Shetland Local Landscape Designation Review: Final Report

Shetland Structure Plan
4.12 The Shetland Structure Plan was approved in 2001 and sets out the land use
strategy for Shetland to 2015. The plan notes that “Shetland’s land and sea
resources make up a particularly rich natural environment which is not only of
international significance but forms the foundation for substantial parts of the
Shetland economy” (page 8), and one of the key aims of the plan is “to protect
and enhance the natural and built environment” (page 10). Under the heading
The Shetland Landscape and Design, the structure plan notes that “Shetland’s
landscape is one of extensive vistas in which almost every building or development
can be seen” (page 12). Policy SP NE2 gives protection to the National Scenic
Area.
Shetland Local Plan
4.13 The Shetland Local Plan was adopted in 2004. “To protect and enhance the
natural and built environment” is again identified as a key aim (page 8), and the
plan recognises that the “landscape heritage of Shetland is every bit as important
as that of its music, language, agriculture and fishing traditions” (page 11). Policy
LP NE11 defines Local Protection Areas, which are discussed in more detail
in Section 3. Policy LP NE11 will not be taken forward in the new LDP.
Local Development Plan
Main Issues Report
4.14 The first stage of the new Shetland Local Development Plan (LDP), the Main
Issues Report (MIR) was a consultative document which would determine the
direction of the LDP. Its aim was to explore “the ways in which planning can
best deliver the preservation of the natural and built environment of Shetland
including its rich cultural and landscape heritage and way of life” (page 2).
4.15 Relevant aspects of the local vision for Shetland in the MIR include:
“Conserving important historic and cultural assets; particularly Shetland’s
traditional crofting way of life and traditions”;
“Making sure that new development is environmentally sensitive and of good
quality”; and
“Protecting and enhancing areas for recreation and natural heritage” (page 6).
4.16 Appendix 4 of the MIR confirms that Policy LP NE11, governing Local
Protection Areas, will not be retained in the Local Development Plan.
Call for Proposed Development Sites
4.17 As part of the LDP process, SIC is required to identify areas of land which
will enable the provision of housing and commercial development during the
life of the plan. In order to ensure that any areas allocated for development
are deliverable, SIC asked landowners and developers to propose suitable
sites where land could be developed over a five, ten or 20 year timescale.
4.18 The consultation attracted submissions of 190 sites across Shetland, and SIC
subsequently invited public comment on their appropriateness. Sites
considered by SIC to be suitable for development will be included in the LDP.
Shetland Islands Local Landscape Designation Review
Land Use Consultants
Final Report 19 October 2011