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Natural and Built Environment
Topic Goal
To protect, sustain and enhance Shetland's natural resources
and cultural heritage for future generations to enjoy and ensure that new
development contributes to environmental quality.
The Natural Environment
3.1 Shetland enjoys a generally beautiful and distinctive
landscape, which depends for that beauty firstly on the interplay of land and
water and secondly on man's activities: the crofting system has added variety
to the clothing of the "Auld Rock." She is also endowed with a long and varied
coastline and complex geology, a cool, temperate oceanic climate, and fauna and
flora that are often unique in the UK. Perhaps above all, the islands are
recognised as one of the great seabird stations of the world. One of the main
aims of the Structure Plan is to protect the natural environment from
inappropriate development. It will also be necessary to implement improvements
and guide appropriate development to identifiable sites and buildings. This
needs to be achieved with the full involvement of all appropriate authorities
and local communities to ensure that livelihoods are not threatened and
sustainable development can be achieved.
The Shetland Landscape and Design
3.2 A healthy sustainable landscape, like a vibrant
community, is dynamic. Some change is not only inevitable, it is desirable, but
the emphasis must be on the appropriateness of the change and the balance or
equity between the needs of conservation and those of development.
3.3 Shetland's landscape is one of extensive vistas in
which almost every building or development can be seen. The first design
principle is to seek locations which have some enclosure from the surrounding
land form or in which the visual impact can be minimised. Careful siting,
design and selection of materials and colour treatment can also make
development sit more happily in the landscape. At the present time the only
statutory recognition given to landscape quality is through designation as a
National Scenic Area (NSA), an area of exceptional landscape value. Shetland
has one NSA which covers seven of the finest sections of coastline.
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Policy NE SP1
The Council will encourage developers and their
professional advisers to produce a high standard of design, in terms of siting,
scale, colour, materials and form, for all new developments (including roads
and other engineering works) to ensure that new developments are sympathetic to
the landscape and built environment of which they will form a part.
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Policy NE SP2
In the National Scenic Area the conservation and
enhancement of the landscape will be given prime consideration in the
determination of development proposals. The Shetland Local Plan will contain
specific policies for its conservation and enhancement. |
3.4 Currently the Scottish Executive is undertaking a
national review of the current range of landscape designations. In the first
instance this review will assess the need for designation and review mechanisms
for protecting designated areas. Secondly it will consider whether the present
suite of NSAs provides adequate coverage of all of Scotland's
landscapes.
Agricultural land - A Finite Resource
3.5 Agriculture has shaped the Shetland landscape like no
other activity. Despite the difficulties facing the agricultural industry, it
remains a key component of the rural economy. The Structure Plan can help
sustain the agriculture industry by safeguarding its prime resources, and by
supporting farm/croft diversification and conservation based land management
regimes, including tree and shrub planting. In the context of Shetland, the
best and most versatile agricultural land is Macaulay Classes 4.2 and 5.1.
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Policy NE SP3
Provision for development should not be made on the
best and most versatile agricultural land. Any loss of such land due to
development must be limited to circumstances where the need to conserve such
land is outweighed by the importance of the development and the lack of
alternative sites. |
Nature Conservation
3.6 Shetland is an internationally important area for
nature. Protection is offered at a national level by designation of a site as a
Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and there is a requirement through
legislation to protect these from adverse development. Overlaying these
designations, however, is protection now offered to some sites which are of
European importance. These are known as Special Areas of Conservation (SAC)
under the Habitats Directive and Special Protection Areas (SPA) under the Birds
Directive. Collectively these are known as Natura 2000 sites. In addition
wetland areas of high eco;ogical value may be designated as Ramsar sites under
the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance. The UK Government has
chosen to give Ramsar sites the same protection as Natura 2000 sites. Some
SSSIs have been declared as National Nature Reserves (NNR), which are concerned
with management, education and public access. In the coastal area Marine
Consultation Areas may be identified; these are non-statutory and help guide
the Council's consideration of development proposals.
3.7 Shetland currently has the following designations: 3
National Nature Reserves; 78 Sites of Special Scientific Interest; 9 candidate
and 1 possible Special Areas of Conservation; 11 classified and 1 proposed
Special Protection Areas; 1 Ramsar site; 4 Marine Consultation Areas.
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Policy NE SP4
Development not directly connected with or necessary
to the management of a European site, proposed European site or a Ramsar site
and which is likely to have a significant effect on the site (either
individually or in combination with other plans or projects) will be subject to
the most rigorous examination. Where it cannot be ascertained that the
development would not adversely affect the integrity of the site it will not be
permitted unless :-
a) there is no alternative solution; and
b) there are imperative reasons of over-riding public
interest which may, for sites not hosting a priority habitat type and/or
priority species, be of a social or economic nature.
Where the European site hosts a priority habitat type
and/or a priority species (as defined in Article 1 of the Habitats Directive),
the reasons referred to at b) must relate to human health, public safety or
beneficial consequences of primary importance to the environment, or other
reasons which in the opinion of the European Commission are imperative reasons
of overriding public interest. |
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Policy NE SP5
The Council will seek to work in co-operation with
other competent authorities and local communities to secure the conservation
objectives of European sites dependent on wider management, such as marine
sites. It will also encourage the management of features of the landscape which
are of major importance for wild flora and fauna. |
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Policy NE SP6
Development which would affect Sites of Special
Scientific Interest will only be permitted where it can be adequately
demonstrated that either:
a) the proposed development will not compromise the
conservation objectives and overall integrity of the site; or
b) there is a proven public interest where social,
economic or safety considerations outweigh the ecological interest of the site
and the need for the development cannot be met in other less ecologically
damaging locations or by reasonable alternative means. |
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Policy NE SP7
In considering development proposals, the Council will
give full consideration to the legislation, policies and conservation
objectives, that may apply to the following:
- Habitats & Species listed under Annex I, II &
IV of the Habitats Directive;
- Species listed under Annex I of the Birds
Directive;
- Species listed on Schedules 1, 5 and 8 of the Wildlife
and Countryside Act 1981;
- Habitats & Species listed in the UK Biodiversity
Action Plan; and
- Habitats & Species which are widely regarded as
locally important.
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Biodiversity
3.8 The United Kingdom "Action Plan on Biodiversity" was
published by the Government in 1994 and established the broad strategy and
targets for conserving and enhancing wild species and wildlife habitats for the
next twenty years. The plan states that Biodiversity is a key test of
sustainability. Sustainable development must conserve and where possible
increase Biodiversity while meeting economic and social needs. To ensure that
effective action is taken at the local level a Local Biodiversity Action Plan
for Shetland is currently being taken forward and the recently established
Biological Records Centre provides valuable advice to the Council and other
agencies. This plan will identify and set quantifiable targets for local
species and habitat protection. Effective partnerships will also be sought to
ensure Biodiversity conservation is continued in the long term and explores
options for the restoration, enhancement and management of habitats.
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Policy NE SP8
The Shetland Local Plan will have regard to the
principles of Biodiversity and the objectives set out in the the U.K.
Biodiversity Action Plan and Local Biodiversity Action Plan for Shetland.
Special attention will be paid to the maintenance of Biodiversity, whenever
reasonably practical. |
Environmental Enhancement
3.9 In addition to protection there is a need to carry
out enhancements to the natural environment if a sustainable vision for
Shetland is to be achieved. Opportunities for environmental enhancement , such
as tree planting, the removal of eyesores and the management of habitats, will
need to be identified in the Local Plan with the full involvement and support
of local communities.
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Policy NE SP9
The Council will seek to protect and enhance the
natural environment with local communities, the private sector and all
appropriate agencies. The Shetland Local Plan will contain specific policies to
achieve this. |
Built Environment
3.10 The protection and enhancement of the built
environment is one of the main aims of the Structure Plan. Shetland enjoys a
rich heritage of buildings that form a vital part of the unique character of
the Islands. Historic buildings, ancient monuments and archaeological sites in
all their variety of function, shape and appearance are visible reminders of
the past representing, as they do, the social, economic and cultural history of
Shetland. They are also able to bring economic benefits from tourism and
preservation of traditional building and craft skills. They can be a catalyst
for inward investment. With appropriate interpretation they also provide an
invaluable educational resource that once lost can never be replaced.
3.11 Currently in Shetland, there are 327 Listed
Buildings, 3 Conservation Areas and just over 6000 recorded archaeological
sites, including 353 Scheduled Ancient Monuments of national importance.
3.12 Much of this resource is already protected by
legislation or through government policy and the Shetland Local Plan will
ensure that detailed policies are prepared for the protection and enhancement
of the built heritage.
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Policy BE SP1
There will be a presumption against any development
proposal that would destroy or have any adverse effect on the following built
heritage resources of Shetland.
- Scheduled Ancient Monuments and their setting;
- Buildings and the settings of buildings listed as being
of Special Architectural or Historic interest and designated Conservation
Areas;
- Archaeological sites and their setting;
- Historic gardens and designed landscapes
- Other sites and areas of significant archaeological,
architectural or historic interest.
The Shetland Local Plan will include detailed policies
for their protection and enhancement. |
3.13 As indicated in Built Environment Policy BE SP1, the
Council supports the retention of features or sites of archaeological
importance and will expect developers to take account of archaeological
interest in putting forward detailed proposals. Where the applicant convinces
the Council that such features cannot be retained and there are overriding
reasons why the development should be permitted, the Council may grant
permission subject to ensuring that the site is adequately excavated and
recorded prior to development taking place.
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Policy BE SP2
When preservation in situ of scheduled and other
nationally, regionally and locally important archaeological remains has been
proven to be impossible and where no alternative site is available, then sites
will require to be recorded, surveyed and/or excavated prior to development.
The Council will take advice from the Shetland Archaeologist and/or other
appropriate bodies regarding the most appropriate course of action. In such
cases the financing of the work will normally fall on the developer, in
accordance with national policy. |
Regeneration of Existing Settlements
3.14 Some settlements in Shetland show signs of economic
stagnation and lack of private investment. This may be recognised by the
presence of dilapidated buildings or derelict sites. Opportunities for
development will therefore be identified in the Shetland Local Plan, to assist
with guiding and promoting desirable development. This will be achieved by
involving local communities in the identification of proposals for the
enhancement and regeneration of their areas.
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Policy BE SP3
The Council will seek restoration and enhancement
opportunities and promote regeneration in existing settlements in association
with local communities, the private sector and all appropriate agencies. The
Shetland Local Plan will contain specific policies and proposals to achieve
this. |
Lerwick, Bressay and Noss feature outstanding examples of all
that is best in Shetland's built and natural environment. (Photograph: Dennis
Coutts)
Partners
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SIC Resources Committee |
SCFWAG |
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Environment Forum |
Shetland Amenity Trust |
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RSPB |
Shetland Biological Records Centre |
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Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) |
Landowners/Crofters |
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Historic Scotland |
Scalloway Waterfront Trust (SWT) |
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Shetland Civic Society |
Shetland Enterprise |
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European Union |
SEPA |
Strategies
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Local Biodiversity Action Plan |
SNH Strategy |
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Local Agenda 21 Strategy for Shetland |
Landscape Assessment of the Shetland
Islands |
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Lerwick Town Centre Strategy/Action Plan |
Scalloway Waterfront Strategy |
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Get Shetland Shipshape |
Unst Plan |
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Ness 2000 Action Plan |
Shetland Amenity Trust Strategy |
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SNH's Natural Heritage Zones Strategy |
SSSIs Management Statements |
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SEPA Habitat Enhancement Initiative |
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Plan Performance Indicators
- Number of specially protected sites damaged/adversely
affected by development subject to Planning control.
- Proportion of good Agricultural land lost due to
development.
- Number of planning permissions granted that adversely affect
listed buildings or scheduled monuments.
- The number of enhancement and regeneration schemes
undertaken.
- Developments where landscape/environmental improvements have
been carried out.
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