angus and City and
Shire councils) is looking at
several different methods to
dispose of municipal waste,
including incineration
(energy from waste plant).
The trend shows a slight
improvement but against
the Council’s target of 40%
by 2011, more work needs
to be done.
82
Not enough sites for recycling or
composting biodegradable
municipal waste (large, medium or
small scale) to help the local
authorities achieve their recycling
and landfill targets, although
funding is being sought from the
Scottish Executive’s Strategic
Waste Fund to build the necessary
infrastructure.
North East Scotland Area Waste
Plan (2003)
http://www.sepa.org.uk/nws/area
s/north_east/awp/2.4.html
acci/web/site/Rubbish/rub_Wast
eStrategy.asp
Aberdeenshire Council Waste
Team
RPS (2006) North of Scotland
Strategic Option Review Group:
Strategic Outline Case
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Reso
urce/Doc/113890/0027685.pdf
Landfill Allowance Scheme
(Scotland) Regulations 2005 –
Interim Guidance, Scottish
Executive
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Reso
urce/Doc/54357/0012514.pdf
Soil Erosion
From Berwick to Aberdeen,
the coastline is eroding, but
is stable where there are
rocky coasts or coastal
defences.
From Aberdeen to Inverness
the coastline is largely
eroding, but parts are being
replenished with sand and
gravel from larger rivers.
The north of Scotland
is mostly stable with
little erosion, but south
of Mallaig, towards
Carlisle, the coastline
is predominantly
eroding but stable
where there are rocky
coasts or coastal
defences.
Precipitation will be
greater in the west due
to the west-east
precipitation gradient.
The coastline is
predominantly eroding
along the east.
Autumn/Winter rainfall is
predicted to increase,
giving rise to winter storms
and affecting runoff and
(wind and water) erosion.
Upland schemes such as
wind farm access roads
and recreation tracks (e.g.
mountain biking) on steep
ground can increase
surface water runoff and
lead to significant soil loss
(e.g. gullies).
83
Coastal erosion mostly where there
are no rocks or coastal defences
Increase silting of rivers from fluvial
flooding
Increase in soil erosion from wind
and water, which may also be
exacerbated by bad land use
practices, such as locating
tracks/access roads on steep/
upland ground.
Increasing use of motorised
vehicles on sand dunes is
contributing to coastal erosion.
Councils (2006) Strategic
Flooding Issues Topic Paper
report: Future Flooding Scotland
Aberdeen Council Natural
Heritage Team
Davidson, D.A. and Grieve, I.C.
(2004) Trends in soil erosion,
Scottish Natural Heritage
Commissioned Report No. 054
(ROAME No. F00AC106)
http://www.snh.org.uk/pdfs/publi
cations/commissioned_reports/F
00AC106.pdf
Appendix B10: SEA Topic: Material Assets
SEA Indicator
Properties
Gardens and lower floors of
SPP7 states that new
protected from
council houses in Middlefield development should not be
flooding
(Aberdeen) are being flooded granted consent if it would be at
as a result of rising ground
significant risk of flooding from
water levels, which is
any source, or the proposal
believed to be from a old
would materially increase the
quarry – a hydrological
probability of flooding
assessment is being
elsewhere.
undertaken.
It neither supports the
Hecks (grills) are being
development on greenfield sites,
replaced throughout the City
which benefit from flood
to reduce pluvial flooding,
defenses, as this would increase
along with increased culvert
the number of properties at risk
maintenance and water
from flooding.
course inspections.
SPP7 discourages the culverting
The loss of the flood plain at
of watercourses, which are part
Maryculter bridge (River
of a new development (unless
Dee) will affect the fluvial
there is no practical alternative),
flooding downstream.
and requires surface water runFluvial flooding is being
off from a development to be
reduced at West Cults
fully or partially drained by
(Aberdeen) through the
SuDS, unless it is impracticable.
creation of flood
embankments along the
River Dee.
Trends
Biennial reports will
continue to identify where
there are existing problems
that require remedying to
reduce land and properties
affected by flooding.
The impact of climate
change will require existing
and proposed infrastructure
(e.g. urban drains) to be
able to accommodate the
predicted rise in
precipitation and sea level,
and a need for their
increased maintenance.
Climate change will also
require the increase use of
SuDS to manage the flow
of rain water run-off before
it reaches piped drained
systems or watercourses.
84
Issues/constraints
Works have been
identified in the North East
to ensure that properties
are safeguarded from
flooding.
Need to ensure that:
new development will not
increase the probability of
flooding elsewhere;
development is not sited in
an area at risk from fluvial
or coastal flooding; and
existing and new urban
drainage systems will not
flood properties (especially
as storm events are
predicted to increase).
Data source(s)
(2003) Prevention or
Mitigation of Flooding of NonAgricultural Land within
Aberdeen 4th Biennial report
Halcrow (2006) Aberdeen
Bay Coastal Defence
Scheme, Aberdeen city
Council Project Appraisal
Report, Aberdeen City
Council
(2005) Flooding in
Aberdeenshire: Fifth Biennial
Report
http://www.aberdeenshire.go
v.uk/flooding/report/5biennial.
pdf
Scottish Planning Policy 7:
Planning and Flooding
Existing flood
defences
To protect properties and
infrastructure in Aberdeen,
works to protect the beach
wall will be required, which
involves the replenishment of
sand along Aberdeen Beach
every 7 years.
In Aberdeenshire, flood studies
have been carried out in Huntly,
Inverurie, Rosehearty,
Auchnagatt, Fyvie, Maryculter
(Mill Inn), Alford and Aboyne.
Emergency works had to be
carried out on Stonehaven’s
seawall foundations as coastal
erosion caused part of it to
collapse.
Although the impact of climate
change is predicted to be less
significant along the east coast,
the frequency of storm events
and the level of winter
precipitation are forecast to
increase, which will give rise to
increasing 1 in 200 year flood
events and soil/sand erosion.
As highlighted in the SEA
indicator on climatic factors, the
sea-level along the east coast is
predicted to rise 34 to 55 cm by
the 2080s.
Flood studies will continue
to be commissioned
whenever necessary to
better understand and
resolve flood-affected
areas.
Flood defence schemes will
progressively be affected
by soil/sand erosion from
increasing rainfall and
storm events, which will
affect their stability and
effectiveness. As a result,
there will be a need to
increase the maintenance
these defences, and
possibly relocate them.
As part of a 100 year
strategy, which will protect
259 dwellings and 174
commercial properties,
road infrastructure and
Aberdeen beach, coastal
defences and schemes to
reduce tidal flooding
between Nigg Bay and the
Donmouth (Aberdeen) are
currently underway, which
include the recharging of
Aberdeen beach with sand
and rock t-head groynes.
85
Predicted rise in sea level
may result in existing flood
defences being
inadequate.
The predicted rise in storm
events and winter
precipitation is likely to
increase soil/sand erosion
from the wind and
rain/water, which may
prevent flood defence
schemes functioning
properly and result in their
failure (e.g. collapse).
(2005) Flooding in
Aberdeenshire: Fifth Biennial
Report
http://www.aberdeenshire.go
v.uk/flooding/report/5biennial.
pdf
Halcrow (2006) Aberdeen
Bay Coastal Defence
Scheme, Aberdeen city
Council Project Appraisal
Report, Aberdeen City
Council
report: Future Flooding
Scotland
http://www.foresight.gov.uk/P
revious_Projects/Flood_and_
Coastal_Defence/Reports_a
nd_Publications/Scotland/fin
al_scotland.pdf
Exiting pumping
stations and
sewage works
At present, Aberdeen has
been identified as not having
any constraints.
Water treatment
works
Aberdeen requires significant
works upgrades.
Aberdeenshire has significant
constraints throughout most of
the area, with the exception of a
handful of settlements, including
Westhill and Insch
The North East accounts for 5%
of the Scottish total (£18.1m),
which is mostly required in
Aberdeenshire.
Data used for this
assessment can only be
considered as a draft, and
will be subject to change in
relation to Scottish Water’s
and SEPA’s understanding
of asset performance and
development potential
identified by planning
authorities.
Aberdeen City and
Aberdeenshire Councils
(2006) Topic Paper:
Development Constraints
(Water and Waste)
Scottish Water (2006)
Strategic Asset Capacity and
Development Plan
http://www.scottishwater.co.u
k/portal/page?_pageid=627,4
099564&_dad=portal&_sche
ma=PORTAL
There is a significant water
supply constraint
throughout most of the
North East, with the
exception of a handful of
settlements.
86
Appendix C - Testing CPP
Objectives
87
Appendix C - Testing Aberdeen City CPP Objectives
and where
appropriate,
enhance
biodiversity
2. Protect and
where appropriate,
enhance the
quality and
distinctiveness of
landscapes and
townscapes
and where
appropriate,
enhance the
historic
environment
4. Improve local air
quality, and reduce
Aberdeen’s
contribution to
climate change
5. Improve water
quality and reduce
flooding
6. Improve human
health and
accessibility,
social inclusion
and access to the
natural and historic
environment
7. Protect soil and
material assets
88
Aim6 Obj7
Aun6 Obj6
Aim6 Obj5
Aim6 Obj4
Aim6 Obj3
Aim6 Obj2
Aim6 Obj1
Aim5 Obj3
Aim5 Obj2
Aim5 Obj1
Aim4 Obj2
Aim4 Obj1
Aim3 Obj2
Aim3 Obj1
Aim2 Obj3
Aim2 Obj2
Aim2 Obj1
Aim1 Obj4
Aim1 Obj3
Aim1 Obj2
Aberdeen City CPP Objectives
Aim1 Obj1
SEA
Objectives
The table below illustrates the matrix approach that will be taken to assess compatibility of the CPP Objectives against the SEA objectives within the Environmental Report. The table will also be completed with comments regarding potential
incompatibilities between the CPP and SEA objectives. For reference purposes, a copy of the CPP Vision, Aims and Objectives follow the matrix.
Comments Regarding Potential Incompatibilities
CPP Vision, Aims and Objectives
The Vision, Aims and Objectives have been developed by Aberdeen City Council and Aberdeen
Outdoor Access Forum. The process of developing them has been very important as not only
have they helped to provide a strategic focus for the Plan, but they have also informed the
development of the selection criteria which has been used to assess the candidate core paths
included in the Plan.
Vision
Aberdeen’s core paths system will form a complete paths network throughout the City,
encouraging healthy and sustainable access opportunities for all.
Aims
The Core Paths system will:
1. Connect residential areas, greenspaces, amenities, other attractions and the wider
countryside into Aberdeenshire.
2. Form a basic, safe framework for outdoor recreation and sustainable and active travel.
3. Improve the quality of life of Aberdeen’s residents and visitors.
4. Assist Aberdeen's people to lead healthier lifestyles.
5. Promote environmental protection and foster the development of a more sustainable
City.
6. Be well integrated in policy and usage terms, encouraging access opportunities for all.
Objectives
Using the aims above, a number of SMART objectives have been developed. These objectives
are presented below.
Aim 1: Connect residential areas, greenspaces, amenities, other attractions and the
wider countryside into Aberdeenshire.
Objective 1: To promote and improve links between settlements, facilities (e.g. shops, health
facilities and in particular schools), transport links and attractions.
Objective 2: To promote and improve links to greenspaces in Aberdeen (e.g. parks, forests,
rivers, beaches and other open spaces).
Objective 3: To promote and improve access to places of interest in Aberdeen (e.g. built
attractions, natural features and heritage sites).
Objective 4: To link and support the wider path network in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.
Aim 2: Form a basic, safe framework for outdoor recreation and sustainable and active
travel.
Objective 1: To ensure the effective and efficient maintenance and development of
Aberdeen's core path network.
Objective 2: To work with partners to continue to reduce accidents involving non motorised
users.
Objective 3: To work in partnership with Grampian Police in order to enhance the safety of the
paths network.
Aim 3: Improve the quality of life of Aberdeen’s residents and visitors.
89
Objective 1: To promote the Core Paths Plan for the purposes of recreation and tourism
opportunities.
Objective 2: To provide an attractive environment that contributes to an improved quality of life
for local residents and visitors.
Aim 4: Assist Aberdeen's residents to lead healthier lifestyles.
Objective 1: To promote and increase the use of sustainable, active forms of travel.
Objective 2: To promote and increase participation in informal outdoor recreation.
Aim 5: Promote environmental protection and foster the development of a more
sustainable city.
Objective 1: To protect and promote the area’s environmental quality, biodiversity, local
heritage and cultural identity.
Objective 2: To support and promote initiatives that educate and raise awareness on the
importance of environmental sustainability.
Objective 3: To foster the development of a future generation of sustainable transport users.
Aim 6: Be well integrated in policy and usage terms, encouraging access opportunities
for all.
Objective 1: To improve and promote accessibility for all to the core paths network.
Objective 2: Ensure that the Core Paths Plan influences the future development and
implementation of local, regional and national land use planning, economic development, and
community development strategies.
Objective 3: To assist and promote responsible land management and deliver mutual benefits
for path users and land managers.
Objective 4: To enable and promote responsible multi-use of the Core Paths Network.
Objective 5: To promote and encourage understanding of, and compliance with the Scottish
Outdoor Access Code.
Objective 6: To improve ease of use and understanding of the Core Paths Network by
developing a consistent approach to signposting, information provision and branding.
Objective 7: To involve appropriate stakeholders in planning and development of the Core
Paths Network.
90
Appendix D - CPP Selection
Criteria
91
Appendix D: CPP Selection Criteria
The Core Paths Selection Criteria Checklist below was designed as a tool to assess proposed
Core Paths.
For each criterion, surveyors were asked to score each path on a range from minus two to plus
two (and also provide additional supporting information/comments if desired).
-2 = major negative impact
-1 = minor negative impact
0 = generally no impact
1 = minor positive impact
2 = major positive impact
It is to be emphasised that this appraisal scoring system has simply been one tool in the
process of identifying the City’s network of core paths. Nevertheless, this appraisal system has
played an important part in informing decisions on the content of the Draft Core Paths Plan. In
general terms, those paths proposed as core paths within the Draft have performed well against
the majority of the selection criteria.
Name of Path/Route:
Date surveyed:
Route description (mention start and finish points and key points along route):
Comments on topography (e.g. gentle or steep slopes?), surface (tarmac or dirt track?) and
quality (e.g. uneven, drainage issues etc?):
Comments on boundary crossings
Criterion: Providing Connections
Links neighbourhoods / settlements
Example:
Links between, in and around
neighbourhoods and settlements.
Score:
Comment:
Links and incorporates greenspaces
Example:
Links into and/or between open, green space
including parks, public gardens, and playing
fields.
Score:
Comment:
Links facilities / services with residential areas
Example:
Links people’s homes to key facilities and
services, such as schools, community or health
centres, and sites of leisure and recreation.
Links between the facilities themselves.
Score:
Comment:
92
Access to places of interest
Example:
Improves access to built attractions, natural
features, historic heritage sites, visitor
centres, viewpoints, forest trails, beaches,
archaeological trails, castles...
Score:
Comment:
Provides safe routes to school
Example:
Traffic free route to a school.
Score:
Comment:
Provides access to public transport
Example:
Links to transport interchanges including
bus stops and railway stations.
Score:
Comment:
Links and supports wider path networks
Example:
Links into the wider path network.
Opportunities to form popular recreational or
sustainable and active travel routes.
Score:
Comment:
Circular routes
Example:
Leads users back to the same starting point
or links with other paths to create a circuit.
Score:
Comment:
Criterion: Safety
Safe and fit for purpose
Example:
Paths that provide safety improvements or
where potential hazards on a route can be
easily mitigated (e.g. traffic).
Paths that are ‘fit for purpose’ currently
(Please note any work that could be done to
make it ‘fit for purpose’, including as much
detail as possible).
Criterion: Quality of Life
Potential for supporting economic development /
business opportunities
Example:
Offers the potential for existing businesses
to be supported by users
Offer the opportunity for new businesses to
emerge in relation to the route e.g. tearooms/newsagents benefit from people
stopping off.
Attractive Surroundings
Example:
Routes that have particularly attractive
surroundings or views.
Score:
Comment:
Score:
Comment:
Score:
Comment:
Criterion: Health
Offers health improvement opportunities through
recreation and/or active travel.
Example:
Offers the opportunity to improve health and
lifestyles.
93
Score:
Comment:
Offers a flat but interesting walk in a location
that can be accessed by foot or public
transport.
Provides opportunities for active travel,
linking possible destinations, starting points
etc.
Criterion: Environmental Protection and Sustainability
Environmental Protection
Score:
Example:
Comment:
Avoids adverse impact on landscape, flora
and fauna.
(Please note any opportunities to limit or
avoid impacts on the environment through
e.g. erosion, disturbance of sensitive
wildlife.)
Access to Nature / Education
Example:
Provides access to an area of natural interest
e.g. countryside wildlife or the beach / parks.
Provides access to nature for school groups,
Ranger / self-led walks (i.e. availability of car
parks, proximity to schools).
Criterion: Integration
Community Regeneration Areas
Example:
Provides access opportunities to / from /
within Community Regeneration Areas.
Score:
Comment:
Score:
Comment:
Considerate of other land uses
Example:
Provides an opportunity for avoiding or
reducing conflict with other land uses that
might be sensitive to the public exercising
their access rights e.g. agriculture, as well
as sport pitches, golf courses etc.
Score:
Comment:
Multi-use Paths
Example:
Provides opportunities for all user types e.g.
walkers, cyclists, horseriders, watersports
(not all paths must cater for all but the Plan
on the whole must do so, therefore some
routes must cater for each type of use).
Score:
All Abilities Paths
Example:
Suitable for all abilities e.g. wheelchair
users, other disabilities, the elderly, people
pushing prams. (Here it will be important to
consider boundary crossings, surface
quality and topography / gradients etc.).
Score:
Comment:
Criterion: Community Support
Landowner support
Example:
If there is any evidence that the land owner
is in favour or against the CPP and signage
provision, multi-user boundary crossings,
94
Score:
Comment:
this should be noted.
Community Demand / Support
Example:
Popular and well used.
Community support or demand for
improvement or creation (in the case of a
route that does not currently exist).
Score:
Comment:
Avoids adverse impact on local residents /
neighbours
Example:
Avoids conflict with adjoining property /
residents.
Score:
Comment:
Criterion: Implementability
Value for Money
Example:
Likely cost versus benefit.
A path that would be expensive to create on
a steep sloping hillside in a remote location
would be unlikely to offer value for money
and would therefore score poorly. Minor
upgrading of an existing path that will be
used for functional and recreational
purposes by a large number of users of all
types and abilities will offer good value for
money and should therefore score highly.
Score:
Comment:
Any Other Comments:
Name of surveyor:
Further notes on Assessment Criteria:
Providing Connections
Links neighbourhoods / settlements
Paths that provide links between, in and around neighbourhoods and settlements would score
highly whereas routes that offer no links would score less well. Short links are believed to be
more attractive to potential users, whereas strategic and longer distance links would perhaps
not score as strongly under this criterion.
Links and incorporates greenspaces
Paths that provide routes into and/or between open, greenspace including parks, public
gardens, and playing fields would score highly under this criterion.
Links facilities and services with residential areas
Paths that link people’s homes to key facilities and services, such as schools, community or
health centres, and sites of leisure and recreation, would score well. Paths that also provide
links between these facilities would also score well, in recognition that many of the trips made to
these facilities are linked trips.
Access to places of interest
95
This criterion assesses whether a path improves accessibility for locals and visitors to built
attractions, natural features and historic heritage sites. Paths that provide links to visitor
centres, viewpoints, forest trails, beaches, archaeological trails and castles would score highly.
Provides safe routes to school
A path that provides linkages to a school would score well, as long as it provides a traffic free
route and allows for surveillance of users.
Provides access to public transport
A path that offers linkages to transport interchanges including bus stops and railway stations
would score well under this criterion (particularly if located at the start and finishing points of a
route).
Links and supports wider path networks
Routes that stand-alone, isolated from the wider path network would get a low score whereas
routes that provide links into the wider, strategic path network forming popular recreational or
sustainable and active travel routes would score more highly.
Circular routes
A route that leads users back to the same starting point, or links with other paths to create a
circuit, is believed to be attractive to many and would thus score highly under this criteria.
Safety
Safe and fit for purpose
Paths that increase safety levels or where potential hazards on a route can be easily mitigated
would score highly, whereas routes where the risk of motorised traffic remains would score
lower. Paths, which are unfit for the purpose to which it is put, or require a lot of work to bring
them up to a safe standard will also receive a lower score whereas paths that are presently safe
and fit for purpose will score highly.
Quality of Life
Potential for supporting economic development / business opportunities
Routes that offer the potential for existing businesses to be supported by users along that route
will score highly as will routes that offer the opportunity for new businesses to emerge in
relation to the route e.g. tea-rooms/newsagents benefit from people stopping off.
Attractive Surroundings
Routes that have particularly attractive surroundings or views, particularly within or near
greenspace would score highly.
Health
Offers health improvement opportunities through recreation and/or active travel.
If a route offers the opportunity to improve health and lifestyles the path is more likely to score
highly. Paths that offer a flat but interesting walk in a location that can be accessed by foot or
public transport would also score well. If the route provides opportunities for active travel,
linking possible destinations, starting points etc. it would score highly.
Environmental Protection and Sustainability
Environmental Protection
Paths that avoid adverse impact on landscape, flora and fauna will score highly. A path that
could lead to erosion on a hillside, trampling of vegetation or disturbing nesting sites would on
the other hand score less well.
Access to Nature / Education
A path would score well if it provides access to an area of natural interest e.g. countryside
wildlife or the beach / parks. Also, if a path is of educational value owing to the access it
provides to nature or historical buildings/locations, it should score highly. In this context, the
accessibility of a route for school groups, as well as ranger tours and self-led walks for all age
groups should be considered (i.e. availability of car parks, proximity to schools).
Integration
Community Regeneration Areas
96
Paths that link into SIP / Community Regeneration Areas would score highly.
Considerate of other land uses
A path would score well if it provides an opportunity for avoiding or reducing conflict with other
land uses that might be sensitive to the public exercising their access rights e.g. agriculture, as
well as sport pitches, golf courses etc.
Multi-use Paths
There are two aspects to consider here. Firstly, paths that are suitable to all user types e.g.
walkers, cyclists, horseriders will score highly. Secondly, paths that are suitable to a wide range
of abilities e.g. wheelchair users, other disabilities, the elderly, children will also score highly.
(Here it will be important to consider boundary crossings, surface quality and topography etc.).
All Abilities Paths
Paths that are suitable for a wide range of users (e.g. good quality surface, flat) will score
highly, whereas paths that have a poor surface quality and are difficult to access (e.g. steep
hills) will not score as well under this criterion.
Community Support
Landowner support
If there is any evidence that the land owner is in favour or against the CPP and signage
provision, multi-user boundary crossings, this should be noted.
Community Demand/Support
Paths that are popular and well used would score highly. Also, if it is known that there is a
desire to improve a path, or where the existence of a path is causing concern to the local
community, this should also be taken into account.
Avoids adverse impact on local residents/neighbours
Where intense use of a path would have a negative impact on the privacy, security and amenity
of residents of houses adjoining the path, this should be taken into account by giving the path a
lower score. Regard should also be given to the impact of a path on community or commercial
premises. A path would score well if conflict with adjoining property is avoided or minimised.
Implementability
Value for Money
The likely cost versus benefit should be considered under this criterion. A path that would be
expensive to create on a steep sloping hillside in a remote location would be unlikely to offer
value for money and would therefore score poorly against this criterion. On the other hand, the
minor upgrading of an existing path that will be used for functional and recreational purposes by
a large number of users of all types and abilities will offer value for money and should therefore
score highly.
97
Appendix E - Assessment of
Individual Core Paths
98
Appendix E: Assessment of Individual Core Paths
The matrix below outlines the proposed approach for assessing and presenting the results of the environmental assessment of each individual core path (or group
of paths) against the SEA objectives within the Environmental Report.
SEA Objective
1. Protect, maintain and
where appropriate, enhance
biodiversity
Potential Impact
Comments
2. Protect and where
appropriate, enhance the
quality and distinctiveness of
landscapes and townscapes
3. Protect, maintain and
where appropriate, enhance
the historic environment
4. Improve local air quality,
and reduce Aberdeen’s
contribution to climate
change
5. Improve water quality and
reduce flooding
6. Improve human health and
accessibility, social inclusion
and access to the natural and
7. Protect soil and material
assets
Summary:
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Aberdeen City Council Core Paths Plan Strategic Environmental

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