Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005
Strategic Environmental AssessmentScreening Determination
September 2011
Contents1. Statutory Notice2. Screening determination3. Screening Report4. Responses from Consultative Authorities
a. SEA Gateway Covering Letterb. Scottish Natural Heritage Responsec. Historic Scotland Responsed. Scottish Environment Protection Agency Response
ARGYLL & BUTE LOCAL HOUSING STRATEGY 2011-2016
SCREENING DETERMINATION
SECTIONS 8(1) AND 10 OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT (SCOTLAND) ACT 2005
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Argyll and Bute Council, as the Responsible Authority in the terms of the Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005, has carried out a screening of the Argyll & Bute Local Housing Strategy 2011-2016 (LHS). The Council has determined under Section 8(1) of the Act, and in consultation with the SEA Gateway, Historic Scotland, Scottish Environment Protection Agency and Scottish Natural Heritage, that the strategy is unlikely to have significant environmental effects and therefore that a full strategic environmental assessment is not required. In making the determination, the Council applied the criteria in Schedule 2 of the Act. The Statement of Reasons appended to this notice sets out the Council’s views in support of this determination.
A copy of the determination is available for public inspection on the Council’s website at www.argyll-bute.gov.uk and is also available from
The LHS Team,Community Services,Argyll & Bute Council,Dolphin Hall,Manse Avenue, Dunoon, Argyll PA23 8DQ
Email: [email protected]: 01369 70 8672
STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT (“SEA”)
SCREENING DETERMINATION UNDER SECTION 8(1) OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT (SCOTLAND) ACT 2005 (the “Act”)
Argyll & Bute Local Housing Strategy 2011-2016 (the “Strategy”)
This statement sets out Argyll and Bute Council’s determination under Section 8(1) of the Act as follows:-
1 Argyll and Bute Council consulted the consultation authorities referred to below via SEA Gateway with its SEA Screening Report on 23rd June 2011 setting out its reasons as to why it was of the opinion that the Strategy was not likely to have significant environmental effects.
2 The Council agrees with the consultation authorities in their opinions as to whether or not the Strategy is likely to have significant environmental effects:-
Consultation Authority Date of Opinion Strategy Likely to Have Significant Environmental Effects
Scottish Environment Protection Agency
28th June 2011 NO
Scottish Natural Heritage 18th July 2011 NO
Historic Scotland 7th July 2011 NO
3 In accordance with Section 9(4) of the Act, Argyll and Bute Council therefore determines that the Strategy is unlikely to have significant environmental effects for the reasons set out in the SEA Screening Report.
4 Copies of (a) the Council’s Screening Report and (b) the consultation authorities’ responses are appended to this statement.
Allan Brandie 1 August 2011Research & Development Officer
SEA SCREENING REPORT (COVER NOTE)
PART 1
SEA GatewayScottish ExecutiveArea 1 H (Bridge) Victoria QuayEdinburgh EH6 6QQ
PART 2
An SEA Screening Report is attached for the plan, programme or strategy (PPS) entitled:
The Responsible Authority is:
COMPLETE PART 3 or 4 or 5
PART 3
Screening is required by the Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005. Our view is that:
an SEA is required because the PPS falls under the scope of Section 5(3) of the Act and is likely to have significant environmental effects or
an SEA is required because the PPS falls under the scope of Section 5(4) of the Act and is likely to have significant environmental effects or
an SEA is not required because the PPS is unlikely to have significant environmental effects
PART 4
The PPS does not require an SEA under the Act. However, we wish to carry out an SEA on a voluntary basis. We accept that, because this SEA is voluntary, the statutory 28 day timescale for views from the Consultation Authorities cannot be guaranteed.
PART 5
None of the above apply. We have prepared this screening report because:
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……………………………………………………………………………………….
Argyll & Bute Local Housing Strategy (LHS) 2011-2016
Argyll & Bute Council
x
SEA SCREENING REPORT (COVER NOTE)
PART 6
Contact name
Job Title
Contact address
Contact tel no
Contact email
PART 7
Signature (electronic signatureis acceptable)
Date
Allan Brandie
Research & Development Officer
Argyll & Bute CouncilCommunity ServicesDolphin HallManse AvenueDunoonArgyllPA23 8DQ
01369 70 8679
June 2011
SEA SCREENING REPORT - KEY FACTS
Responsible Authority
Title of PPS
Purpose of PPS
What prompted the PPS (e.g. a legislative, regulatory oradministrative provision)
Subject(e.g. transport)
Period covered by PPS
Frequency of updates
Area covered by PPS(e.g. geographical area – it is good practice to attach a map)
Summary of nature/content of PPS
Are there any proposed YES NOPPS objectives?
Copy of objectives attached YES NO
Date
Argyll & Bute Council
Argyll & Bute Local Housing Strategy 2011-2016
The LHS will provide the strategic direction to tackle housing need and demand and to inform the future investment in housing and related services across Argyll & Bute over the next 5 years
Statutory requirement - Local authorities are required to produce a LHS by the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 - with supplementary requirements under the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006. The first LHS was produced in 2004 and covered the period to 2009. Scottish Ministers require a new LHS to be submitted following the conclusion of consultation on the Main Issues Report for the Argyll & Bute Local Development Plan in 2011. For the avoidance of doubt, the LHS does not take the lead role in identifying land for new housing. The Council and Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park’s LDPs allocate specific sites to meet the housing requirement identified in the LHS and SHIP.
Housing development and related services
5 year period from 2011 to 2016
Annual updates and comprehensive revision every 5 years
Argyll & Bute local authority area, encompassing sub-areas within the Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park. See Appendix 2 for clarification.
The LHS sets out the Council’s strategic vision for the future of housing across all tenures, taking account of national priorities and local needs and demand. The focus will be on affordable & market housing supply; homelessness; housing support; fuel poverty & energy efficiency; Climate Change; and equalities.
June 2011
x
x
SEA SCREENING REPORT
Our determinations regarding the likely significance of effects on the environment of Canal Corridor Development Framework is set out in Table 1.
TABLE 1 – LIKELY SIGNIFICANCE OF EFFECTS ON THE ENVIRONMENT
TITLE OF PPS
RESPONSIBLE AUTHORITY
Criteria for determining the likely significance of
effects on the environment
(1(a), 1(b) etc. refer to paragraphs in Schedule 2
of the Environmental Assessment (Scotland)
Act 2005)
Likely to have significant
environmental effects?
YES/NO
Summary of significant environmental effects(negative and positive)
1(a) the degree to which the PPS sets a framework for projects and other activities, either with regard to the location, nature, size and operating conditions or by allocating resources
No The LHS will provide a framework for projects related to the improvement of the standard of the existing housing stock throughout the Council area. This could have positive environmental effects on the climate and health through the promotion of increased energy efficiency and a reduction in fuel poverty. The LHS will also identify geographic priorities for the delivery of new build housing projects which the Council intends to promote to meet its housing need, albeit it does not take the lead role in identifying land for new housing. The allocation of land for new housing through Local Development Plans may have potential negative environmental effects on the climate, biodiversity and the landscape and these are addressed in the dedicated SEAs for the LDPs.
1(b) the degree to which the PPS influences other PPS including those in a hierarchy
No The LHS is now the sole strategic document on housing, homelessness, housing support and fuel poverty. It is supplemented by a Strategic Housing Investment Plan which shows how the affordable housing investment priorities articulated in the LHS will be delivered in practice. It is closely aligned with the emerging Local Development Plans which will identify a specific housing requirement and a spatial strategy for the provision of new housing. Specific sites will then be allocated to meet the housing requirement.The existing Argyll & Bute Local Plan consists of approved Structure and Local Plans and was formally
Argyll & Bute Local Housing Strategy 2011-2016
Argyll & Bute Council
adopted on the 6th August 2009. This provides the local planning framework for the Council area, excluding the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park area and was subject to a full SEA report which encompassed the housing/LHS-related objectives.Currently, a Main Issues Report is out for consultation and it is expected that a new LDP will be adopted in 2013. This will again be subject to a detailed SEA report.
The LL&T National Park Finalised Draft Local Plan covers sub-areas within Cowal and Lomond and it is anticipated that this plan will be adopted later in 2011. This has also been subject to a full SEA report and again encompasses specific housing related policies which reflect the LHS.
1(c) the relevance of the PPS for the integration of environmental considerations in particular with a view to promoting sustainable development
No The current LHS contains a number of actions aimed at improving the sustainability of housing. Supplementary guidance issued by the Scottish Government in 2011 also requires the LHS to address climate change issues.. Developing tenure targets for the reduction in domestic fuel consumption and CO2 could contribute to promoting sustainable development as could developing and implementing an approach to fuel poverty. In addition, the 2006 Planning etc (Scotland) Act requires planning authorities to exercise their development planning functions with the objective of contributing to sustainable development. Therefore, the allocation of land for new housing through Local Development Plans may also contribute towards sustainable development.
All developments funded through Scottish Govt. investment will require to meet Scottish Govt. Guidelines on sustainable development and energy efficiency so increasing mitigation and minimising impact.
The LHS incorporates the Empty Homes Strategy which will potentially have beneficial impact on sustainability and minimise environmental impacts by maximising use of existing stock, utilising existing infrastructure and will not have negative effects in terms of increased travel/transportation associated with new developments.
Criteria for determining the likely significance of
effects on the environment
(1(d) etc. refer to paragraphs in Schedule 2
of the Environmental Assessment (Scotland)
Act 2005)
Likely to have significant
environmental effects?
YES/NO
Summary of significant environmental effects(negative and positive)
1(d) environmental No As with all housing programmes on a similar scale
problems relevant to the PPS
there are a number of environmental impacts to consider.
For construction the following factors were considered to have an environmental impact:
embodied energy (CO2 equivalent), construction waste aggregates
For occupation the factors to be considered are in terms of:
CO2 associated with primary energy domestic waste water consumption.
In addition to the above two categories, there are a number of other environmental factors to consider:
CO2 associated with Transport Biodiversity impacts
Overall: However, it can be demonstrated that it is generally possible for greater land take requirements to be accommodated at a lower cost to the environment if home designs are of a higher eco-specification, rather than of standard design and are located in more accessible locations.
These requirements and environmental problems are addressed through the the hierarchy of development plans i.e. the Local Development Plan and planning Development Management process where regard will be had to the policies in the local plans and other additional policies such as those contained in the Local Transport Strategy which are themselves subject to SEA regulations
Development proposals in respect of windfall sites will be assessed against relevant policies in the development plan, in particular those policies which address the protection of the natural and built environment.
1(e) the relevance of the PPS for the implementation of Community legislation on the environment (for example, PPS linked to waste management or water protection)
No The LHS is required by the Housing (Scotland) Acts 2001 and 2006.
The strategy does not directly influence waste plan provi sion or water management.
Each housing site that is developed in relation to the LHS will be subject to planning regulations which aim to minimise their impact upon the environment. For example all sites will be regulated for protection and enhancement of existing watercourses, protected species, the use of SUDS techniques and implementation of appropriate waste management measures will be requirements of any site that is identified through the LHS (and/or SHIP).
2 (a) the probability, duration, frequency and reversibility of the effects
No Positive environmental effects are very probable and could last for the duration of an existing home’s lifespan. They are likely to occur every time an affordable (RSL) property is refurbished or Council advice is followed to refurbish private stock. Negative environmental effects are not very probable due to
safeguards built into the development planning and development management process. It is unlikely that the positive environmental effects described above could be easily reversed.
2 (b) the cumulative nature of the effects
No Positive effects on the climate and health through improving the quality and environmental performance of the existing housing stock will act cumulatively. Potential negative effects on the climate, biodiversity and the landscape caused by the allocation of land for new housing through Local Development Plans will also act cumulatively. The magnitude of these effects will be reduced by the development planning and development management process.
2 (c) transboundary nature of the effects (i.e. environmental effects on other EU Member States)
No NONE
2 (d) the risks to human health or the environment (for example, due to accidents)
No The LHS has the potential to recommend investment in existing and new housing which is within HSE consultation zones or at risk of flooding. However, in practice this potential risk will be safeguarded against through the development planning and development management process.
There may be Health and Safety risks during the construction period. However properly designed and managed development, as will be set and controlled by other legislation, will minimise such risks.
Increased traffic as a consequence of additional housing may increase the risk of vehicle/vehicle and vehicle/pedestrian accidents. Once again these risks will be minimised through proper design and management of the new development.
There could be localised increase in noise both during the construction period and once buildings are constructed however these increases are not considered significant
Criteria for determining the likely significance of
effects on the environment
(2(e), 2(f) etc refer to paragraphs in Schedule 2
of the Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act
2005)
Likely to have significant
environmental effects?
YES/NO
Summary of significant environmental effects(negative and positive)
2 (e) the magnitude and spatial extent of the effects (geographical area and size of the population likely to be affected)
No Positive effects could be felt throughout the Argyll & Bute Council area which has a land area of 690,900 hectares and is the second largest land mass of any Scottish authority (10% of Scotland’s area). The population is currently 89,200 and there are approx. 41,440 households (Source: General Register Office for Scotland).
Housing development will have an impact across Argyll and Bute in terms of population growth, traffic generation and the physical expansion of existing settlements. Affordable housing growth is expected to deliver positive social, economic and cultural benefits for many communities, and is promoted in response to housing requirements of existing populations with the aim of encouraging sustainable communities.
The local plan has determined that Argyll and Bute is capable of accommodating such growth over the development period. Housing development will include a range of additional community uses for the benefit of the wider Argyll and Bute area and as well as visitors to the area such as community sports pitches, public open space and local retail / commercial opportunities / job creation /reduction in fuel poverty.
Nonetheless, impact will vary by location and is dependent on resources. Due to the size and density of affordable housing developments, the magnitude and spatial impacts will be minimal.
2 (f) the value and vulnerability of the area likely to be affected due to-(i) special natural characteristics or cultural heritage;(ii) exceeded environmental quality standards or limit values; or(iii) intensive land-use.
No The LHS will not directly lead to development or to specific environmental impacts. In any event, the value and vulnerability of an area proposed for development will be considered through the development planning and development management process.The Local Plans do not permit development which would have an adverse effect on a wide variety of natural and cultural heritage interests such as SPA, SAC, SSSI Listed Buildings or Conservation Area designations. Where intensive land use is promoted this is done so as to limit the extent of development and to ensure no adverse effects on protected areas such as those above.
2 (g) the effects on areas or landscapes which have a recognised national, Community or international protection status
No The LHS will not directly lead to development or to specific environmental impacts. The effect of development supported by the LHS on areas or landscapes which have a recognised national, Community or international protection status will be considered through the development planning and development management process.
SEA SCREENING REPORT
A summary of our considerations of the significant environmental effects of the Argyll & Bute Local Housing Strategy 2011-16 is given below.
TABLE 2 – SUMMARY OF ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
The new LHS covering the period 2011-16 will provide the strategic direction to tackle housing need and demand and to inform the future investment in housing and related services across Argyll & Bute. It will also provide a framework for projects related to the improvement of the standard of the existing housing stock and will identify geographic priorities for the delivery of new build housing projects which the Council intends to promote to meet its housing need. However, Argyll & Bute Council does not consider there to be any significant environmental effects arising from the LHS as it does not take the lead role in identifying land for new housing. Instead, land for new housing will continue to be brought forward in accordance with the hierarchy of development plans set out in Scottish Planning Policy.
In Argyll & Bute, the finalised Local Development Plan, due to be approved in 2013, and the Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park Finalised Draft Local Plan, which is due to be adopted later in 2011, will identify a specific housing requirement and a spatial strategy for the provision of new housing. Local Development Plans will then allocate specific sites to meet the housing requirement. The environmental effects of specific development proposals will therefore be subject to environmental assessment through the hierarchy of development plans.
The current LDP (adopted in 2009) and the recently published Main Issues Report are both accompanied by separate SEA Environmental Reports, as is the LL&T National Park Finalised Draft Local Plan. The environmental effects of any development proposals will also be considered as part of the development management process.
In conclusion, the LHS will align closely with the current and emerging new-style development plans, all of which have been or will be accompanied by SEA Environmental Reports. For this reason, it is Argyll & Bute Council’s opinion that the LHS is exempt from the Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005.
Appendix 1: Copy of Strategic Vision, Aims & Objectives for the Local Housing Strategy 2011-16
The Argyll & Bute Strategic Housing & Communities Forum approved the following high level vision and aims together with the associated strategic objectives for inclusion in the consultative draft LHS, in June 2011. These will be subject to wider stakeholder consultation in 2011.
ONE STRATEGIC VISION
"To realise the potential of communities by ensuring that people have access to affordable, sufficient and suitable housing in Argyll & Bute"
FOUR STRATEGIC AIMS
AIM 1 - To facilitate access to
sufficient and affordable housing
AIM 2 - To reduce the incidence of
homelessness
AIM 3 - To support people to live independently in
their own homes
AIM 4 - To improve the quality
and condition of housing
FIFTEEN OBJECTIVESOBJECTIVE 1.1 OBJECTIVE 2.1 OBJECTIVE 3.1 OBJECTIVE 4.1
To ensure that a generous supply of land for housing is
identified
To develop a 'Housing Options' approach to
preventing homelessness
To enable partnership working and early joint
action to improve effectiveness in meeting particular housing needs
To develop partnerships which enable
improvements in the energy efficiency of
housing
OBJECTIVE 1. 2 OBJECTIVE 2.2 OBJECTIVE 3.2 OBJECTIVE 4.2
To promote good design and address infrastructure
constraints to maximise the delivery of new homes
To target support to vulnerable households
To develop targeted information & advice to
assist households to meet particular housing needs
in a planned way
To maximise compliance with the Scottish Housing
Quality Standard
OBJECTIVE 1.3 OBJECTIVE 2. 3 OBJECTIVE 3.3 OBJECTIVE 4.3
To enable effective forward planning activity to
maximise the availability of housing
To deliver quality homelessness services
To meet particular housing needs by making the best use of existing
homes
To develop targeted information, advice and assistance to encourage
owners to repair &maintain their homes
OBJECTIVE 1.4 OBJECTIVE 3. 4 OBJECTIVE 4.4
To meet housing need and demand by making the best use of the existing housing
stock
To deliver specialist housing and support
services where appropriate
To tackle sub-standard housing
Appendix 2: Geographical boundaries of Argyll & Bute Local Authority
Allan BrandieArgyll and Bute CouncilDolphin HallManse AvenueDunoonPA23 8DQ
By email only to: [email protected]
If telephoning ask for:
Susan Haslam
28 June 2011
Dear Mr Brandie
Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005Local Housing Strategy Screening ReportArgyll and Bute Council
Thank you for your Screening Report consultation submitted under the above Act in respect of the above Strategy. This was received by SEPA via the Scottish Government SEA Gateway on 23 June 2011.
In accordance with Section 9(3) of the Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act, 2005, we have considered your screening report using the criteria set out in Schedule 2 for determining the likely significance of effects on the environment.
Having reviewed the Screening Report, we consider that in respect of our main areas of interest (air, water, soil, human health and climatic factors) the Strategy is not likely to have significant strategic environmental effects. Although we are of the view that significant environmental effects are not likely, it is for the Council as Responsible Authority to make a formal determination taking into account the consultation responses received.
If it is formally determined that SEA is required, you will be aware that the next stage requires the Responsible Authority to consult the Consultation Authorities on the proposed scope and level of detail to be included within the Environmental Report. The Consultation Authorities typically expect to receive a concise Scoping Report at this stage. Further information about this stage and what should be included in a Scoping Report can be found in Chapter 5 of the Scottish SEA Tool Kit available from www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2006/09/13104943/45. We would encourage you to use the Scoping Report to focus the assessment on those SEA topics upon which there are likely to be significant environmental effects.
Should you wish to discuss this consultation, please do not hesitate to contact me on 01349 860359 or via SEPA’s SEA Gateway at [email protected].
Yours sincerely
Susan HaslamSenior Planning Officer (SEA)Planning Service
Ecopy: [email protected] ; [email protected]
Our ref: PCS/114527Your ref: 00624
