Volume 2 Written Statement Full (PDF 4 MB) - Vattenfall

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Environmental Report Aberdeen Offshore Wind Farm Onshore Transmission Works December 2012 contributing to its overall social and economic wellbeing, and by promoting vigorous and prosperous rural settlements. SG Rural Development 2: Wind farms and medium to large wind turbines 126 Aberdeenshire Council supports the development of renewable energy technologies providing that it is demonstrated that there would not be a significant environmental effect. In defining wind farms, the policy also includes ‘associated equipment’. 3.2.2.3 Policy 4 Special types of rural land 127 The ASLDP protects the special character of the greenbelt and the coastal zone. In these areas the Aberdeenshire Council have special controls on development. These include a presumption against development that would erode the special nature of these different areas. Whilst the substation compound would not be located within the greenbelt or the coastal zone landscape designations it is on land which is adjacent to these designations. In addition the proposed cable corridor from the substation to the Mean Low Waters Spring (MLWS) crosses land designated as greenbelt and coastal zone. 128 In line with National Policy (see Section 3.3.4), certain types of development may be acceptable in appropriate circumstances in the greenbelt include: essential public infrastructure, development identified as a national priority; or development identified under the policy for safeguarding of resources and areas of search as required to meet established need. SG STRLtype1: Development in the coastal zone 129 The aim of this policy is to protect the special nature of the coastal area, and to direct development to the least environmentally sensitive areas. The majority of Aberdeenshire’s coastline is covered by statutory nature conservation designations ranging from National Nature Reserves to Special Areas of Conservation. The coast is a valuable social, economic and environmental asset. It provides opportunities for recreation, and sustains the quality of life for those living and working in Aberdeenshire. Any proposed development would be required to demonstrate that this protection would not be compromised. SG STRLtype2: Greenbelt 130 The aim of this policy is to protect the Aberdeen greenbelt from new development that would be inconsistent with its functions, and to support proposals that would enhance it. The policy does not assess the individual merits of a planning application, but identifies when a proposed development may be supported within the greenbelt. 131 Where a proposal would not normally be consistent with greenbelt policy, but has an identified need such as transportation, utilities, or waste management works, it may be approved if there are no other appropriate sites. These are generally developments which are strategic in nature or are of national importance. Greenbelt Review Chapter 3 PLANNING AND POLICY CONTEXT Page 24 of 211
Environmental Report Aberdeen Offshore Wind Farm Onshore Transmission Works December 2012 132 Aberdeenshire Council carried out a technical review of the greenbelt boundaries in 2005. This assessment looked at issues associated with recreation potential, landscape setting and avoidance of calescence, but acknowledged that, in line with emerging Scottish Planning Policy there was also a need to consider the strategic land needs for development around the city. 133 The settlement of Blackdog has been identified within the Aberdeenshire settlement strategy as an area which has potential to make a significant contribution to the Council’s strategic development needs in relation to housing and employment development along with accommodating the northern end of the Aberdeen Western Periphery Route. To this end, land to the south, east and north of Blackdog has been removed from the greenbelt. This strategic growth area has been subject to the development of a strategic settlement strategy for Blackdog. 3.2.2.4 Policy 8 Layout, siting and design of new development 134 The ASLDP supports new development on sites that have allocated within the plan, where they conform with a previously agreed development framework and/or masterplan (whichever is appropriate) for the site. The Aberdeenshire Council would require all development, whether on allocated sites or elsewhere, to adopt a process that includes appropriate public consultation and appropriate standards for design, safety and sustainability. SG LSD2: Layout, siting and design of new development 135 The purpose of this policy is to improve the standard of layout, siting and design of developments in Aberdeenshire, to achieve the highest standards of urban and rural design. It is a requirement that applicants submit a design statement to set out the context for the site and the design process along with the planning application. 3.2.2.5 Policy 11 Natural heritage 136 This policy seeks to improve and protect designated nature conservation sites and the wider biodiversity and geodiversity of the area. Where there is uncertainty over the impacts of a proposed development, Aberdeenshire Council would adopt an approach based on the precautionary principle. SG Natural Environment1: Protection of nature conservation sites 137 This policy promotes the protection of nature conservation sites from new development that may affect the qualifying interests of these protected areas, as set out in Planning Advice Note 60: Planning for Natural Heritage. 138 Where there is evidence to suggest that a habitat, geological feature or species of importance exists on the site, the applicant must undertake an assessment and/or survey at their expense of the site’s natural environment. All assessments and/or surveys should be undertaken by an independent and competent consultant. SG Natural Environment2: Protection of the wider biodiversity and geodiversity Chapter 3 PLANNING AND POLICY CONTEXT Page 25 of 211
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Volume 2 Written Statement Full (PDF 4 MB) - Vattenfall

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