Review of East Dunbartonshire Local Landscape Areas, A Light Touch Review
Local Landscape Area (LLA) Review in Local Development Plan Process 2011 - SNH advise existing landscape designations are reviewed and statements of importance prepared October 2012 Work with SNH & W Dunbartonshire - Statement for Kilpatrick Hills Main Issues Report 2013 the preferred option included updating environmental designations, in line with Scottish Planning Policy. One response welcomed the intention to review landscape designations Autumn 2014 Working with SNH on Campsie Fells Statement Proposed Plan 2015 - Policy 8 Natural Environment, LLA boundaries in Map. Evidence Reports Statements for Campsie Fells and Kilpatrick Hills June & July 2016 Review of Lowland LLA by LUC Scottish Ministers Examination 2016 LDP Adoption 2017 March 2017 Planning Guidance on Natural Env.
Initial In House Review for Kilpatrick Hills & Campsie Fells LLA No Planning Guidance Note 2011 for Regional Scenic Areas Local Plan 2 boundary of Kilpatrick Hills indicative landscape consultants defined it by Rugged Moorland Hills Landscape Character Area, for Proposals Map in Summer 2012. Local Plan 2 - no justification for Regional Scenic Areas designation Stirling Council s Statements of Importance for Southern Hills, beside Campsie Fells West Dunbartonshire was leading work on a statement for Kilpatrick Hills
In House Review Findings Special Qualities Kilpatrick Hills - Strong sense of remoteness, wildness and open horizons; distinctive landforms; and a unique diversity of views Campsie Fells - Distinctive landform of the Campsie Fault; striking views and diversity of landscape experience
Purpose of Review of LLA in Lowland Part of Council Area Provide more information on the special qualities of LLA to support LDP Policy 8: Protecting and Enhancing Landscape Character and Nature Conservation. Ensure that the designation of all LLA is justified and supported by Statements of Importance, prepared in line with SNH guidance Provide more detail on the special qualities of LLA for applicants, development management colleagues and any other interested parties or stakeholders. Identify suggested changes to existing LLA and their boundaries to inform the next LDP review.
Why Choose A Light Touch Review for Remaining LLA? Existing Planning Guidance Note 2011 on the three lowland designations forms a basis The Council has no in house Landscape Architect In house work for Campsie Fells LLA was carried out over three months. Needed additional resource to get the other three existing LLA reviewed. The in house work informed the production of a brief for consultancy Timescale Consultation on Planning Guidance on Natural Environment planned for August 2016.
Review - Approach May 2016 - Request for Quotes brief sent to Landscape Institute firms Fee in 5000 to 15000 range Three responses decision based on cost, LUC won. Also informally checked quality of proposal Research and Report done June and July 2016 A. Desk top review Set evaluation Criteria (landscape character and quality), landscape baseline character and designations, evaluation of potential areas at Bar Hill & Milngavie Reservoirs and existing LLA B. Landscape & Visual Assessment at key viewpoints in East Dunbartonshire C. Produce three Statements of Importance
Field Survey Assessment Objective Checklist e.g. landform, land cover Subjective Checklist - Aesthetic Qualities Perception/Impressions, Boundary robust or weak, Key positives &/ or negatives Perceived naturalness including borrowed views to adjacent LLA Identifying Potential Key Qualities
Light Touch Review Findings Badenheath Not enough special qualities -remove designation Glazert Valley Special Qualities - Distinctive broad valley landform; contrasting views in relation to elevation; & a diverse range of land uses & recreational opportunities Bardowie, Baldernock and Torrance Special Qualities - Unique drumlin landform; variety of views; a high standard of land management and recreational opportunities Revised boundaries focus on core areas which have the special qualities Proposed New LLA at Bar Hill - Distinctive rounded landform; dramatic views; and a diverse range of landscape and historical features
Reflection on Light Touch Review Doing an in house review of the most popular LLA the Campsie Fells helped planning staff s understanding and management of the light touch review of the other areas Use of specialist landscape staff gives professional input into the monitoring and review of designations through the public LDP process. Reviewed boundaries and Proposed New LLA was produced over three months in time to be included in draft Planning Guidance for consultation. Guidance a material consideration for planning applications and Forestry Strategy Informed consultation response to North Lanarkshire Council - on their draft Statement of Case for the adjacent Kilsyth Hills Formal amendment to designations in Supplementary Guidance this year and in future LDP Review process, currently 5 years time.
Further Information East Dunbartonshire Local Development Plan www.eastdunbarton.gov.uk/ldp East Dunbartonshire Planning Guidance on Natural Environment www.eastdunbarton.gov.uk/residents/planning-and-buildingstandards/planning-policy/planning-guidance Contact: development.plan@eastdunbarton.gov.uk