Forthbank Wind Energy Development - Partnerships for Renewables

Forthbank Wind Energy Development
Nature Conservation
5.4.8 The Structure Plan seeks to sustain and enhance the natural heritage through the protection of
natural heritage designations, with the greatest level of protection afforded to those of
international and national importance.
5.4.9 Policy ENV1: Nature Conservation states:
“The protection and conservation of wildlife, wildlife habitats and other natural
features will be supported as follows:
1. Development which will impact adversely upon the identified conservation
interest of a designated or proposed area of international or national importance
for nature conservation will not be permitted unless it is demonstrated that the
objectives of designation and overall integrity of the area will not be damaged or
that there is no alternative solution and there are overriding public interest
imperatives.
2. Development which may affect a site of local importance for nature
conservation (including non designated sites, and habitats and features listed in
Annex 1 of the EU Habitats Directive) will only be permitted if it can be
demonstrated that it will have no significant adverse impact on the conservation
interest of the site, habitat or feature.
3. All development proposals will be considered in the light of the
recommendations and findings of the Local Biodiversity Action Plans (and
related Habitat Action Plans and Species Action Plans). Where there is, in the
planning authority's opinion, a potential adverse effect upon local biodiversity,
an ecological appraisal of the development will be sought and considered
before the proposal is determined.
4. Where opportunities are available a development proposal which is supported
under the terms of 1 - 3 above will be required to provide a net environmental
benefit through enhancement of the nature conservation interest. By
agreement this may be at off-site locations.”
Landscape and the Countryside
5.4.10 The Structure Plan recognises that large parts of Stirling and Clackmannanshire are covered
by national and regional landscape designations, and that priority must be given to protecting
landscape quality within these areas.
5.4.11 Policy ENV2: Protected Landscapes provides that in Areas of Great Landscape Value
(AGLV’s) development will only be permitted if it satisfies the requirements of Policy ENV3 and
can be accommodated without adversely affecting the overall quality of the designated
landscape.
November 2010 Chapter 5 Page 7
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