mldp interim environmental report - east ayrshire · 1 1. non-technical summary introduction 1.1...

EAST AYRSHIRE MINERALS LOCAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN: MAIN ISSUES REPORT

INTERIM ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT

CONTENTS 1. NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY 2. INTRODUCTION 3. CONTEXT 4. RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHER PLANS, PROGRAMMES AND STRATEGIES 5. BASELINE INFORMATION 6. SCOPING OF ISSUES TO BE CONSIDERED IN THE ASSESSMENT 7. ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS 8. ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY 9. ASSESSMENT RESULTS 10. MITIGATION AND ENHANCEMENT 11. MONITORING Appendix A: Map of East Ayrshire and Land in relation to Minerals Development Appendix B: List of the Key Plans, Programmes and Strategies to be used to inform the development of the Main Issues Report Appendix C: SEA Consultation authorities scoping comments and East Ayrshire Council’s observation and recommended course of action Appendix D: Stage 1 Assessment Tables Appendix E: Stage 2 Assessment Tables List of Tables and Figures Table 1: Baseline Environmental Data and Environmental Problems Table 2: Key Environmental Trends Table 3: Environmental Topics and Associated Components Table 4: SEA Objectives and sub-criteria/questions Table 5: Stage 2 Assessment Results Table 6: Draft Monitoring Measures Figure 1: Hierarchy of Plans, Programmes and Strategies

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1. NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY

Introduction 1.1 This non-technical summary of the Environmental Report documents the Strategic

Environmental Assessment (SEA) of the East Ayrshire Minerals Local Development Plan – Main Issues Report. SEA is a key component of sustainable development, establishing important methods for protecting the environment. It is a beneficial and thorough assessment process which ensures that environmental considerations are taken on board at an early stage in the Local Development Plan preparation process.

1.2 The Local Development Plan is being prepared under the provisions of the Town and

Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 (as amended) and the Development Planning (Scotland) Regulations 2008. It takes full account of the National Planning Framework 3, Scottish Planning Policy and the East Ayrshire Community Plan.

1.3 The Main Issues Report (MIR) is the first statutory stage in the preparation of the Minerals

Local Development Plan (MLDP). It sets out a 20 year vision relating to minerals only for East Ayrshire and presents 35 main issues for future minerals development. The MIR does not cover all planning policy matters relating to minerals; instead it focuses on key issues and areas of change that have occurred since the last relevant local plans were adopted.

SEA Assessment Methodology

1.4 SEA follows a systematic and thorough process, which allows environmental

considerations to be integrated into the Main Issues Report. It also allows for comments and representations on both the MIR and the Environmental Report from members of the public and stakeholders. SEA assesses and evaluates the likely significant impacts that the MIR will have on the environment. Dependent on the outcome of the assessment process, the SEA recommends mitigation and/or enhancement measures. This is to ensure that the plan is environmentally responsible and sustainable.

1.5 The MIR was subject to a 2 stage assessment. Stage 1 of the assessment process

focussed on identifying if the vision, aims, main issues, and reasonable alternatives were likely to have a significant impact on the environment. To assist with the Stage 1 assessment process, a series of SEA objectives, which were derived from the environmental baseline data and existing environmental issues and problems within East Ayrshire, were used to help determine if the MIR was likely to have an environmental impact on the environment, and whether this would be significant. Only significant environmental impacts were taken forward to stage 2 of the assessment process.

1.6 The stage 2 assessment process analysed the likely significant environmental impacts in

more detail. To assist the stage 2 assessment process, SEA criteria/checklist were developed, linking into the SEA objectives, but providing a wider scope to evaluate what the significant impact on the environment would be as a result of the vision, aims and main issues. The Stage 2 assessment also identified any cumulative and synergistic impacts as a result of the vision, aims and main issues.

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Alternative Options 1.7 The MIR contains a vision, 7 aims and 35 issues relevant to the future development of

East Ayrshire. Within each of the 35 issues, the Council indicates a preferred option but also, where appropriate, provides one or more reasonable alternatives. All of the above are assessed by the SEA in terms of the environmental impact on East Ayrshire.

Summary of the Environmental Impacts

1.8 The table below provides a summary of the results of the Stage 2 environmental

assessment with regard to the vision, aims and main issues and reasonable alternatives.

Key Significant Positive

Significant Positive/Negative

Significant Negative

Neutral/Unknown

Stage 2 Assessment Results

MIR Reference

Preferred Option Alternative Option 1 Alternative Option 2

Main Issue 2: Aim 1

Significant positive impacts There is no reasonable alternative

Main Issue 2: Aim 2


Main Issue 2: Aim 3


Main Issue 2: Aim 4


Main Issue 2: Aim 7


Main Issues 3 and 4


Main Issue 5 Significant positive and negative impacts

Significant positive and negative impacts


Main Issue 6 Neutral/ Unknown

Significant negative impacts

There is no reasonable alternative

Main Issue 7 Unknown impacts Unknown impacts

Main Issue 8 Significant positive impacts Significant positive and negative impacts



Main Issue 11 Significant positive impacts Unknown impacts

Main Issue 12 Significant positive impacts Significant positive impacts

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Main Issue 22 Significant positive impacts There is no reasonable alternative








Main Issue 34 Significant positive impacts Significant negative impacts

Main Issue 35 Neutral/ Unknown

Significant positive impacts

Scoped out at Stage 1 Assessment

Monitoring

1.9 The MIR main issues that are likely to have significant environmental impacts require to

be monitored to ensure that adverse and unforeseen impacts do not arise or can be easily identified and mitigated measures put in place. The draft monitoring measures are provided below:

Environmental Issues to be Monitored

Monitoring Objective Target

Landscape To monitor the impact of the MLDP on landscape within East Ayrshire

The landscape of East Ayrshire is protected and any alterations to its character and setting are avoided or minimised.

Geology To monitor the impact of the MLDP on geology within East Ayrshire

Geological resources and their settings within East Ayrshire are preserved.

Biodiversity, Flora and Fauna

To monitor the impact of the MLDP on the natural heritage designations within East Ayrshire.

Enhance biodiversity across East Ayrshire. Avoid irreversible losses of valuable sites, areas of important green space and protected

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species/habitats within East Ayrshire.

Climate To monitor the impact of the MLDP on climate change.

Reduce climate change impacts in line with Scottish Government policy. Reduce carbon emissions where possible. No increase in the risk of flooding, particularly within settlements. Protect carbon rich soils, deep peat and priority peatland sites.

Soil To monitor the impact of the MLDP on soil resources within East Ayrshire.

No loss of prime or locally important agricultural land.

Air To monitor the impact of the MLDP on air quality within East Ayrshire.

No increase in pollutants into the atmosphere.

Water To monitor the impact of the MLDP on the water environment in East Ayrshire.

No degradation of water quality. No increase in the risk of flooding within East Ayrshire. Protect water bodies and ground water.

Historic Environment To monitor the impact of the MLDP on the historic environment.

All historic environmental features are protected within East Ayrshire.

Population To monitor the impact of the MLDP on local communities.

Protect local settlements with appropriate buffers from minerals development.

Health To monitor the impact of the MLDP on human health.

No excessive air, dust, noise, vibration or light pollution for new minerals development. Protect local settlements with appropriate buffers from minerals development.

Material Assets To monitor the impact of the MLDP on areas of protected green space and on paths and cycle routes.

No loss of protected open space, playing fields, and other important recreational open space within East Ayrshire.

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2. INTRODUCTION 2.1 The Minerals Local Development Plan (MLDP) for East Ayrshire is being prepared under

the Provisions of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 (as amended); Development Planning (Scotland) Regulations 2008, National Planning Framework 3 and the East Ayrshire Community Plan 2015-2030. The MLDP complements the East Ayrshire LDP which provides the policy context for all other land use planning topics except minerals. Once adopted the MLDP will supersede those provisions of the Ayrshire Joint Structure Plan (2007) and East Ayrshire Local Plan (2010) which relate to minerals and the East Ayrshire Open Cast Coal Subject Plan (2003).

2.2 The MLDP will outline the Council’s settled view in respect of minerals related

development. It will contain a Vision Statement which will give a broad view of what East Ayrshire could look like in 20 years’ time, in relation to past, present and future minerals related development. The Plan will outline the spatial strategy which will detail how this vision will be realised. It will also include a detailed statement of policies and proposals for the development and use of land for minerals related development which will guide decisions on minerals planning applications. In addition, it will contain maps of East Ayrshire which will identify locations for new minerals development for the first 10 years of the plan and give a broad indication of the scale and location of such development for the following 10 years. Appendix A shows the boundaries and geographical extent of East Ayrshire as well as land which has been subject to minerals development in the past.

2.3 The MLDP, in accordance with the Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005, is

required to be subject to a strategic environmental assessment (SEA). SEA ensures that likely impacts on the environment are considered at the earliest possible stage in the local development plan process and that development is located in the right location with minimal environmental impact. SEA is an integral part of the development plan process and will influence significantly the preparation of the MLDP. At key stages in the process, the public will have the opportunity to comment on the environmental assessment and any comments will be taken into consideration.

Contact Details The main points of contact for the Minerals Local Development Plan and SEA are as follows: Karen Purves Clare Laurenson Principal Planning Officer Senior Planning Officer Economy and Skills Economy and Skills Planning and Economic Development Planning and Economic Development East Ayrshire Council East Ayrshire Council The Johnnie Walker Bond The Johnnie Walker Bond Kilmarnock Kilmarnock KA1 1HU KA1 1HU Tel No: 01563 576758 Tel No: 01563 578168

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3. CONTEXT

Background 3.1 The process and associated timescales for the preparation and adoption of the MLDP and

SEA are contained within the Council’s Development Plan Scheme. Section 20B of the Planning etc. (Scotland) Act 2006 requires each development planning authority to prepare a development plan scheme at least annually. The latest development plan scheme for East Ayrshire was approved by East Ayrshire Council’s Cabinet on 13 January 2016. The first requirement of the Minerals local development plan (MLDP) process is the preparation and publication of a Main Issues Report, Environmental Report and Monitoring Statement.

3.2 The Main Issues Report concentrates on the key areas of change in East Ayrshire in

respect of minerals development and extraction and identifies a number of alternative options for consideration, both spatially and in terms of proposed policy. Members of the public will have the opportunity to provide representations on the content of the MIR and comments in relation to this Environmental Report.

3.3 Section 10 of the Town and Country Planning (Development Planning) (Scotland)

Regulations 2008 provides further guidance on the information and considerations that the LDP must reflect.

Purpose of Environmental Report

3.4 Local development plans and supplementary guidance fall within the scope of the

Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005 and are, therefore, likely to require a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA). This environmental report constitutes the SEA of the Minerals LDP MIR. The purpose of the report is to identify and evaluate any likely significant environmental effects as a result of the MLDP being implemented. The environmental report is the key consultation document in the SEA process. The Consultation Authorities and all other interested parties are invited to comment on the report and on the associated MIR.

Requirement for a Separate Local Development Plan for Minerals

3.5 Prior to the liquidation of two out of three coal operators active in East Ayrshire in 2013,

and the resultant legacy of unrestored land, the need to review and update the East Ayrshire Opencast Coal Subject Plan had been acknowledged. Work to do so commenced as part of the schedule of work agreed for the production of the East Ayrshire LDP. However as a result of the environmental legacy of unrestored land, the decision was taken by the Council’s Cabinet in August 2013 to prepare a separate East Ayrshire Minerals LDP. The MLDP would cover all mineral extraction matters whilst the East Ayrshire Local Development Plan would provide guidance for all other matters. Scoping Report and the Consultation Authorities Response

3.6 A scoping report for the Minerals local development plan was submitted to the

Consultation Authorities (SNH, SEPA and Historic Environment Scotland) in May 2016 with responses received in June 2016. The comments received and the Council’s responses to the comments are outlined in Appendix C of this report. The Consultation

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Authorities were all content with the proposed 6 week consultation period for the MLDP Environmental Report.

Scope of Proposed Minerals LDP

3.7 Once the consultation period on the MIR is complete and all comments and

representations have been taken into consideration, the Council will begin to prepare the proposed Minerals LDP. This will give the Council’s settled view on the issues contained and consulted upon in the MIR. The proposed Minerals LDP will contain:

A vision statement which will give a broad view of what East Ayrshire could look like in 20 years’ time, in relation to minerals;

A spatial strategy which will detail with how this vision will be realised;

A detailed statement of the policies and proposals as to the development and use of land for mineral purposes and which will guide decisions on planning applications;

A list of supplementary guidance to be prepared within the lifetime of the plan;

A proposals map which will illustrate the plan’s policies and proposals spatially; and

A schedule of land owned by the Planning Authority and affected by any of the policies, proposals or views expressed in the plan.

Natura Sites

3.8 Natura 2000 sites are protected habitats for flora and fauna of European importance. They

comprise Special Areas of Conservation (SAC), designated under European legislation relating to the Habitats Directive and Special Protection Areas (SPA), designated under the European legislation relating to the Birds Directive. These areas are internationally important for threatened habitats and species. East Ayrshire contains the following Natura 2000 sites:

Muirkirk and North Lowther Uplands SPA

Airds Moss SAC

Merrick Kells SAC 3.9 Due to the presence of Natura 2000 sites within East Ayrshire, in accordance with Article

6(3) of the EU Habitats Directive, the Council is required to undertake a Habitat Regulation Appraisal (HRA). Article 6(3) of the Habitats Directive requires that any plan which is not directly connected with or necessary to the management of a European site, but would be likely to have a significant effect on such a site, shall be subject to an ‘appropriate assessment’ of its implications for the site in view of its conservation objectives. The Council shall agree to the plan only after having ascertained that it will not adversely affect the integrity of the site in question, unless in exceptional circumstances the provisions of Article 6(4) are met.

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4. RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHER PLAN’S, PROGRAMES AND STRATEGIES 4.1 The Main Issues Report/Proposed Minerals Local Development Plan (MIR/MLDP) are

influenced by a wide range of international, European, national and local plans, programmes and strategies (PPS). The Plan is required to take these PPS into account. Appendix B provides an initial list of the relevant PPS that the Council envisages will influence the content of the MIR/MLDP. This list might expand as the preparation of the MIR and MLDP is progressed.

Hierarchy of Plans, Programmes and Strategies

The Minerals Local Development Plan sits within a hierarchy of plans, programmes and strategies. This is illustrated in Figure 1, below.

Figure 1. Hierarchy of Plans, Programmes and Strategies

Environmental Protection Objectives

4.2 The environmental objectives that are contained within International, European, UK and

Scottish legislation, as well as national advice and guidance, which are considered to be of the greatest relevance to the Minerals LDP, are being taken into consideration in the local development plan process. These are set out in Table 4.

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5. BASELINE INFORMATION

Baseline Environmental Data 5.1 The collation of baseline data is a fundamental part of the SEA process as it provides

information on the state of the environment at the time of preparing a plan. It also identifies any existing environmental problems and issues and can be used to predict future impacts that the implementation of the plan might have on the environment. In addition, it directly informs the development of environmental objectives which the MIR and the MLDP will be assessed against.

5.2 The environmental report for the MIR and proposed MLDP will produce a full and

comprehensive list of baseline environmental data, utilising GIS mapping where possible, to show the geographical location and scale of key environmental designations and utilising the recent State of Environment Report that was prepared for East Ayrshire. For the purposes of the scoping report a summary of baseline information has been collated. Table 1 below summarises the key baseline environmental information and the environmental implications for the preparation and development of the MIR and proposed MLDP.

5.3 Table 1 also sets out the suggested SEA objectives for assessment purposes. These

have been developed taking into account the summary baseline information collated and the environmental implications for the Minerals MIR and proposed LDP. The SEA objectives will be used to assess these documents and provide the basis for the development of sub criteria/questions in Table 4.

Table 1. Baseline Environmental Data

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Environmental Topics

Summary of Baseline

Environmental Data

Environmental Implications for the MIR/PLDP

Baseline Data to be collected

Sources of Baseline Data

SEA Objectives

Geology and Soil East Ayrshire specifically contains a variety of soils and rock types. 57% of East Ayrshire is covered by Glacial Till, with a further 22% made up of peat East Ayrshire has seen large scale coal mining, in addition to other mineral mining. The Midland Valley of Scotland, identified as a potential unconventional gas resource, also lies beneath the council area. East Ayrshire possesses 62.85 ha of category 2 prime quality land, 1,310.14 ha of category 3(1) prime quality land and 10,464.22 ha of category 3(2) locally important, good quality agricultural land. There are around 2,240 historical industrial sites with potential for contamination risk.

Extraction of minerals can lead to the permanent loss of prime quality agricultural land and other important soil resources, such as peat. Depletion of natural resources within EA Legacy of unrestored land/vacant and derelict land and the impacts on the area Unknown impacts of extraction unconventional gas etc. Contaminated land

Agricultural land, classification data, location and size Unrestored land caused by minerals extraction– location and size of sites and their condition Location of lowland raised and blanket peat bogs Contaminated land in East Ayrshire Local Geology

The Macaulay Institute British Geological Survey SNH Scottish Government East Ayrshire Council East Ayrshire State of Environment Report 2016

The MIR should protect areas of prime quality agricultural land from development. The MIR should promote or ensure the restoration of unrestored land. The MIR should prioritise the use of brownfield land before greenfield land The MIR should encourage the reuse of vacant and derelict land. The MIR should protect and preserve carbon rich soils and where possible seek to restore or enhance these.

Landscape There are 18 separate and distinct rural landscape types within East Ayrshire. There are 458 listed Ancient Woodland Inventory sites (AWI) covering a total of 2674ha and 221 listed Scottish Native and Ancient Woodland Inventory sites (SNAWI), some of which overlap with AWI. The landscape has experienced change in some areas over the years, for example from surface coal mining and windfarm development.

Development on greenfield sites can be damaging to the landscape character of the area. Development can lead to the loss of designated and other locally important landscapes. The extraction of minerals can have a significant impact on the landscape of the area.

Landscape Character types and location by around settlements

SNH Ayrshire Landscape Character Assessment East Ayrshire State of Environment Report 2016 East Ayrshire Landscape Wind Capacity Study

The MIR should protect, and where appropriate, enhance the landscape character of the rural area. The MIR should protect and preserve the integrity and character of all internationally, nationally and locally designated sites within or adjacent to the EAC boundary. The MIR should ensure that opencast coal sites are properly restored once extraction has ceased. The MIR should ensure that mineral supply is not depleted in the short-term and there is a supply to serve the market demand.

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The MIR should, where appropriate, contribute to the Scottish Government’s targets on re-afforestation


East Ayrshire has 1 Special Protection Area (SPA) and 2 Special Areas of Conservation (SACs). There are 4 internationally important designated nature conservation sites in East Ayrshire. There are 20 sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and one Local Nature Reserve (LNR). Priority habitats, such as water voles and species, such as lowland raised bogs have been identified in the area.

Mineral developments within or in close proximity to SPAs, SACs and SSSIs can have implications for the interest protected within the site. Mineral extraction could lead to the loss of protected habitats and/or species with consequential impacts on protected and priority species on sites within East Ayrshire.

European designated sites: SPA’s and SAC’s. Non-statutory designated sites, Local Nature Reserves, Wildlife and provisional wildlife sites.

East Ayrshire Council East Ayrshire State of Environment Report 2016 SNH Scottish Wildlife Trust RSPB Ayrshire Local Biodiversity Action Plan

The MIR should ensure that the integrity of all internationally designated sites within or adjacent to the East Ayrshire Council boundary are protected and reserved. The MIR should, where necessary, ensure the restoration of all European and nationally designated sites. The MIR should safeguard all European and nationally designated sites, habitats and priority species from adverse impacts, loss and fragmentation. The MIR should protect biodiversity in line with the Ayrshire Local Biodiversity Action Plan and, where possible, enhanced.

Air Quality The background concentrations of nitrogen oxides in East Ayrshire meet the relevant regulatory objectives. The highest concentrations of nitrogen oxides (PM10 and NO2) arise at heavily trafficked locations in the urban northern areas e.g. Kilmarnock. Road transport is a major contributor to air quality pollutants such as NO2 (nitrogen oxide), PM10 (particulates), 02 (Ozone) and CO (Carbon monoxide)

New extraction sites can generate additional traffic and movements which can increase emissions into the atmosphere, which can lead to air pollution. Public and private transport can be a major cause of air pollution. Reduction in extraction rates will lead to less transport movements and operations.

Local Air Quality Road Transport emission figure.

East Ayrshire State of Environment Report 2016 Scottish Government

The MIR should ensure that new mineral developments seek to minimise emissions into the atmosphere and the impacts on air quality. The MIR should ensure that the new developments that follow mineral extraction sites should increase the use of cycle and walking paths.

Water There are a total of 58 river water bodies and 6 lochs in East Ayrshire. Of the 21 bedrock aquifers in East Ayrshire, in 2013, 4 were assessed as Poor

The water environment is a key resource in East Ayrshire. Since 2012, there are proportionately more

River Quality Data River Basement Management Plans

East Ayrshire State of Environment Report 2016 SEPA

The MIR should, where appropriate, enhance the water quality (including groundwater) to good chemical and ecological status

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Status and 17 Good Status. Water pollution from historical extraction will have a detrimental impact on the water environment and the health of surface water and groundwater resources. There are a number of deep water voids located on unrestored land.

groundwater bodies of Good status, however there are still some with Poor status. Further extraction of minerals or development of new technologies could impact on the water environment.

within the lifetime of the Plan. The MIR should safeguard the water environment by ensuring that restoration plans do not increase water pollution. The MIR should ensure that all mineral developments/extensions are adequately assessed in relation to the impact on the water environment. The MIR should ensure the long term management of water voids on minerals sites

Climate In 2012, total emissions of CO2 from East Ayrshire were 722 ktonnes compared with 39800 ktonnes for Scotland as a whole. East Ayrshire has about 2.3% of Scotland’s population but only accounts for about 1.3% of total CO2 emissions which may reflect the low level of industrialisation, extensive carbon sinks in the form of forestry and other land uses and the absence of an international airport. Within East Ayrshire, road transport is the biggest source of CO2 emissions. Entries in the Scottish Pollutant Release Inventory (SPRI) indicate that surface coaling has historically been an important source of emissions of CO2 and methane. During the period 2010-2014, emissions from surface coaling contributed to>20% total greenhouse gas emissions from East Ayrshire. Climate change can affect the two key sources of carbon: trees and soils, particularly peat soil. Some areas within East Ayrshire are susceptible to flooding.

Most developments and transport movements etc. can contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. The extraction of coal through surface coal mining can increase CO2 and methane emissions. Implications from aggregates operations? The extraction of minerals could exacerbate flooding in certain areas.

CO2 and other emissions in East Ayrshire. Average figures re temperatures and rainfall. Areas at risk from flooding. Flooding and storm events Flood risk assessments

IPCC

Met Office Data

National Atmospheric Emissions Inventory (NAEI)

Scottish Pollutant Release Inventory (SPRI)

Local Authority Emissions Statistics from UK Government

Scottish Government information on Climate Change

UK Climate Projections

East Ayrshire State of Environment Report 2016

The MIR should encourage the reduction of CO2 and other emissions. The MIR should promote energy efficiency and use of rail as a means of transportation of materials. The MIR should encourage development to use energy efficient resources. The MIR should ensure there is no potential flood risk from new development and protect existing areas/sites which are at risk from flooding. The MIR should ensure new development does not exacerbate existing flooding issues upstream or downstream of the development site. The MIR should ensure that development provides appropriate drainage on site to reduce any risk of flooding The MIR should protect trees and soils particularly peat soil and where possible seek to enhance

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Climate change is increasing the frequency of flash floods in Scotland.

these. In addition seek to contribute to the Scottish Government targets for reafforestation.

Cultural Heritage 740 Listed Buildings (44 Category A; 334 Category B; 362 Category C) 26 Conservation Areas 29 Scheduled Monuments Sites of Archaeological Importance 7 Inventory Historic Garden and Designed Landscapes

1 Inventory Battlefield and

1877 undesignated

cultural heritage sites

There are currently 60

buildings, either listed or

within conservation areas,

which are considered to

be ‘at risk’ according to the

Buildings at Risk Register,

with 4 of these under

restoration.

Remains of historical deep mines and pits destroyed or disturbed by surface coaling operation. Potential implications on scheduled monuments and archaeological sites – various operations such as the movement of machinery over or near to sensitive areas resulting in the disturbance of elements of a feature, including through the rutting and/or compaction of archaeological deposits. Potential implications on undesignated cultural heritage sites, some of which could have archaeological significance? Visual impact to setting of protected areas Future implications of gas extraction Cumulative impact from sites located close together on historic assets

Listed Buildings Buildings at risk register Conservation Areas Scheduled Monuments Sites of Archaeological Importance Gardens and Designed Landscapes Historic landscapes

Historic Environment Scotland

East Ayrshire Council

East Ayrshire State of Environment Report 2016

West of Scotland Archaeological Service

Scottish Civic Trust

Sites and Monuments Records (SMR)

The MIR should protect and enhance the historic environment and its setting from inappropriate development. The MIR should protect archaeological resources and scheduled monuments from inappropriate development and operations The MIR should protect any historically significant deep mines and pits from minerals operations.

Population and Human Health

The total population of East Ayrshire according to the 2011 Census was 122,767. The general trend in recent years has been a growth in population of East Ayrshire, however, by 2037 the population is projected to be 121,928 which is a decrease of 0.7% compared to the 2011 population. Life expectancy is marginally lower than the national average and reflects the social-economic and environmental inequalities within East Ayrshire.

Out migration from EA particularly rural areas where minerals industry has been located. New development and use of cars etc. can impact on human health e.g. respiratory disease The health impact of emissions from future surface coaling is likely to be smaller than those of past surface operations due to tighter limits on plant emissions and better regulation of sites.

Population statistics SIMD and economic statistics Health statistics for East Ayrshire population Life expectancy Location of community facilities e.g. sport and leisure, cultural, community halls

UK Government

Scottish Government

Health Scotland

Scottish National Statistics

World Health Organisation

East Ayrshire Council

East Ayrshire State of

The MIR should contribute to the social and economic regeneration of deprived areas within settlements. The MIR should ensure that accessibility to walking and cycling routes is not affected by new development. The MIR should influence new development in order to minimise impacts in relation to air, water, noise and pollution. The MIR should contribute to the enhancement and

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There is some evidence to link health issues (cancer, heart disease and, obesity) and social-economic inequalities within East Ayrshire. There is little evidence to link health with environmental inequalities and the evidence base is limited.

East Ayrshire has an increased prevalence of smoking

East Ayrshire has a lower level of participation in sport

Increasing incidences of obesity and alcohol-related deaths also suggest a relatively high prevalence of lifestyle factors that may contribute to future ill health. Rates of Hospital Admissions for COPD and coronary heart disease are much higher in EA than elsewhere in Scotland. Environmental inequalities do exist in East Ayrshire including regional variation in exposure to air pollution e.g. proximity to major road infrastructure / town centres and other elements including proximity to derelict land. In 2012, 32 (20.8%) of East Ayrshire’s 154 SIMD data zones were found in the 15% most deprived data zones in Scotland, compared to 27 (17.5%) in 2009. Emissions from opencast coaling or quarrying could contribute to respiratory and cardiovascular ill health in local communities. However, the impact of these emissions on health in East Ayrshire as a whole are likely to be (or have been) small relative to the impact of emissions from road transport.

Environment Report 2016

Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation

NHS Ayrshire and Arran

protection of human health through measures to minimise noise and dust impacts. The MIR should enhance the green network and maintain and improve recreational facilities in order to improve resident’s quality of life The MIR should promote sustainable modes of access to social, health and recreational facilities.

Material Assets There is an established transport Infrastructure including strategic rail,

Pressure on transport infrastructure

Existing Transport infrastructure

Scottish Government

The MIR should ensure that new development is within

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road, bus, cycling and walking networks. The major roads are the A77/M77, A76 and the A71. There are a number of walking and cycling routes throughout East Ayrshire. These include 22.2km of dedicated cycle routes, 600km of rights of way and 358km of managed path network. A wide range of community facilities are offered across East Ayrshire, presenting opportunities for sport, education and the arts. There are 3,893 Ha of protected public open space within EA. The closure of coal mines has the potential to significantly add to the amount of derelict and vacant land in the Local Area if sites are not restored. There has been a decline of 1% in vacant and derelict land in East Ayrshire between 2008 and 2014. In 2015, East Ayrshire Council returned 2,217ha of derelict land associated with the former surface mining sites and a total of 2,536ha vacant and derelict land for the local authority area as a whole. There are over 20 operational windfarms in East Ayrshire including large sites at Whitelee, Harelaw and South Kyle. The accessibility of useable greenspace within a 10 minute walk is higher in East Ayrshire than the Scottish average. Volumes of waste produced in East Ayrshire are reducing with more waste sent for recycling corresponding to reductions in materials sent to landfill.

particularly around operational sites Impact on walking and cycling routes – mineral extraction can significantly alter landscape Impact on community facilities? Loss of open space Vacant land – focus only on areas vacant/derelict as a result of previous minerals extraction

Public transport data, particularly for rural areas Walking and cycling route data Core paths Rights of way Public open space Vacant and derelict land data, particularly previous operational sites

Transport Scotland Sports Scotland SPT Scottish Water SEPA SNH East Ayrshire Council East Ayrshire State of Environment Report 2016

sustainable locations with good accessibility to public transport. The MIR should protect and enhance East Ayrshire’s network of core paths, rights of way routes and cycle paths. The MIR should protect and where possible enhance East Ayrshire’s public open space and green network The MIR should ensure that brownfield sites are utilised and reused in preference to greenfield sites The MIR should ensure that development proposals are sited and designed to respect the nature and landscape character of the area and that any visual impacts are minimised. The MIR should promote waste minimisation.

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Table 2: Key Environmental Trends

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Existing Environmental Issues and Problems

5.4 The environmental report will identify the environmental issues and problems that currently

affect East Ayrshire. This will be informed by the analysis of baseline environmental information and environmental implications, which are contained in Table 1 and the information contained in the State of the Environment Report for East Ayrshire.

5.5 Table 2 illustrates the current state of the environment of East Ayrshire and outlines

whether each component is improving, deteriorating, stable or unclear. It shows the assessment for each topic area and their level of environmental condition ranging from very good to very poor.

5.6 Overall the quality of baseline information is good across most of the topic areas with the

main exception being in relation to some ecological components where, if data is available it is poor quality or fragmented. 65% of assessment components register a ‘Good’ score with 5% at ‘Very Good’. 25% of assessment components are improving with 30% stable and 20% deteriorating.

5.7 Using the information contained in Tables 1 and 2, the key environmental issues and problems facing East Ayrshire are:

Significant landscape change in some rural areas as a result of minerals development.

Cumulative impacts from both minerals and wind farm developments. The

assessment of trends in landscape are currently deteriorating and measured as being

in a poor condition.

Loss or movement of fragile peat soils resulting in loss of much of its ecological value.

Legacy of unrestored land as a result of surface coal mining companies going into

administration and abandoning sites and restoration plans

Loss or fragmentation of habitats and species. The assessment of trends in

biodiversity, flora and fauna has identified that there are aspects of biodiversity, flora

and fauna that are deteriorating and in very poor condition

Damage to internationally designated sites

Pollution from minerals development can impact on the environment and potentially

human health

The risk of flooding in certain areas within East Ayrshire is high. It is possible that the

extraction of minerals particularly surface coal mining can exacerbate the risk of

flooding through increased water runoff.

Evolution of the Environment in the absence of the Local Development Plan 5.8 The SEA process is required to assess the likely impact on the environment if the Minerals

Local Development Plan was not implemented. In the absence of a minerals local development plan, development would continue to take place but would not be scrutinised and monitored and would be less well attuned to environmental and other strategic objectives and priorities. There is an existing policy framework in the adopted East Ayrshire Opencast Coal Subject Plan 2003, however this only relates to coal and new legislation and environmental policy has emerged since its adoption, for example in relation to the water environment and air quality. The East Ayrshire Local Plan 2010

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contains a number of policies in relation to minerals, however these only relate to minerals with the exception of coal.

5.9 In the absence of an up to date Minerals LDP there would be some potential for negative

impacts on the environment. In particular uncontrolled minerals development could:

Create adverse environmental impacts including adverse cumulative impacts in

specific areas

Erode landscape character

Increase the risk of damage to quality soils, such as peat soils

Multiply the risk to biodiversity, flora and fauna

Encourage the preparation of good quality restoration plans that would not be

scrutinised or monitored

Heighten flood risk and water pollution

Increase traffic volumes, congestion and no restrictions on routes that haulage can

take

Adversely impact on air quality

6. SCOPING OF ISSUES TO BE CONSIDERED IN THE ASSESSMENT 6.1 The purpose of SEA is to assess the likely significant impacts (positive or negative) that

the plan will have on the environment. Schedule 3 of the Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act, requires the Minerals MIR and Proposed LDP to be assessed against the following environmental topics:

Biodiversity;

Population

Human health;

Fauna

Flora

Soil

Water

Air

Climatic factors

Material assets

Cultural heritage, including architectural and archaeological heritage

Landscape

6.2 The MIR and Proposed Minerals LDP are likely to significantly impact on all of the above environmental topics. They therefore provide the context for, and are directly related to, the development of SEA Objectives and the sub-criteria/questions to be used in the assessment process.

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7. ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS 7.1 The Minerals MIR includes a number of different issues relevant to future minerals

development in East Ayrshire. Within each issue identified, the Council should indicate a preferred option but also provide one or more reasonable alternatives. By assessing the impacts of all alternatives, the environmental report will be a key tool in determining the Council’s preferred option. It should be noted that the MIR is the key generator of alternative options, not the SEA.

8. ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY 8.1 The Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005 requires the environmental report to

assess and evaluate the likely significant impacts that the Minerals Local Development Plan will have on the environment. It is fundamental to SEA that the assessment process and the reporting of findings are robust and transparent.

8.2 A two stage assessment methodology outlined in this section has been applied. This two

stage methodology has been developed in accordance with advice contained within the SEA Toolkit, Planning Advice Note 1/2010: Strategic Environmental Assessment of Development Plans and from experience of other East Ayrshire Council PPS that have been subject to SEA. The methodology was successfully used in the environmental assessment of both the East Ayrshire MIR and Proposed East Ayrshire Local Development Plan. The SEA Scoping Report was published for information alongside the draft Minerals MIR in June 2016.

8.3 In order to reflect the diversity of the environment, the Council has grouped and defined

the environment within five broad headings, as detailed in Table 3 below. These topics and associated components form the basis for Stage 1 of the SEA assessment methodology.

Table 3: Environmental Topics and Associated Components


Component

Natural Features Landscape Geology Biodiversity, Flora and Fauna Climate

Natural Resources Soil Air Water

Historic Environment Listed Buildings Scheduled Monuments Conservation Areas Archaeological Sites/Areas Gardens and Designed Landscapes Historic Battlefields

Social Environment Health Population Material Assets (infrastructure, amenity and recreational open space i.e. parks etc.)

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8.4 The adopted assessment methodology has an overall objective to ‘protect, and where appropriate enhance the environment’.

8.5 The assessment has focused on the vision, strategy, policies, proposals and possible sites

and their reasonable alternatives. It should be noted that only likely significant environmental impacts have been assessed, including cumulative and synergistic impacts. These have been identified through Stage 1 of the assessment methodology. Stage 2 analyses the identified likely significant impacts in more detail.

Stage 1 – Assessment of Significance

8.6 The first stage involves using Matrix 1, set out below, and the constraints shown on the

Council’s GIS system. Where appropriate the Council’s GIS system will be updated, using the data contained in the State of the Environment Report. This will be used as a sifting tool to identify significant impacts on the grouped environmental topics and components as described in Table 3 above. The determination of what is considered to be a likely significant impact has been based on the following:

Scale of the impact (geographic area and likely effects on the surrounding population);

Duration of the impact (short, medium or long term);

Reversibility of the impact;

Environmental sensitivities and constraints of the area;

Environmental value of the area;

Potential for significant cumulative/synergistic impacts

8.7 The SEA objectives and the constraints shown on the Council’s GIS mapping system has been used to assist in determining whether the identified impact is significant or not, using the baseline environmental information that has been collated and taking into account the existing environmental problems and issues listed in paragraphs 4.4-4.7 of this report. If the vision/strategy/policy/proposal or site is considered not to have a significant environmental impact then no further assessment will be required. All identified significant environmental impacts will be subject to further assessment under Stage 2.

Stage 1 Matrix: Assessment of Environmental Impacts


Will there be an environmental impact?

Significant Impact (Y/N/Unsure) Why? If no, could the impact become a significant cumulative or synergistic impact (y/n) why?

Natural Features

Natural Resources

Historic Environment

Social Environment

Stage 2 – Detailed Assessment of Identified Significant Impacts 8.8 The Stage 2 assessment analyses and assesses the identified significant impacts in

greater detail using the matrix below. The sub criteria/questions have been used to provide a more detailed assessment which identifies what the significant environmental

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impacts are in relation to each of the individual environmental components scoped into the assessment, as detailed in the ‘components’ column in Table 3. At this stage, the assessment also looks at short, medium and long term environmental impacts and provides proposals to monitor significant impacts.

8.9 Each box has been colour coded to indicate whether the impact is significant positive,

significant positive/negative, significant negative, or neutral/unknown to aid comprehension of the assessment results.

Stage 2 Matrix: Detailed Assessment

Environmental Topic Component

Analysis of the Significant Environmental

Impact Mitigation/Enhancement

& Likely Impacts

Natural Features Landscape

Commentary provided in this column in this section of table - text will be colour coded depending on assessment outcome

Commentary provided in this section of table - text will be colour coded depending on assessment outcome

Geology


Climate

Natural Resources Soil

Air

Water

Historic Environment Listed Buildings

Conservation Areas

Archaeological Sites/Areas

Gardens and Designed Landscapes

Scheduled Monuments Historic Battlefields

Social Environment Population

Health

Material Assets

Short, Medium or Long Term Impact

Cumulative/Synergistic Impacts

Proposal to monitor the significant environmental impact(s)

Key to be used in matrix 2:

Significant Positive Significant Positive/Negative Significant Negative Neutral/Unknown

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SEA Objectives and Sub-criteria/questions 8.10 The proposed overall SEA objectives for each environmental topic scoped into the

assessment are illustrated in Table 4. To assist the overall SEA objectives, SEA sub-criteria, which are referred to in the assessment methodology above, have been devised to provide a more detailed assessment of the MLDP’s vision, strategy, policy and proposals or sites which are considered to be significant as a result of stage 1 assessment. The objectives and associated sub-criteria are fully compliant with the requirements of the Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005 and are shown in Table 4 below:

Table 4: SEA Objectives and sub-criteria/questions

Environmental

Receptor SEA Objectives Sub-criteria

Geology and Soil

Protect areas of prime quality agricultural land from development.

Will the Plan have an impact on or lead to the loss of prime quality agricultural land?

Ensure the appropriate restoration of unrestored land

Will the Plan ensure the restoration of land previously used for minerals operation to an appropriate use?

Prioritise and promote the reuse or redevelopment of brownfield/vacant and derelict land over greenfield land Ensure that mineral supply is not depleted in the short-term and there is a supply to serve the market demand.

Does the Plan prioritise and promote the use or redevelopment of previously extracted and other brownfield/vacant and derelict land over greenfield land? Does the Plan ensure the protection of minerals resources? Does the Plan ensure the protection of minerals resources?

Protect carbon rich soils and where possible seek to enhance or restore these and contribute to the Scottish Government’s targets on re-afforestation.

Will the Plan have an impact on carbon rich soils or lead to loss of carbon rich soils?

Landscape

Protect, and where appropriate, enhance the landscape character of the rural area.

Will the Plan have an impact on the landscape character of the rural area?

Protect and preserve the integrity and character of all internationally, nationally and locally designated sites within or adjacent to the EAC boundary

Will the plan have an impact on any designated sites within or adjacent to the EAC boundary?

Ensure that opencast coal sites are properly restored once extraction has ceased.

Does the Plan ensure that restoration plans for sites subject to surface mining extraction will be established prior to any extraction operations taking place?

Where appropriate, contribute to the Scottish Government’s targets on re-afforestation

Does the plan, where it is deemed appropriate, contribute to the Scottish Governments targets on re-afforestation?

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Ensure that the integrity of all internationally designated sites within or adjacent to the East Ayrshire Council boundary are protected and reserved. The MIR should, where necessary, ensure the restoration of all European and nationally designated sites

Will the plan have a likely significant impact on any internationally designated sites within or adjacent to the EAC boundary? If so, is this being addressed through a Habitats Regulation Appraisal? Will the Plan ensure that where it is necessary ensure the restoration of all European and nationally designated sites

Safeguard all European and nationally designated sites, habitats and priority species from adverse impacts, loss and fragmentation.

Will the Plan have an impact on or result in the loss or fragmentation of any of the European or national designated site, habitats and priority species within or adjacent to the EAC boundary?

Biodiversity should be protected in line with the Ayrshire Local Biodiversity Action Plan and, where possible, enhanced.

Does the Plan have an impact on biodiversity protected through the Ayrshire Local Biodiversity Action Plan?

Air Quality

Ensure that new mineral development seeks to minimise emissions into the atmosphere and any impacts on air quality.

Will the Plan minimise emissions into the atmosphere

Will the Plan maintain or improve air quality standards in East Ayrshire?

Does the Plan encourage the use of sustainable modes of transportation for the movement of minerals material over the use of haulage to transport materials?

Ensure that any restoration plans for formerly extracted sites incorporate new or improve access to existing cycle and walking path networks.

Will the plan ensure that future restoration plans of formerly extracted sites incorporate new or improve access to existing cycle and walking path networks?

Water

Where appropriate, enhance the water quality (including groundwater) to good chemical and ecological status within the lifetime of the Plan.

Will the Plan enhance water quality or result in water quality levels to be reduced?

Safeguard the water environment by ensuring that restoration plans do not increase water pollution.

Does the Plan ensure that future restoration plans reduce water pollution?

Ensure that all mineral developments/extensions are adequately assessed in relation to the impact on the water environment.

Will the plan ensure that any proposals for mineral extraction (new or extension to existing operations) have measures in place to reduce any adverse impacts on the water environment?

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Climate

Encourage the reduction of CO2 and other emissions. Promote energy efficiency and use of rail as a means of transportation of materials.

Will the Plan contribute to meeting national targets for reducing CO2 and other emissions? Will the Plan promote energy efficiency in new development and encourage the use of rail as a means of transporting materials over road?

Encourage development to use energy efficient resources.

Will the Plan encourage development to use energy efficient resources?

Ensure there is no potential flood risk from new development and protect existing areas/sites which are at risk from flooding.

Does the Plan ensure that future development is located outwith areas at risk from flooding?

Ensure new development does not exacerbate existing flooding issues upstream or downstream of the development site.

Ensure that development provides appropriate drainage on site to reduce any risk of flooding

Does the Plan ensure that development provides appropriate drainage on site to reduce flood risk?

Protect and, where possible, enhance soils in particular carbon rich soils.

Will the Plan have an impact on areas of raised bogs, blanket bog or other organic soils?

Cultural Heritage

Protect the historic environment and its setting from inappropriate development or alterations.

Will the plan result in inappropriate development or alterations that will impact upon any listed buildings or conservation areas located within or adjacent to the EAC boundary?

Protect archaeological resources and scheduled monuments from inappropriate development and operations

Will the plan result in inappropriate development or alterations that will impact upon any archaeological resources or scheduled monuments located within or adjacent to the EAC boundary?

Protect any historically significant deep mines and pits from previous minerals operations. Protect designed landscapes and historic battlefields from inappropriate development and operations.

Will the plan have any impact on any historically significant deep mines or pits? Will the plan result in inappropriate development or operations that will directly or indirectly impact upon any designed landscapes or historic battlefields and their settings located within East Ayrshire?

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Population and Human Health

Contribute to the social and economic regeneration of deprived areas within settlements. Ensure that accessibility to walking and cycling routes is not affected by new development. Influence new development in order to minimise impacts in relation to air, water, noise and pollution. Contribute to the enhancement and protection of human health through the promotion of high quality design in new development that contributes to good placemaking standards Enhancing the green network and maintain and improve recreational facilities in order to improve resident’s quality of life

Does the Plan's contents contribute towards the regeneration of deprived areas within settlements located close to historical or existing mineral operations? Will the Plan ensure that development proposals where possible safeguard existing cycling and walking path networks or divert these path networks during operations, restoring them fully after operations cease?

Does the Plan ensure that new development minimises or exacerbates the effects of air, water, noise and pollution on an area?

Does the Plan ensure that future development proposals, particularly for mineral extraction promote good design on and off site, reduce any impacts, such as visual and overall contributes to good placemaking standards?

Will the Plan protect and enhance the area's green network and recreational facilities?

Ensure that new development is within sustainable locations with good accessibility to public transport. Protect and enhance East Ayrshire’s network of core paths, rights of way routes and cycle paths. Protect and where possible enhance East Ayrshire’s public open space and green network Ensure that brownfield sites are utilised and reused in preference to greenfield sites Ensure that development proposals are sited and designed to respect the nature and landscape character of the area and that any visual impacts are minimised. Promote waste minimisation

Will the Plan ensure that new development is located within sustainable locations? Will the Plan protect and enhance East Ayrshires public open space and green network including core paths, rights of way and cycle paths? Does the Plan utilise the reuse of brownfield sites in preference to greenfield sites? Does the Plan ensure that new development or alterations respect the landscape character of the area and that visual impacts are minimised? Does the Plan promote the minimisation of waste in order to prevent or reduce waste that goes to landfill and that more waste or material is recycled?

Material Assets

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Cumulative and Synergistic Assessment 8.11 The stage 2 assessment evaluates potential cumulative and synergistic effects of the

vision, aims, main issues and reasonable alternative options that have been identified as being likely to have significant environmental impacts.

9. ASSESSMENT RESULTS 9.1 The results of the stage 1 assessment are contained in Appendix C and stage 2

assessment results are contained in Appendix D. A summary of the stage 2 assessment results can be found below:

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Table 5: Stage 2 Assessment Results

MIR Reference Preferred Option Alternative Option 1 Alternative Option 2

Main Issue 2: Aim 1 Significant positive impacts There is no reasonable alternative





Main Issues 3 & 4: Spatial Strategy – Restoration and Placemaking


Main Issue 5: Spatial Strategy – Coal




Main Issue 6: Spatial Strategy – Aggregates

Neutral/ Unknown


There is no reasonable alternative

Main Issue 7: Spatial Strategy – Unconventional Oil and Gas

Unknown impacts Unknown impacts

Main Issue 8: Protection of Peat Significant positive impacts Significant positive and negative impacts

Main Issue 9: Water Environment – Mitigating Against Flood Risk

Significant positive impacts Significant positive and negative impacts

Main Issue 10: Water Environment – Water Bodies and Ground Water


Main Issue 11: Geological Interest Significant positive impacts Unknown impacts

Main Issue 12: Cumulative Impacts on Communities

Significant positive impacts Significant positive impacts

Main Issue 13: Cumulative Impacts on Landscape


Main Issue 14: Addressing Cumulative Impacts on Settlements as a Result of Duration of Permissions


Main Issue 19: The Routing of the Transportation of Minerals



Main Issue 21: Addressing Cumulative Impacts of Minerals Related Traffic

Significant positive impacts Significant positive impacts Significant negative impacts

Main Issue 22: Location of Borrow Pits


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Main Issue 23: Number of Borrow Pits Significant positive impacts There is no reasonable alternative

Main Issue 24: Borrow Pits (Non-location based criteria)


Main Issue 25: Recycled Aggregate Facilities



Main Issue 26: Reworking of Deep Mining Bings

Significant positive impacts Significant positive impacts

Main Issue 27: Extraction of Secondary Aggregates



Main Issue 34: Reuse of Excess Soils Significant positive impacts Significant negative impacts

Main Issue 35: Use of Sewage Sludge Neutral/ Unknown

Significant positive impacts

Scoped out at Stage 1 Assessment

Key Significant Positive Significant Positive/Negative Significant Negative Neutral/Unknown

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10. MITIGATION AND ENHANCEMENT 10.1 Where the stage 2 assessments indicate that there are likely to be adverse impacts as a

result of the main issues and the associated preferred option and alternative options, mitigation measures have been proposed to reduce the overall environmental impact to an acceptable or negligible level for each of the environmental receptors that are affected. The stage 2 assessments also propose enhancement measures where appropriate and, as with the mitigation measures, these are identified against the individual environmental receptors in the stage 2 assessments.

11. MONITORING 11.1 The MIR main issues that are likely to have significant environmental impacts are required

to be monitored to ensure that adverse and unforeseen impacts do not arise or can be easily identified and mitigated measures put in place. The draft Monitoring Measures are provided below:

Table 6: Draft Monitoring Measures

Environmental Issues to be Monitored

Monitoring Objective Target

Landscape To monitor the impact of the MLDP on landscape within East Ayrshire

The landscape of East Ayrshire is protected and any alterations to its character and setting are avoided or minimised.

Geology To monitor the impact of the MLDP on geology within East Ayrshire

Geological resources and their settings within East Ayrshire are preserved.


To monitor the impact of the MLDP on the natural heritage designations within East Ayrshire.

Enhance biodiversity across East Ayrshire. Avoid irreversible losses of valuable sites, areas of important green space and protected species/habitats within East Ayrshire.

Climate To monitor the impact of the MLDP on climate change.

Reduce climate change impacts in line with Scottish Government policy. Reduce carbon emissions where possible. No increase in the risk of flooding, particularly within settlements. Protect carbon rich soils, deep peat and priority peatland sites.

Soil To monitor the impact of the MLDP on soil resources within East Ayrshire.

No loss of prime or locally important agricultural land.

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Air To monitor the impact of the MLDP on air quality within East Ayrshire.

No increase in pollutants into the atmosphere.

Water To monitor the impact of the MLDP on the water environment in East Ayrshire.

No degradation of water quality. No increase in the risk of flooding within East Ayrshire. Protect water bodies and ground water.

Historic Environment To monitor the impact of the MLDP on the historic environment.

All historic environmental features are protected within East Ayrshire.

Population To monitor the impact of the MLDP on local communities.

Protect local settlements with appropriate buffers from minerals development.

Health To monitor the impact of the MLDP on human health.

No excessive air, dust, noise, vibration or light pollution for new minerals development. Protect local settlements with appropriate buffers from minerals development.

Material Assets To monitor the impact of the MLDP on areas of protected green space and on paths and cycle routes.

No loss of protected open space, playing fields, and other important recreational open space within East Ayrshire.

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Appendix A: Map of East Ayrshire and Land in relation to Minerals Development

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Appendix B: List of the Key Plans, Programmes and Strategies to be used to inform the development of the Main Issues Report

Plan, Programme or Strategy Main Requirements Implications for the LDP

International

The Kyoto Protocol 1997

Aims to limit, as well as, reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. The Protocol places a limit on anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions.

The MLDP will contribute to reducing and limiting emissions of greenhouse gases.

The Rio Declaration on Environment and Development 1992

Set the founding principles on sustainable development that were adopted by the international community

The MLDP has a duty to contribute to sustainable development

European

Habitats Directive 1992 Protects biodiversity and endangered bird species and their environment.

The MLDP is required to protect and preserve designated areas from loss or damage by development.

Thematic Strategy for Soil Protection Protects soils from further degradation and the preservation of soil functions.

The MLDP is required to protect carbon rich soils and prime quality agricultural land

Air Quality Directive 2008

Provides basic principles as to how air quality should be assessed and managed. It also lists the pollutants for which air quality standards and objectives will be developed and specified in legislation.

The MLDP will seek to manage air quality standards and minimise development that will exacerbate emissions that contribute to poor air quality

Environmental Noise Directive 2002

Relates to the assessment and management of environmental noise. The Directive aims to focus on the determination of exposure to environmental noise, ensure that information on environmental noise and its effects is made available to the public and prevent and reduce environmental noise where necessary and preserving noise quality where it is good.

The MLDP should minimise environmental noise through minerals extraction

Water Framework Directive (Ref) 2000

Safeguards the sustainable use of water. Supports the status of aquatic systems, addresses issues relating to pollution, flooding, droughts and river basin management planning.

The MLDP should ensure that there is no degradation of water bodies, no adverse impacts on the water environment and support sustainable water management practices.

European Climate Change Programme (ECCP)

Identify and develop all the necessary elements of an EU Strategy to implement the Kyoto Protocol. The second ECCP was launched in 2005.

The MLDP should seek to contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions

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EU Birds Directive 2009

Protects all wild birds, their nests, eggs and habitats within the EU. Also provides the basis to classify Special Protection Areas (SPA).

The MLDP is required to protect designated sites, such as SPAs and SACs from loss or damage as a result of development

EU Landfill Directive 1999

The objective of the Directive is to prevent or reduce as far as possible negative effects on the environment, in particular on surface water, groundwater, soil, air and human health from the landfilling of waste by introducing stringent technical requirements for waste and landfill.

The MLDP will seek to promote the reuse and recycling of all excess materials instead of diverting to landfill.

National

Environmental Protection Act 1990: Part IIA Contaminated Land and Contaminated Land (Scotland) Regulations 2000. (SI 2000/178)

Provides a regulatory regime for the identification and remediation of contaminated land and is subject to the 2000 Regulations and Statutory Guidance.

The MLDP is required to take into account the provisions of the Act and the Regulations.

Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004

Imposes a wide ranging duty on Scotland's public sector to conserve biodiversity and protect natural heritage.

The MLDP is required to protect biodiversity in accordance with the requirements of the Act including the avoidance of adverse impacts on sites, habitats and species of value as defined within the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy and associated priority lists.

Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2016

Part 1 of the Act establishes statutory public rights of access to land and inland water for recreational and other purposes and for crossing land and extends some of these provisions to rights of way.

The MLDP will consider land access issues in relation to areas that are or have been subject to minerals extraction and restoration projects.

Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act 2009

Proactive approach to flood risk management (FRM). Specific measures within the Act include: - a framework for a co-ordinated approach to flood risk management; - an assessment of FRM plans; - a revised, streamlined process for flood protection schemes; - new methods to enable stakeholders and the public to contribute to manage flood risk; and - a single enforcement authority for the safe operation of Scotland's reservoirs

The MLDP will take into account the provisions of the Act, in particular the assessment of flood risk and the preparation of flood risk management plans.

Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 Creates the statutory framework for greenhouse gas emissions reductions in Scotland.

The MLDP should seek to contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions

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Water Environment and Water Services (Scotland) Act 2003

Sets out the arrangements for the protection of the water environment. Aim is to protect and improve the ecological status of the water environment whilst also protecting he social and economic interests of those dependant on the water environment

The MLDP will take into consideration the provisions of the Act, in particular the assessment of flood risk and the preparation of flood risk management plans.

The Management of Extractive Waste (Scotland) Regulations 2010

Regulates the natural materials which need to be disturbed and separated at mines and quarries in order to process minerals for sale. The Regulations transpose the EC Mining Waste Directive (MWD) through the planning system.

The MLDP will take into consideration the provisions of the Regulations.

Water Environment (Controlled Activities) Regulations 2011

Applies regulatory controls over activities which may affect Scotland’s water environment.

The MLDP will take into consideration the provisions of the Regulations.

National Planning Framework 3 (NPF3)

Sets the context for development in Scotland and provides a framework for the spatial development of Scotland as a whole. It sets out the Scottish Government's development priorities over the next 20-30 years and identifies Scotland's national developments which support the development strategy.

The MLDP will contribute to the Scottish Government's development priorities for the next 20-30 years as they relate to all minerals.

Scottish Planning Policy (SPP)

Sets out national planning policies which reflect Scottish Ministers' priorities for the operation of the planning system and for the development and use of land.

The MLDP will take into consideration SPP priorities and ensure that the LDP contributes to the planning outcomes set out in SPP.

Historic Environment Scotland Policy Statement, June 2016

Provides a policy framework on the historic environment to inform those public sector organisations responsible for the conservation of the historic environment.

The MLDP will take into consideration the policy framework set out in the policy statement for the conservation of East Ayrshire's historic environment.

Surface Coal Mine Restoration - Towards Better Regulation - A final report to the Scottish Opencast Task Force by its Compliance and Finance Subgroups, October 2015

Considers the future of surface coal mine restoration in terms of compliance/monitoring and finance and considers other matters to support better regulation of restoration

The MLDP will take into consideration the evidence contained in the Report and its final recommendations to inform the Plan's strategy and policy framework.

Land Use Strategy for Scotland 2016-2021: Getting the best from our land, March 2016

Sets out a policy framework for land use in Scotland. The strategy provides an integrated approach to sustainable land use in Scotland.

The MLDP will take into consideration the policy framework set out in the land use strategy for Scotland.

PAN 33: Development of Contaminated Land, October 2000

Provides advice in relation to implementing the provisions of Part IIA of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, the development of contaminated land and the approach to be taken, in terms of contaminated land in development plans.

The MLDP should take into consideration the advice given when preparing the Plan's strategy and policy framework.

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PAN 50: Controlling the Environmental Effects of Surface Mineral Workings, October 1996

Provides advice on the more significant environmental effects arising from mineral working operations.

The MLDP should take into consideration the advice given when preparing the Plan's strategy and policy framework.

PAN 50: Annexes A-D: Controlling the Environmental Effects of Surface Mineral Workings

Annexes A and B provide advice on how the planning system can be used to keep noise and dust emissions from surface mineral workings within environmentally acceptable limits without imposing unreasonable burdens on mineral operators. Annex C provides advice in relation to how the planning system should manage traffic associated with surface minerals workings within environmentally acceptable limits. Annex D provides advice to planning authorities and industries on how to keep the effects of blasting from surface mineral workings within environmentally acceptable limits.

The MLDP will ensure that the effects from noise emissions, dust, traffic and blasting from surface mineral workings are kept within environmentally acceptable limits and that the Plan takes into consideration the detailed advice contained in PAN 50 and the associated Annexes.

Online Planning Advice on Flood Risk

Provides advice on the sources of flood risk, its impacts and in relation to various aspects of flood risk management, for example flood risk management plans, flood risk assessment.

The MLDP will seek to provide a policy framework in relation to the sources and impacts of flood risk and the management of flood risk.

PAN 64: Reclamation of Surface Mineral Workings, December 2002

Provides advice on how mineral operators and planning authorities can ensure that mineral workings are reclaimed to a high standard as soon as possible after working has ceased.

The MLDP will seek to provide the policy framework for the effective restoration of land previously subject to surface mineral workings.

Review of the Storage and Spreading of Sewage on Land in Scotland (The Sludge Review), February 2016

Provides a review of legislation and guidance relevant to the storage and spreading of sewage sludge,

The MLDP will seek to provide a policy framework in relation to the effective spreading and storage of sewage sludge on soils on restoration sites.

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Scotland's National Peatland Plan

Provides a framework for recognising, communicating and, where appropriate, quantifying the benefits of healthy peatlands and marshalling the knowledge, skills, incentives and funding to improve the condition of those which are damaged or degraded.

The MLDP will seek to promote the protection and conservation of all areas of peatland.

The Scottish Soil Framework 2009

Promote the sustainable management and protection of soils consistent with the economic, social and environmental needs of Scotland.

The MLDP will ensure the protection and sustainable management of soils.

Regional

Ayrshire Local Biodiversity Action Plan

Identifies priority habitats and species which require attention and sets out a shared agenda for conservation action by identifying priorities required by joint action. It comprises of the three Ayrshire authorities - East, North and South.

The MLDP will seek to ensure the conservation and management of priority habitats and species.

Ayrshire Woodlands Strategy - (Ayrshire and Arran Forestry and Woodland Strategy draft prepared to replace 2003 document).

Review of the Forestry Strategy for Ayrshire published in 2003 - Guides woodland management and expansion in Ayrshire and Arran, providing a policy and a spatial framework to maximise the contribution of woodland and forestry to the region's population, environment and economy.

The MLDP will seek to provide a spatial and policy framework for the effective management of woodland in East Ayrshire.

Ayrshire Landscape Assessment

Provides a detailed assessment of the landscape character of Ayrshire. It provides information in relation to likely pressures and opportunities, areas of landscape potentially under threat, opportunities for enhancement and provides guidelines on the conservation, enhancement or restructuring of differing landscapes.

The MLDP will take into consideration the information contained within the landscape assessment.

SPT Regional Transport Strategy Delivery Plan 2014-2017

Sets out strategic priorities that provide the policy framework that guides the development of the Delivery Plan's key work streams which relate to reliability of services, connectivity, access and reduced emissions.

The MLDP will take into consideration the strategic priorities and policy framework set out in the regional transport strategy.

Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere Natural Heritage Management Plan, November 2015

Provides information on the status, conservation and requirements of the High Focus Habitats and Species within the Biosphere and provides guidance on their management and enhancement.

The MLDP will take into consideration the information set out in the management plan and seek to conserve the high focus habitats and species within the Biosphere

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Ayrshire Freight Strategy, Effective Movement, March 2016

Provides a strategic road network and freight access strategy to key freight locations along with an associated signing strategy.

The MLDP will take into account the cumulative impacts of minerals transport movements on trunk road networks within Ayrshire.

Local

East Ayrshire Council Community Plan 2015-2030

Provides the overarching strategic policy framework for the delivery of services in East Ayrshire by all partners.

The MLDP should reflect the community plan's policy framework with regards to planning.

East Ayrshire Sustainable Development Strategy

Takes forward the Council's work to achieve a sustainable community in East Ayrshire and develops the strategic guidelines established in the Community Plan. It provides a framework for action to deliver national objectives for sustainable development.

The MLDP should reflect the strategy's framework and objectives in terms of planning

Green Infrastructure Strategy 2015

Provides a co-ordinated approach to the provision of protected open space, development of local green space initiatives and the core path plan. It provides the strategic vision for open space in East Ayrshire.

The MLDP should take into consideration the strategy's strategic vision and seek to safeguard protected open space and core path network and where appropriate support local green space initiatives that enhance East Ayrshire's green infrastructure.

North Kyle Forest Masterplan Report 2016

Masterplan for the North Kyle Forest and adjoining areas. The masterplan seeks to influence the design of opencast site restoration within the National Forest Estate and ensure the best use of the restored land when it is returned to Forestry Commission Scotland.

The MLDP will reflect the vision and outcomes of the North Kyle Masterplan.

Community Led Action Plans

The community led action plans set out the key actions required to enhance local communities over a five year period. They set out the delivery of local programmes, services and facilities which will aid the delivery of each plan.

The MLDP will take into consideration the objectives, priorities and actions set out in community led action plans.

Energy Strategy and Carbon Management Programme

Outlines the Council's objectives for reducing energy usage and how this will be achieved.

The MLDP will reflect the Council's objectives in relation to reducing energy usage.

East Ayrshire LDP

Sets out East Ayrshire Council's settled view on how the area should be developed over the next 10-20 years. The Plan provides a vision and spatial strategy for East Ayrshire as well as the key planning policies for a range of topic areas including places, infrastructure and the environment.

The MLDP will complement the East Ayrshire Local Development Plan and, where appropriate, take into consideration its spatial strategy and policy framework.

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Local Transport Strategy Sets out the aims and actions for the development of East Ayrshire's transport system.

The MLDP will reflect the aims and actions set out in the LTS

East Ayrshire Contaminated Land Strategy

Sets out the Council's strategic approach in relation to the inspection of land and the purposes of identifying contaminated land and to keep this under review.

The MLDP will reflect the Council's approach to inspecting and identifying contaminated land in planning terms

East Ayrshire Core Path Plan

Framework to enable access to land and inland water for outdoor recreation to be developed in a co-ordinated manner, development and implementation of paths for walker, riders and cyclists and implementation and monitoring of a Core Path Network.

The MLDP should protect the Core Paths from development and improve access to these routes.

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APPENDIX C: SEA CONSULTATION AUTHORITIES SCOPING COMMENTS AND EAST AYRSHIRE COUNCIL’S OBSERVATION AND RECOMMENDED COURSE OF ACTION

Consultation Authority Section of Scoping Report Summary of Comments

Council's Observations and Recommended Course of Action

Historic Environment Scotland

Scope and level of detail

The historic environment has been scoped into the environmental assessment. Historic Environment Scotland is content with this approach and satisfied with the scope and level of detail proposed for the assessment.

The comments of the respondent are welcomed and noted.

Consultation period for the Environmental Report

Historic Environment Scotland is content with the proposed 6-week consultation period for the Main Issues Report and accompanying draft environmental report. This period should commence when the SEA Gateway receives the relevant documents.


Scottish Natural Heritage

Scope and level of detail

Scottish Natural Heritage are content with the scope and level of detail proposed for the environmental report.


Table 1: Baseline Environmental Information - Biodiversity, Flora & Fauna

Amend wording of the objective “where necessary ensure the restoration of all European and nationally designated sites” to read "where damage has already occurred, ensure the restoration of all European and nationally designated sites’.

The comments of the respondent are noted. The objective has remained unchanged to take into consideration the occurrence of past damage and to protect against any potential future damage.

Stage 2 Matrix 2: Detailed Assessment

There could be assessments where there are unknown consequences and also assessments which have neutral impacts - include this in the assessment key.

The comments of the respondent are noted. The key in Matrix 2 has been amended to include the option to identify ‘Neutral/unknown impacts’

Scottish Environmental Protection Agency

Appendix 1 – Relationship with other Plans, Policies and Strategies (PPS)

Some PPS have been subject to SEA. It may be useful to include a summary of the SEA findings that may be relevant to the MLDP.

The comments of the respondent are noted. This exercise will be undertaken during the preparation of the final Environmental Report.

Baseline Information

SEPA holds data which may be of assistance - see website and/or SEPA's 'standing advice for responsible authorities on SEA Scoping Consultations

The respondent’s comments are noted and appreciated.

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Environmental Problems

The following issue is also of relevance to the SEA: 'the significant impact of particulate matter from transport sources and in particular unpaved haul roads and the re-suspension of particulates by vehicles servicing coal/mineral/unconventional gas sites

The respondent’s comments are noted. Paragraph 5.7 of the Interim Environmental Report refers to pollution from minerals development and how this can impact on the environment and potentially human health.

Alternatives

Any reasonable alternatives identified during the preparation of the plan should be assessed as part of the SEA process and the findings inform the preferred option.

The respondent’s comments are noted. Please refer to Appendix D and E of the Interim Environmental Report. Any reasonable alternative options have been assessed and form part of the Stage 1 and Stage 2 assessment work.

Scoping In/Out of environmental topics

Agree that all environmental topics should be scoped into the assessment. Comments welcomed and duly noted.

Methodology for assessing environmental effects

Including a commentary section within the matrices, where necessary the reasons for the effects cited and score given helps to fully explain the rationale behind the results. Allows RA to be transparent and readers understand rationale.

Noted. See Appendix E of the Interim Environmental Report. The Stage 1 and 2 assessment matrices include commentary sections.

Where it is expected that other PPS are better placed to undertake more detailed assessment of environmental effects this should be clearly set out in the report. Comments noted.

All aspects of the PPS which could have significant effects to be assessed.

The Stage 1 assessment has identified those issues that require further detailed assessment as they could have significant environmental impacts.

SEPA support the use of SEA objectives as assessment tools as they allow a systematic, rigorous and consistent framework with which to assess environmental effects. Comments welcomed and duly noted.

When setting out results of the assessment in the report, provide enough information to clearly justify the reasons for each of the assessments presented. It would also be helpful to set out the assumptions that are made during the assessment and difficulties and limitations encountered.

Noted. The Council is of the opinion that the Stage 1 and 2 assessment matrices provide enough information to justify the reasons for each assessment.

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Assessment Matrix 2

The assessment matrix should directly link the assessment result with proposed mitigation measures. Example given.

Noted. Stage 2 Assessment matrices include, where necessary, mitigation/enhancement measures in relation to each environmental topic and associated assessment outcome.

Welcome the proposed detailed assessment matrices and particularly the commentary box to fully explain the rationale behind the assessment results. However, the matrix should allow for neutral impacts and unknown consequences to be recorded.

Noted. The Stage 2 Assessment matrices include the option to identify ‘neutral/unknown’ impacts.

Welcome the link between effects and mitigation/enhancement measures in the proposed assessment framework and the consideration of mitigation of impacts.

The respondent’s comments are welcomed and duly noted.

Environmental Receptors

The environmental receptor water should be expanded to be more specific in the final report. Each water receptor will require to be considered individually (e.g. groundwater, surface water). This will ensure that issues are not missed.

Noted. The Council will take this comment into consideration when preparing the final environmental report, however all the environmental topics as detailed in the Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005 have been taken into consideration and SEA objectives and criteria developed from these topics.

SEA Objectives

To promote the sustainable use and management of material assets. Will the PPS promote waste minimisation at construction, operation and de-commissioning phases? Extractive waste should be looked at as part of the SEA objectives and should focus on prevention and reuse as well as the issue of recycling.

The respondent’s comments are noted. The Council has added the following SEA objective in relation to the ‘material assets’ section of Table 4: ‘Promote waste minimisation’.

Methodology

When it comes to the assessment of the effects of allocations or sites a rigorous methodology is needed which clearly assesses potential effects on all environmental topics. It is much easier if the assessment is made against a range of related questions rather than directly against the environmental topics - see the joint SEA and development plan site assessment proforma.

The environmental topics have influenced the creation of the SEA objectives and sub-criteria which have been used in the environment assessment of the Minerals MLDP Main Issues Report.

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Mitigation & Enhancement

The assessment should be used as a way to improve the environmental performance of individual aspects of the final option.

The respondent’s comments are duly noted.

It is useful to show link between potential effects and proposed mitigation/enhancement measures in the assessment framework.

Within the stage 2 assessment matrices, mitigation measures, where appropriate, have been identified in relation to the environmental topics. This therefore shows a clear link between potential effects and proposed mitigation/enhancement measures.

The report should be clear about mitigation measures which are proposed as a result of the assessment. These should follow the mitigation hierarchy - avoid, reduce, remedy or compensate.

The respondent’s comments are duly noted. This methodology has been applied to the environmental assessment of the main issues and the associated preferred and alternative options.

The report should identify any changes made to the plan as a result of SEA - see comments

The respondent’s comments are duly noted.

Where the mitigation proposed does not relate to modification to the plan itself then it would be helpful to set out the proposed mitigation measures in a way that clearly identifies: 1. the measures required; 2. when they would be required; and 3. who will be required to implement them. Inclusion of summary table in the report would help track this progress. See original comments for table.

The respondent’s comments are duly noted. If necessary, a summary table will be included in the final Environmental Report.

Monitoring

Early consideration should be given to the monitoring approach to be taken particularly in the choice of indicators.

The respondent’s comments are duly noted. Table 6 of the Interim Environmental Report sets out the draft monitoring measures.

Outcomes of Scoping

The report should include a summary of the scoping outcomes and how comments have been taken into account.

This table provides a summary of the scoping outcomes and how comments have been taken into account.

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APPENDIX D: STAGE 1 ASSESSMENT TABLES Stage 1 Assessment of the Minerals MIR Main Issues - Vision and Aims Main Issue 1: Vision

Vision Statement: East Ayrshire’s former mining sites will be restored and re-used and will provide communities with opportunities for long term employment connected to cultural and natural heritage such as through agriculture and forestry, tourism and recreation and leisure. Regeneration will result in natural, resilient places which reconnect communities and settlements through innovative open space projects.

The need for a supply of minerals will be fulfilled through a responsible and justified approach to extraction with appropriate restoration contributing to this vision being integrated from the outset.

Environmental Topics Will there be an environmental impact?


Natural Features

The vision statement itself is not likely to have an environmental impact as it is a future aspiration that cannot be achieved without the implementation of a Plan's aims, strategy, policies and proposals

No. The vision is unlikely to have a significant environmental impact.

Natural Resources As above As above

Historic Environment As above As above

Social Environment As above As above

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Main Issue 2: Aims

Aim 1: To support the creative restoration, reinstatement or alternative use of previously worked sites to promote tourism, agriculture, forestry, recreation and leisure opportunities in and between rural communities



Natural Features

Aim 1 is likely to have environmental impacts as it is focused on supporting the sustainable restoration of previously worked sites. However, this is dependent on the type of opportunities proposed and their locations.

Yes: The aim is likely to have significant environmental impacts due to supporting the sustainable restoration of previously worked mineral sites.




Aim 2: To conserve and enhance the natural and built environment and minimise the negative impacts of mineral extraction upon it.



Natural Features

Aim 2 is likely to have environmental impacts as it is principally concerned with enhancing and conserving the natural and built environment and minimising the negative impacts of mineral extraction.

Yes: Aim 2 is likely to have significant environmental impacts in relation to all environmental topics as it is concerned with the conservation and enhancement of the natural and built environment.

Natural Resources As above Yes. The aim is likely to have a significant environmental impact.

Historic Environment As above Yes. The aim is likely to have a significant environmental impact.

Social Environment As above. Yes. The aim is likely to have a significant environmental impact.

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Aim 3: To promote green networks, enhance biodiversity and create more attractive, healthy environments for people to live and work in and which gives them opportunities for recreation.



Natural Features Aim 3 is likely to have environmental impacts as it seeks to promote green networks.

Aim 3 is likely to have significant environmental impacts in relation to all environmental topics as it seeks to create attractive environments, enhance biodiversity and promote green networks. High quality green networks can protect and enhance natural environment assets, open up opportunities for physical activity and increase accessibility between settlements or key places of interest.




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Aim 4: To minimise the negative impacts of minerals extraction on people



Natural Features

The aim is primarily concerned with minimising the negative impacts of minerals extraction on people, therefore the aim itself is unlikely to have any significant impacts in relation to natural features.

No. The aim itself is unlikely to result in significant environmental impacts in relation to natural features.

Natural Resources

The aim is primarily concerned with minimising the negative impacts of minerals extraction on people, therefore the aim itself is unlikely to have any significant impacts in relation to natural resources.

No. The aim itself is unlikely to result in significant environmental impacts in relation to natural resources.


The aim is primarily concerned with minimising the negative impacts of minerals extraction on people, therefore the aim itself is unlikely to have any significant impacts in relation to the historic environment.

No. The aim itself is unlikely to result in significant environmental impacts in relation to the historic environment.

Social Environment The aim itself is likely to have environmental impacts, in terms of population and human health.

Yes. The aim is likely to result in significant environmental impacts on the social environment.

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Aim 5: To safeguard workable mineral resources of economic or conservation value from sterilisation



Natural Features

The aim is concerned with safeguarding workable mineral resources in East Ayrshire from sterilisation. The aim itself is unlikely to have any environmental impacts.

No. The aim itself is unlikely to have significant environmental impacts. It will lead to the creation of a robust policy framework to protect the area's mineral resources.




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Aim 6: To ensure an adequate and steady supply of minerals



Natural Features

The aim itself relates to ensuring that there is an adequate and steady supply of minerals and is not in relation to any extraction of this identified supply, therefore, it is unlikely to have any environmental impact.

No. The aim itself relates to ensuring that there is an adequate and steady supply of minerals and is not in relation to any extraction, therefore, it is unlikely to have a significant environmental impact.




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Aim 7: To promote and deliver excellence in working practices



Natural Features

The aim is likely to result in environmental impacts as it is concerned with ensuring that good working practices are effectively delivered and promoted in the minerals industry in order to effectively regulate minerals operations.

Yes. The aim is likely to have significant environmental impacts as it seeks to deliver excellent working practices in the minerals industry.




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Stage 1 Assessment of the Minerals MIR Main Issues – Policy Preferred and Alternative Options Main Issues 3 and 4: Spatial Strategy for Restoration and Placemaking

Preferred Option: To identify three key themes incorporated into the East Ayrshire landscape.



Natural Features

The preferred option is likely to have an environmental impact. The option will ensure the appropriate restoration of unrestored land and overall conserve and enhance the natural environment, in terms of natural features and resources. Yes. The option is likely to have a significant environmental impact.



The option is likely to have an environmental impact. The option seeks to protect and, where appropriate enhance all aspects of East Ayrshire's historic environment. As above

Social Environment

The option is likely to have an environmental impact. The option seeks to capitalise on East Ayrshire's social history and heritage by maximising opportunities to bring new recreation opportunities to the area. As above

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Main Issue 5: Spatial Strategy for Coal

Preferred Option: Designate existing operational sites only, i.e. Greenburn and House of Water, thus limiting the potential for applications outwith these areas. Future applications to extend the period of consent on these areas will be assessed subject to other policies of the Plan…



Natural Features

This option is likely to have an environmental impact. As this option is focused on a small area which is already operational, it would limit the likely environmental impacts. However, with this option there are likely to be environmental impacts due to the nature of surface coal mining.

Yes. There are likely to be significant environmental impacts resulting from this option. As it focuses surface coal mining to a number of small sites or areas there are unlikely to be any significant cumulative impacts.

Natural Resources As above. As above.


This option could have an environmental impact on archaeological resource areas, scheduled monuments and historic battlefields. As above.

Social Environment

There are likely to be environmental impacts on communities, in terms of human health as a result of surface coal mining workings. There are also likely to be impacts on material assets, such as transport infrastructure. As above.

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Alternative Option 1: Designate a small number of sites or areas, reflective of the current operational climate, in consultation with operators, thus limiting the potential for applications outwith these areas.



Natural Features

This option is likely to have an environmental impact. As this option is focused on a small number of sites or areas it would limit the likely environmental impacts. However, with this option there are likely to be environmental impacts due to the nature of surface coal mining.

Yes. There are likely to be significant environmental impacts resulting from this option. As it focuses surface coal mining to a number of small sites or areas there are unlikely to be any significant cumulative impacts.

Natural Resources As above. As above.


This option could have an environmental impact on archaeological resource areas, scheduled monuments and historic battlefields. As above.

Social Environment

There are likely to be environmental impacts on communities, in terms of human health as a result of surface coal mining workings. There are also likely to be impacts on material assets, such as transport infrastructure. As above.

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Alternative Option 2: Sieved Option - Start with whole East Ayrshire coalfields (using Coal Authority Data layers), then apply constraints mapping to eliminate….



Natural Features

This option is likely to have an environmental impact. It would, however, ensure that there would be no environmental impacts on East Ayrshire's protected areas and sites, such as SPA, SACs, SSSIs and local nature conservation sites as it focuses potential future coal extraction outwith these areas. However, there are likely to be environmental impacts on other areas that might be subject to surface coal mining.

Yes. The option is likely to have significant environmental impacts in relation to other areas that might be subject to surface coal mining. There could potentially be significant cumulative impacts.

Natural Resources

This option is likely to have an environmental impact. It would ensure that there would be no environmental impacts on East Ayrshire's protected areas and sites through legislation, such as SPA, SACs, SSSIs and local nature conservation sites as it focuses potential future coal extraction outwith these areas. However, there are likely to be environmental impacts on other areas that might be subject to surface coal mining. As above


The option could potentially have an environmental impact on archaeological resource areas outwith those areas eliminated by constraints mapping.

Yes. There could be environmental impacts on archaeological resource areas outwith those areas eliminated by constraints mapping.

Social Environment

This option is likely to have an environmental impact on population and human health due to, for example, noise and dust from minerals workings and on material assets, such as transport infrastructure. Yes. The option is likely to have significant environmental impacts.

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Main Issue 6: Spatial Strategy for Aggregates

Preferred Option: Criteria Based Approach



Natural Features

The preferred option could potentially result in environmental impacts given the nature of this type of minerals extraction.

Yes. The option is likely to have significant environmental impacts and could also result in cumulative impacts.




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Main Issue 7: Spatial Strategy for Unconventional Oil and Gas

Preferred Option: Preventative Approach



Natural Features The option is likely to result in an environmental impact due to the nature of this type of extraction.

Yes. Although the option states that any proposals with significant adverse impacts on the environment or the local community will not be permitted it would be prudent to assess this option in more detail due to the nature of this type of extraction.




Alternative Option: Precautionary Approach



Natural Features The option could have an environmental impact due to the nature of this type of extraction.

Yes. Although the option states that any proposals with significant adverse impact on the environment or the local community will not be permitted it would be prudent to assess this option in more detail due to the nature of this type of extraction.




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Main Issue 8: Conserving and Enhancing the Natural and Built Environment – Protection of Peat

Preferred Option: Prohibit disturbance on designated SPAs, SACs, SSSIs and potential peatland enhancement sites....



Natural Features

The preferred option is likely to have an environmental impact. The option prohibits the disturbance of carbon rich soil, deep peat and priority peatland habitat, however there is the potential for the removal and storage of peat that does not fall into certain categories in other areas. Yes. The option is likely to have significant environmental impacts.


Historic Environment The preferred option is unlikely to have any environmental impacts on the historic environment.

No. The option is unlikely to have a significant environmental impact on the historic environment.

Social Environment

The preferred option is likely to have an environmental impact. The option prohibits the disturbance of carbon rich soil, deep peat and priority peatland habitat, however there is the potential for the removal and storage of peat that does not fall into certain categories in other areas. Yes. The option is likely to have significant environmental impacts.

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Alternative Option: Continue with the existing policy framework to conserve all areas of active peat bog within the boundaries of a surface coal mining development site….



Natural Features

This option is likely to have environmental impacts as it only protects areas of active peat bog located within the boundaries of a minerals site and does not extend to protect other known areas of significant peat value nor does it reflect the new SNH classification of carbon rich soils, deep peat and priority peatland habitats.

Yes. The option is likely to have significant environmental impacts. It could also result in significant cumulative impacts.


Historic Environment The preferred option is unlikely to have any environmental impacts on the historic environment

No. The option is unlikely to have a significant environmental impact on the historic environment.


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Main Issue 9: Conserving and Enhancing the Natural and Built Environment – Water Environment, Mitigating Flood Risk

Preferred Option: That flooding constraints do not form part of the spatial strategy but that proposals are considered unacceptable where they give rise to an increase in flood risk or where they adversely impact on flood storage and conveyancing capacity either during the workings or in the restoration proposals, either on or off site....



Natural Features

The preferred option in relation to flood risk, flood storage and conveyancing capacity is likely to have environmental impacts.

Yes. The option is likely to result in significant environmental impacts, potentially positive impacts as the option seeks to consider proposals unacceptable where they adversely impact on flood risk, flood storage or conveyancing capacity.

Natural Resources

The preferred option is likely to have environmental impacts, potentially in relation to soil and water. It is unlikely to have any impacts on air. As above

Historic Environment The preferred option is unlikely to have an environmental impact on the historic environment.

No. The option is unlikely to have any significant environmental impacts.

Social Environment The preferred option is unlikely to have an environmental impact on the social environment. As above

Alternative Option: That the extent of flooding, as mapped by SEPA, forms part of the spatial strategy and no minerals development shall be permitted therein.

Environmental Topics What is the Environmental Impact?


Natural Features This option is likely to have an environmental impact as it relates to mitigating flood risk. Yes. The option is likely to have a significant environmental impact.

Natural Resources

The option is likely to have environmental impacts, potentially in relation to soil and water. It is unlikely to have any impacts on air. As above

Historic Environment The option is unlikely to have an environmental impact on the historic environment. As above

Social Environment The option is unlikely to have an environmental impact on the historic environment. As above

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Main Issue 10: Conserving and Enhancing the Natural and Built Environment – Water Environment, Protection of Water Bodies and Ground Water

Preferred Option: Propose additions to existing policy MIN31



Natural Features

The preferred option is likely to have an environmental impact as it relates to the protection of water bodies and ground water.

Yes. The option is likely to have a significant environmental impact.




Social Environment The preferred option is unlikely to have an environmental impact on the social environment.


Alternative Option: Retain existing policy framework for the protection of water bodies and ground water.



Natural Features

This option is likely to result in environmental impacts. Although the existing policy framework protects water resources it does not fully reflect new legislation to protect water bodies and groundwater.

Yes. This option is likely to result in significant environmental impacts and potentially cumulative impacts, in terms of the non-inclusion of the presumption against the creation of deep water bodies.


Historic Environment The option is unlikely to have an environmental impact on the historic environment.


Social Environment The option is unlikely to have an environmental impact on the social environment.


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Main Issue 11: Conserving and Enhancing the Natural and Built Environment – Conserving, Enhancing and Protecting Geological Interest

Preferred Option: Spireslack former surface coal mine shall be safeguarded for development related to the educational, tourist and leisure facilities required on site to maximise the site's potential as a geological resource....



Natural Features

The preferred option is likely to have an environmental impact as it relates to the safeguarding and future development of geological resource areas.

Yes. The preferred option is likely to have significant environmental impacts. Significant cumulative impacts are unlikely as this option is in relation to the restoration of specific former surface coal mines.




Social Environment The preferred option is unlikely to have an environmental impact on the social environment.


Alternative Option: Development shall not be permitted which adversely impacts upon the geological features identified at Dalfad, Spireslack, Grasshill and Ponesk former surface coal mines unless required in respect of health and safety.



Natural Features The impacts are unknown as the option cannot specify the future of the areas.

Yes. Although this option does not permit development that could have adverse impacts on the geological features, any future development could potentially have a significant environmental impact.

Natural Resources The impacts are unknown as the option cannot specify the future of the areas.

Yes. Although this option does not permit development that could have adverse impacts on the geological features, any future development could potentially have a significant environmental impact.

Historic Environment The option is unlikely to have an environmental impact on the historic environment.


Social Environment The option is unlikely to have an environmental impact on the social environment.


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Main Issue 12: Minimising the Negative Impacts of Mineral Extraction on People – Cumulative Impacts on Communities

Preferred Option: Variable Buffer



Natural Features The preferred option is likely to have environmental impacts given the nature of minerals extraction.

Yes. Although the preferred option will ensure that impacts on the environment and human health as a result of minerals extraction is minimised, it is likely to have a significant environmental impact.




Alternative Option: Single Buffer



Natural Features This option is likely to have impacts on the environment.

Yes. The option is likely to have a significant environmental impact. Although it determines a single buffer threshold there is the potential for site boundaries to be within 500 metres of the edge of a settlement. There could also be significant cumulative impacts.




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Main Issue 13: Minimising the Negative Impacts of Mineral Extraction on People – Cumulative Impacts on Landscape

Preferred Option: Cumulative major land use option



Natural Features The preferred option is likely to have environmental impacts given the nature of minerals extraction.

Yes. This option is likely to have significant environmental impacts, however the principle of the option is to minimise any cumulative impacts on landscape from all landscape interventions including minerals, renewables and waste.




Alternative Option: Cumulative Minerals Option

Environmental Topics What is the Environmental Impact?


Natural Features The option is likely to have an environmental impact given the nature of minerals extraction.

Yes. This option is likely to have significant environmental impacts, however the principle of the option is to minimise any cumulative impacts on landscape but only as a result of past and present minerals.




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Main Issue 14: Minimising the Negative Impacts of Mineral Extraction on People – Cumulative Impacts on Settlements as a Result of Durations of Permissions

Preferred Option: Have a time limit for extraction and progressive restoration of 10 years on any single site, including extensions. Further extraction will not be permitted on adjoining sites such that extraction will not endure in the same locale for longer than 10 years...



Natural Features The option is likely to have an environmental impact.

Yes. The option is likely to result in significant environmental impacts, potentially positive as the option seeks to minimise the cumulative impacts on settlements as a result of the duration of permissions.



The option could have an environmental impact on the historic environment, in particular archaeological resource areas.

Yes. The option is likely to result in significant environmental impacts.

Social Environment The option is likely to have an environmental impact.

Yes. The option is likely to result in significant environmental impacts, potentially positive as the option seeks to minimise the cumulative impacts on settlements as a result of the duration of permissions.

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Alternative Option: Have a time limit for extraction and progressive restoration of 10 years on any single site, including extensions with no return for a total of 5 years.



Natural Features The option is likely to have an environmental impact.

Yes. The option is likely to result in significant environmental impacts. It could result in some cumulative impacts as it does not include a protective buffer between any single site and adjoining sites



The option could have an environmental impact on the historic environment, in particular archaeological resource areas.

Yes. The option is likely to result in significant environmental impacts.

Social Environment The option is likely to have an environmental impact.

Yes. The option is likely to result in significant environmental impacts. It could result in some cumulative impacts as it does not include a protective buffer between any single site and adjoining sites.

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Main Issue 15: Community Benefit – Mechanism for Collecting Community Benefit

Preferred Option: Establish a fund from which 50% goes to a Council managed fund (similar to the existing Renewable Energy Fund) for allocation for community benefit and 50% goes directly to communities.



Natural Features

The preferred option is unlikely to have any environmental impacts as it is a procedural matter regarding the mechanisms to be used for the voluntary collection of community benefit monies.

No. This is a procedural matter and is unlikely to have any environmental, cumulative or synergistic impacts.




Alternative Option 1: Continue with the existing trust funds and create an additional independent fund for other mineral related development not currently covered by the existing schemes



Natural Features

The option is unlikely to have any environmental impacts as it is a procedural matter regarding the mechanisms to be used for the voluntary collection of community benefit monies.





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Alternative Option 2: Seek specific contributions for specific projects (which can be defined later in the development planning process) from specific applications



Natural Features

The option is unlikely to have any environmental impacts as it is a procedural matter regarding the mechanisms to be used for the voluntary collection of community benefit monies.





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Main Issue 16: Community Benefit – Contribution Rate for Community Benefit

Preferred Option: Design a contribution rate which is worked out based upon the following combination of factors: 1. Price per tonne (or other measurement) of mineral extracted from site, including stockpiled minerals, linked to the retail price index

(each mineral would have a different rate). We propose to review the existing contribution rate.

2. The site area disturbed

3. The duration of works



Natural Features

The preferred option is unlikely to have any environmental impacts as it is a procedural matter regarding the rates relating to the voluntary collection of community benefit monies.





Alternative Option: Seek a set price per tonne (or other measurement) of mineral extracted from a site, including stockpiled minerals on site linked to the retail price index (each mineral would have a different rate). We propose to review the contribution rate.



Natural Features

The option is unlikely to have any environmental impacts as it is a procedural matter regarding the rates relating to the voluntary collection of community benefit monies.





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Main Issue 17: Community Benefit - Spending of Community Benefit - Locational Strategies

Preferred Option: Monies should be spent within a specific radius of the site (as determined by nature of extraction activity, duration, location and topography)



Natural Features

The preferred option is unlikely to have any environmental impacts as it is a procedural matter regarding the spending of community benefit monies.





Alternative Option: Monies should be spent as existing, for coal, within the Cumnock and Doon Valley area and in terms of aggregates, continue with a number of other separate funds.



Natural Features

The option is unlikely to have any environmental impacts as it is a procedural matter regarding the spending of community benefit monies.





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Main Issue 18: Community Benefit - Types of projects funded by community benefits

Preferred Option: Specify a variety of project types which would be suitable



Natural Features

The preferred option is unlikely to have any environmental impacts as it is a procedural matter regarding the types of projects to be funded by community benefit monies.





Alternative Option 1: Do not restrict projects and allow communities to apply for funding for any projects they think are worthwhile.



Natural Features

The option is unlikely to have any environmental impacts as it is a procedural matter regarding the types of projects to be funded by community benefit monies.





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Alternative Option 2: Only fund environmental projects: For example, woodland planting and maintenance, town/village streetscape projects, community allotments, community gardens, environmental art projects, environmental education projects, landscape schemes, cycle tracks and path networks.



Natural Features

The option is unlikely to have any environmental impacts as it is a procedural matter regarding the types of projects to be funded by community benefit monies.





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Main Issue 19: Transport - Routing of the transportation of minerals

Preferred Option: Assess the requirement for the designation of sensitive routes on which there will be a presumption against the haulage of minerals…



Natural Features

The preferred option is likely to have an environmental impact as it is concerned with designating routes for the transportation of minerals.

Yes. There are likely to be significant environmental impacts as a result of the option.

Natural Resources

The preferred option is likely to have an environmental impact, particularly in relation to air, as it is concerned with designating routes for the transportation of minerals. As above.


The preferred option is likely to have an environmental impact as it is concerned with designating routes for the transportation of minerals. As above.

Social Environment

The preferred option is likely to have an environmental impact as it is concerned with designating routes for the transportation of minerals. As above.

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Alternative Option 1: Allow travel only by mutually agreed routes when applications for new sites are submitted...



Natural Features

The alternative option is likely to have an environmental impact as it is concerned with the designation of routes for the transportation of minerals.


Natural Resources

The alternative option is likely to have an environmental impact, particularly in relation to air, as it is concerned with the designation of routes for the transportation of minerals. As above.


The alternative option is likely to have an environmental impact as it is concerned with the designation of routes for the transportation of minerals. As above.

Social Environment


Alternative Option 2: For opencast sites: allow travel only by mutually agreed routes when applications for new sites are submitted. For other minerals sites: Have no similar policy



Natural Features

The alternative option is likely to have an environmental impact as it is concerned with the designation of routes for the transportation of minerals.


Natural Resources

The alternative option is likely to have an environmental impact, particularly in relation to air, as it is concerned with the designation of routes for the transportation of minerals. As above.



Social Environment


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Main Issues 20: Transport - Operator contribution rates towards the maintenance of local roads

Preferred Option: Review the contribution rate



Natural Features

The preferred option is unlikely to have any environmental impacts as it is a procedural matter regarding the types of projects to be funded by community benefit monies.





Alternative Option: Retain the contribution rate as it is at present (10p – 30p per tonne)



Natural Features

The alternative option is unlikely to have any environmental impacts as it is a procedural matter regarding the types of projects to be funded by community benefit monies.





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Main Issue 21: Transport - Cumulative Impacts of Minerals Related Traffic

Preferred Option: Proposals will be assessed with regard to the cumulative effects of existing mineral and renewables related traffic movements in the locale and their impact upon settlements and individual properties outwith settlements (in respect of wind farms under construction or consented and not yet built, quarries and opencast coal sites)...



Natural Features

The preferred option is likely to have an environmental impact as it is concerned with proposals assessing the cumulative impacts of minerals related traffic.

Yes. The option is likely to have significant environmental impacts, potentially positive.




Alternative Option 1: Proposals will be assessed by comparing other aggregate or opencast coal sites depending on the workings proposed. Proposals will be assessed with regard to the existing mineral related traffic movements in the locale and their impact upon settlements and individual properties outwith settlements...



Natural Features

The option is likely to have an environmental impact as it is concerned with proposals assessing the cumulative impacts of minerals related traffic.

Yes. The option is likely to have significant environmental impacts, potentially positive.




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Alternative Option 2: As existing, proposals will be assessed on a site by site basis only with no regard given to cumulative impacts.



Natural Features

The preferred option is likely to have an environmental impact as it is concerned with proposals assessing the impacts of minerals related traffic on a case by case basis but without considering potential cumulative impacts.

Yes. The option is likely to have significant environmental impacts, potentially negative. There are likely to be significant cumulative impacts as a result of this option.




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Main Issue 22: Borrow Pits - Location of Borrow Pits

Preferred Option: Borrow pits will be required to be within the planning application boundary of the project the mineral is to be used for. Justification for the borrow pit(s) addressing the following topics will require to be submitted with any planning application seeking borrow pits: 1. The distance between the borrow pit and the location of works 2. The number of vehicle movements which will be avoided 3. Carbon assessments 4. The quality of the materials to be extracted 5. Environmental considerations, such as impact on the water environment etc.



Natural Features The preferred option is likely to have an environmental impact as it relates to suitable locations for borrow pits.

Yes. The option is likely to have significant impacts on the environment.




Main Issue 23: Borrow Pits – Number of Borrow Pits

Preferred Option: The requirement for the formation of an additional borrow pit will need to be justified in terms of insufficient (fit for purpose) supplies. Restoration bonds will be mandatory for the existing and additional pits. The following justification will require to be submitted with any planning application seeking additional borrow pits: 1. The distance between the borrow pit and the location of works 2. The number of vehicle movements which will be avoided 3. Carbon assessments 4. The quality of the materials to be extracted 5. Environmental considerations, such as impact on the water environment etc.



Natural Features

The preferred option is likely to have an environmental impact as it relates to the number of borrow pits.

Yes. The option is likely to have significant impacts on the environment.




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Main Issue 24: Borrow Pits – Non-Location Based Assessment Criteria

Preferred Option: Borrow pits will only be permitted where there are significant environmental or economic benefits compared to obtaining material from local quarries; they are time-limited; tied to a particular project and appropriate reclamation measures are in place, in line with para 243 of SPP...



Natural Features

The preferred option is likely to have an environmental impact as it relates to the suitability of borrow pits and criteria to be applied to proposals.

Yes. The option is likely to have significant impacts on the environment, potentially positive.




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Main Issue 25: Recycled Aggregates Facilities

Preferred Option: Support permanent facilities for the recycling of aggregates in principle subject to detailed consideration of other relevant matters (such as transport, impact upon amenity and the environment..).



Natural Features

The preferred option is likely to have an environmental impact due to the nature of facilities for the recycling of aggregates.

Yes. The preferred option is likely to have significant environmental impacts.




Alternative Option: Promote permanent facilities for the recycling of aggregates on minerals (only).



Natural Features

The option is likely to have an environmental impact due to the nature of facilities for the recycling of aggregates.

Yes. The option is likely to have a significant impact potentially in relation to climate.

Natural Resources

The option is likely to have an environmental impact due to the nature of facilities for the recycling of aggregates.

Yes. The option is likely to have a significant impact potentially in relation to air.


The option is unlikely to have an environmental impact as it is concerned with promoting permanent facilities for the recycling of aggregates contained to minerals sites only. No. The option is unlikely to have a significant impact.

Social Environment

The option is likely to have an environmental impact due to the nature of facilities for the recycling of aggregates. Yes. The option is likely to have a significant impact.

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Preferred Option: Reclaiming bing material should be supported in the plan, subject to any application meeting other policies of the plan in respect of environmental impact, and subject to an assessment of the risks of mobilising pollutants and the quality and variety of any existing bing naturalisation and associated flora and fauna.



Natural Features

The preferred option is likely to have an environmental impact as it is concerned with the reclamation of bing material.

Yes. The option is likely to have a significant impact on the environment.



The preferred option is unlikely to have an environmental impact as it relates to man-made bings as a result of minerals workings.

No. The preferred option is unlikely to have a significant environmental impact.

Social Environment

The preferred option is likely to have an environmental impact as it is concerned with the reclamation of bing material.


Alternative Option: Reclaiming bing material should only be supported where the material can aid restoration of other minerals sites (i.e. not the deep mining bing itself)



Natural Features

The alternative option is likely to have an environmental impact as it is concerned with the reclamation of bing material.




The alternative option is unlikely to have an environmental impact as it relates to man-made bings as a result of minerals workings.

No. The preferred option is unlikely to have a significant environmental impact.

Social Environment

The alternative option is likely to have an environmental impact as it is concerned with the reclamation of bing material.


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Main Issue 27: Extraction of Secondary and Recycled Aggregates

Preferred Option: The extraction of secondary materials with primary materials should be supported subject to sufficient material being present for restoration purposes and appropriate consents being sought.



Natural Features

The preferred option is likely to have environmental impacts as it relates to the extraction of a secondary material with primary materials.

Yes. The option is likely to have significant environmental impacts.


Historic Environment The preferred option is unlikely to have any environmental impacts on historical features.

No. The option is unlikely to have any significant environmental impacts on the historic environment.

Social Environment

The preferred option is likely to have environmental impacts as it relates to the extraction of a secondary material with primary materials.


Alternative Option: The extraction of fireclay as a secondary material (normally to coal) should be supported as East Ayrshire’s aggregates supply of fireclay is less than 10 years.



Natural Features

The alternative option is likely to have environmental impacts as it relates to the extraction of secondary materials with primary materials.




The alternative option is unlikely to have any environmental impacts on historical features.

No. The option is unlikely to have any significant environmental impacts on the historic environment.

Social Environment

The option is likely to have environmental impacts as it relates to the extraction of secondary materials with primary materials.


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Main Issue 28: Compliance Monitoring - Frequency of Compliance Monitoring

Preferred Option: Standardise frequency of compliance monitoring by type of mineral extracted



Natural Features

The option is unlikely to have an environmental impact itself as it is concerned with how frequently compliance monitoring should be undertaken. The option is unlikely to have a significant environmental impact.




Alternative Option 1: Have a minimum compliance monitoring standard for all sites but visit non-compliant sites and sites with a history of non-compliance more frequently



Natural Features





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Alternative Option 2: Review the frequency of compliance monitoring at each monitoring date dependent upon the phase of the site workings with a specified maximum period between visits



Natural Features





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Main Issue 29: Compliance Monitoring - Assessment of Compliance Monitoring

Preferred Option: The Council continues to employ Independent Mining Engineers to assess compliance. In addition, each compliance report prepared by the operator will be passed through to the relevant Technical Working Group for the site for comment prior to approval by East Ayrshire Council. Further, Community Liaison Groups members will be contacted to raise any issues prior to the date that a compliance monitoring visit takes place to enable identification and consideration of potential issues. However, Community Liaison Group sign off of the compliance report will not be sought.



Natural Features

The option is unlikely to have any environmental impacts as it is a procedural matter regarding the assessment of compliance monitoring. It seeks to ensure that the correct procedures are in place to effectively deliver compliance monitoring of minerals workings sites.

No. This is a procedural matter and is unlikely to have any environmental impacts.




Alternative Option: Continue as at present, using Independent Mining Engineers to assess compliance prior to approval by East Ayrshire Council



Natural Features

The option is unlikely to have any environmental impacts as it is a procedural matter regarding the assessment of compliance monitoring. It seeks to ensure that the correct procedures are in place to effectively deliver compliance monitoring of minerals workings sites.





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Main Issue 30: Compliance Monitoring: Additional Monitoring Measures

Preferred Option: In addition to current monitoring processes we propose to add off-site environmental mitigation monitoring where appropriate (to monitor the impacts of the site on surrounding areas)..



Natural Features

The option is unlikely to have an environmental impact as its key purpose is to monitor the impacts of a site or surrounding area. It is unlikely to have a significant environmental impact.




Alternative Option: Continue as present



Natural Features

The option is unlikely to have an environmental impact as its key purpose is to monitor the impacts of a minerals site at different stages. It is unlikely to have a significant environmental impact.




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Main Issue 31: Financial Guarantees: Acceptability of Financial Guarantee Products

Preferred Option: The most effective financial guarantee option will be determined on a site-by-site basis and no products will be excluded from consideration except where Governmental advice is issued warning against the use of a specific product…



Natural Features

The preferred option is unlikely to have any environmental impacts as it is a procedural matter regarding the acceptability of financial guarantee products.





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Main Issue 32: Financial Guarantees: Linking compliance monitoring and financial guarantees

Preferred Option: Financial guarantee milestones should be monitored and progress towards / deviation from milestones should be assessed by the independent compliance monitor and the Planning Authority prior to restoration guarantee adjustments.



Natural Features

The preferred option is unlikely to have any environmental impacts as it is a procedural matter regarding the acceptability of financial guarantee products.





Alternative Option: Financial guarantee milestones should be monitored and progress towards / deviation from milestones should appear in compliance monitoring reports and be discussed at technical working group and community liaison group meetings prior to restoration guarantee adjustments.



Natural Features

The alternative option is unlikely to have any environmental impacts as it is a procedural matter regarding the acceptability of financial guarantee products.





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Main Issue 33: Financial Guarantees: Revision of Restoration Liabilities

Preferred Option: In line with pre-determined phasing (for example, when an application is approved phasing will be agreed by condition and / or legal agreement. Once each phase of the development is complete the restoration liabilities will be assessed and independently verified. Thereafter, they will be adjusted as appropriate. This approach allows a tailored approach to each site).



Natural Features

The preferred option is unlikely to have any environmental impacts as it is a procedural matter regarding the revision of restoration liabilities.





Alternative Option: In line with a range of triggers as will be set out in the MLDP (all applications will be subject to checks on works on site against restoration liabilities at specific points. These might be, for example, time related. This would mean all applications would be assessed in a consistent manner).



Natural Features

The alternative option is unlikely to have any environmental impacts as it is a procedural matter regarding the revision of restoration liabilities.

No. This is a procedural matter and is unlikely to have any significant environmental impacts.




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Main Issue 34: Excess Soils

Preferred Option: Set out a policy direction such that where opportunities arise, applicants will be encouraged to divert excess soils to restoration projects rather than landfill. In addition, applicants will be encouraged to reuse excess soils in the longer term, post restoration works. Operators must detail in their restoration plans if they are likely to require additional soils and should consult with other agencies such as SEPA and SNH to ensure all regulatory obligations are met. Supplementary Guidance will provide direction in terms of soil storage and transfer.



Natural Features

The preferred option is likely to have an environmental impact. The option ensures that excess soils are used and managed in an effective manner and directed to restoration projects.





Alternative Option: Set out no policy direction for excess soils



Natural Features

This alternative option is likely to have an environmental impact. Excess soils are likely to continue being transported to, and deposited at landfill sites and not assisting in the restoration of minerals extraction sites.


Natural Resources As above As above.

Historic Environment No impact No impact

Social Environment No impact No impact

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Main Issue 35: Sewage Sludge

Preferred Option: Set out a policy direction to promote the responsible use of sewage sludge in restoration of sites, existing and in the future. Sewage sludge will be an additional method of site restoration, supplementing other available soils, rather than an alternative method. The operator should provide information on the details of the spreading of sewage sludge within the restoration plan. The use and storage of sewage sludge used by the operator should be carried out to the satisfaction of SEPA. Supplementary Guidance will provide direction on type of sewage sludge to be used for particular after uses.



Natural Features The preferred option is likely to have an environmental impact.

Yes. The option is likely to have a significant environmental impact, potentially positive as if managed correctly, sewage sludge can aid the restoration of a site.


Historic Environment The preferred option is unlikely to have any significant environmental impacts on the historic environment. No.

Social Environment

The preferred option is likely to have an environmental impact on the social environment as it will ensure the effective management of the application of sewage sludge on restoration sites.

No. The option is unlikely to have any significant effects on the environment.

Alternative Option: Set out a policy direction that will not promote the use of sewage sludge in the restoration of current and existing legacy sites.



Natural Features

The alternative option is unlikely to have a significant impact on the natural environment, however it will benefit sites where restoration needs additional support to recover from previous development and is likely to result in more waste going to landfill.

No. The alternative option is unlikely to have a significant environmental impact.


Historic Environment No impact As above

Social Environment No impact As above

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Appendix E: Stage 2 Assessment Tables

Stage 2 Assessment of the Minerals MIR Main Issues - Aims The following key should be used to in conjunction with the following tables:


Main Issue 2: Aims

Aim 1: To support the creative restoration, reinstatement or alternative use of previously worked sites to promote tourism, agriculture, forestry, recreation and leisure opportunities in and between rural communities

Environmental Topic Component Analysis of the Significant Environmental Impact Mitigation/Enhancement


The aim is likely to have a significant positive impact on landscape as it is concerned with the promotion of tourism, agriculture, forestry, recreation and leisure opportunities to support creative restoration. There should be no adverse impacts on the landscape character of these sites. None

Geology

The aim is likely to have significant positive impacts on geology as it relates to the restoration of previously worked sites. None


The restoration or reuse of a previously worked minerals site is likely to benefit the creation or enhancement of habitats and species. The aim is therefore likely to have a significant positive impact on biodiversity, flora and fauna. None

Climate

Supporting the creative restoration, partial reinstatement or alternative use of previously worked minerals sites is likely to reduce the impact of carbon emissions. In this regard, the aim is likely to have a significant positive environmental impact. None


The restoration or reuse of a previously worked minerals site, if carried out sensitively, should assist in the recovery of the land and soil. In this regard, the aim is likely to have a significant positive environmental impact. None

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Air

The aim is likely to have a significant positive impact on air due to the nature of minerals extraction. The restoration or reuse of previously worked sites should enhance the air quality on and around a site. None

Water

The aim is likely to have a significant positive impact on the water environment as it is concerned with the restoration or reuse of previously worked sites. None


Listed Buildings The aim is unlikely to have any significant impacts on listed buildings. None

Conservation Areas The aim is unlikely to have any significant impacts on conservation areas. None


The aim is unlikely to have any significant impacts on archaeological sites or areas, however due care should be given to any sites or areas that could be affected by future proposals to restore, reinstate or reuse previously worked sites.

Ensure the protection of any archaeological sites/areas that could be affected by any proposals in relation to the future restoration, partial reinstatement or reuse of previously worked minerals sites.


The aim is unlikely to have any significant impacts on gardens and designed landscapes, however due care should be given to any sites or areas that could be affected by future proposals to restore, reinstate or reuse previously worked sites.

Ensure the protection of gardens and designed landscapes that could be affected by any proposals in relation to the future restoration, partial reinstatement or reuse of previously worked minerals sites.

Scheduled Monuments

The aim is unlikely to have any significant impacts on scheduled monuments, however due care should be given to any sites or areas that could be affected by future proposals to restore, reinstate or reuse previously worked sites.

Ensure the protection of any scheduled monuments that could be affected by any proposals in relation to the future restoration, partial reinstatement or reuse of previously worked minerals sites.

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Historic Battlefields

The aim is unlikely to have any significant impacts on gardens and designed landscapes, however due care should be given to any sites or areas that could be affected by future proposals to restore, reinstate or reuse previously worked sites.

Ensure the protection of any designated gardens and designed landscapes that could be affected by any proposals in relation to the future restoration, partial reinstatement or reuse of previously worked minerals sites.


The aim is likely to have a significant positive impact on human health as it focuses on the restoration or reuse of a previously worked site. None

Health

The aim is likely to have a significant positive impact on population as it focuses on the restoration or reuse of a previously worked site. None

Material Assets

The aim is likely to have a significant positive impact on material assets as it focuses on the restoration or reuse of a previously worked site. There is likely to be some short term impacts as a result of works required as part of restoration or reuse of a site, however these should not be significant. None

Short, Medium or Long Term Impact? The aim is likely to have a long term significant impact on the environment.


There are unlikely to be any significant cumulative or synergistic impacts as a result of this aim.


Ensure the protection of various components of the historic environment that could be affected by any proposals in relation to the future restoration, partial reinstatement or reuse of previously worked minerals sites.

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Aim 2: To conserve and enhance the natural and built environment and minimise the negative impacts of mineral extraction upon it.



The aim is likely to have a significant positive impact on landscape as it is concerned with conserving and enhancing the natural and built environment, such as peat and reducing the effects of mineral extraction on the environment. None

Geology

The aim is likely to have a significant positive impact on geology as it is concerned with conserving and enhancing the natural and built environment including important geological features. It also aims to reduce the effects of minerals extraction on the environment. None


The aim is likely to have a significant positive impact on biodiversity, flora and fauna as it is concerned with conserving and enhancing the natural and built environment, such as carbon rich soils, deep peat and priority peatland habitat and reducing the effects of minerals extraction on the environment. None

Climate

The aim is likely to have a significant positive impact on biodiversity, flora and fauna as it is concerned with conserving and enhancing the natural and built environment, such as carbon rich soils, deep peat and priority peatland habitat, water bodies and groundwater. It also aims to reduce the effects of minerals extraction on the environment. None


The aim is likely to have a significant positive impact on soil as it is concerned with conserving and enhancing the natural and built environment and reducing the effects of minerals extraction on the environment. None

Air

The aim is likely to have a significant positive impact on air as it is concerned with conserving and enhancing the natural and built environment and reducing the effects of minerals extraction on the environment. None

Water

The aim is likely to have a significant positive impact on water as it is concerned with conserving and enhancing the natural and built environment, for example protecting water bodies and groundwater and reducing the effects of minerals extraction on the environment. None

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The aim is likely to have a significant positive impact on listed buildings as it is concerned with conserving and enhancing the natural and built environment and reducing the effects of minerals extraction on the environment. None

Conservation Areas

The aim is likely to have a significant positive impact on geology as it is concerned with conserving and enhancing the natural and built environment and reducing the effects of minerals extraction on the environment. None


The aim is likely to have a significant positive impact on archaeological sites/areas as it is concerned with conserving and enhancing the natural and built environment and reducing the effects of minerals extraction on the environment. None


The aim is likely to have a significant positive impact on gardens and designed landscapes as it is concerned with conserving and enhancing the natural and built environment and reducing the effects of minerals extraction on the environment. None

Scheduled Monuments

The aim is likely to have a significant positive impact on scheduled monuments as it is concerned with conserving and enhancing the natural and built environment and reducing the effects of minerals extraction on the environment. None


The aim is likely to have a significant positive impact on historic battlefields as it is concerned with conserving and enhancing the natural and built environment and reducing the effects of minerals extraction on the environment. None


The aim is likely to have a significant positive impact on population as it is concerned with conserving and enhancing the natural and built environment and reducing the effects of minerals extraction on the environment. None

Health

The aim is likely to have a significant positive impact on human health as it is concerned with conserving and enhancing the natural and built environment and reducing the effects of minerals extraction on the environment. None

Material Assets

The aim is likely to have a significant positive impact on material assets as it is concerned with conserving and enhancing the natural and built environment and reducing the effects of minerals extraction on the environment. None

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Short, Medium or Long Term Impact?

The aim is likely to have a long term significant impact on the environment.

Cumulative/Synergistic Impacts There are unlikely to be significant cumulative or synergistic impacts as a result of the aim.

Proposal to monitor the significant environmental impact(s) None

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Aim 3: To promote green networks, enhance biodiversity and create more attractive, healthy environments for people to live and work in and which give them opportunities for recreation.



The aim is likely to have a significant positive impact on landscape as it is concerned with promoting green networks and creating more attractive environments. None

Geology

There are likely to be significant positive impacts on geology as the aim is concerned with promoting green networks and creating attractive environments. This will include safeguarding important geological features as well as enhancing access to such features where appropriate. None


The aim is likely to have a significant positive impact on biodiversity, flora and fauna as it is concerned with enhancing biodiversity and the green network. A healthy green network is likely to enhance and strengthen habitat networks in turn delivering a good range of benefits for people and wildlife. None

Climate

The aim is likely to have a significant positive impact on climate as it seeks to promote green networks and enhance biodiversity which should, for example, assist in creating carbon balance and enhancing habitat networks. None


The aim is likely to have a significant positive impact on soil as it seeks to promote green networks, enhance biodiversity and create healthy environments. Various measures to create healthy environments can improve soil quality. None

Air

There are likely to be significant positive impacts on air quality as the aim is concerned with promoting green networks and enhancing biodiversity. Creating healthy environments improves air quality. None

Water

There are likely to be significant positive impacts on water as the aim is concerned with promoting green networks and enhancing biodiversity. This will include enhancing water corridors and addressing issues of flooding and wetland management. None


The aim is unlikely to have a significant environmental impact in relation to listed buildings but will generally help to enhance the historic environment. None

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Conservation Areas

The aim is unlikely to have a significant environmental impact in relation to conservation areas but will generally help to enhance the historic environment. None


The aim is likely to have a significant positive impact on archaeological sites/areas as it is concerned with conserving and enhancing the natural and built environment and reducing the effects of minerals extraction on the environment. None


The aim is likely to have a significant positive impact on gardens and designed landscapes as it is concerned with promoting green networks through, for example, enhancing the provision of path networks and open spaces. This should enhance access and areas surrounding gardens and designed landscapes None

Scheduled Monuments

The aim is likely to have a significant positive impact on scheduled monuments as it is concerned with promoting green networks. The promotion of green networks should enhance the provision of paths and open spaces and creating attractive environments for residents and visitors. This should enhance access to and areas surrounding scheduled monuments. None


The aim is likely to have a significant positive impact on scheduled monuments as it is concerned with promoting green networks. The promotion of green networks should enhance the provision of paths and open spaces and creating attractive environments for residents and visitors. This should enhance access to and areas surrounding historic battlefields. None


The aim is likely to have a significant positive impact on population as it is concerned with promoting green networks through, for example, the creation or enhancement of path and cycle provision and linkages, enhancements to open spaces. In turn creating a healthy and attractive environment for residents and visitors. None

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Health

The aim is likely to have a significant positive impact on human health as it is concerned with promoting green networks through, for example, the creation or enhancement of path and cycle provision and linkages and enhancements to open spaces. In turn creating a healthy and attractive environment for residents and visitors through, for example improved air quality, water quality, and potential to overcome health inequalities. None

Material Assets

The aim is likely to have a significant positive impact on material assets as it is concerned with promoting green networks through, for example, the creation or enhancement of path and cycle provision and linkages, enhancements to open spaces. None


There are likely to be long term significant environmental impacts as a result of the aim.

Cumulative/Synergistic Impacts There are unlikely to be any significant cumulative and synergistic environmental impacts as a result of the aim.

Proposal to monitor the significant environmental impact(s) None.

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Aim 4: To minimise the negative impacts of minerals extraction on people


Natural Features Landscape Scoped out at Stage 1 Assessment Stage. N/A

Geology Scoped out at Stage 1 Assessment Stage. N/A

Biodiversity, Flora and Fauna Scoped out at Stage 1 Assessment Stage. N/A

Climate Scoped out at Stage 1 Assessment Stage. N/A

Natural Resources Soil Scoped out at Stage 1 Assessment Stage. N/A

Air Scoped out at Stage 1 Assessment Stage. N/A

Water Scoped out at Stage 1 Assessment Stage. N/A

Historic Environment Listed Buildings Scoped out at Stage 1 Assessment Stage. N/A

Conservation Areas Scoped out at Stage 1 Assessment Stage. N/A

Archaeological Sites/Areas Scoped out at Stage 1 Assessment Stage. N/A

Gardens and Designed Landscapes Scoped out at Stage 1 Assessment Stage. N/A

Scheduled Monuments Scoped out at Stage 1 Assessment Stage. N/A

Historic Battlefields Scoped out at Stage 1 Assessment Stage. N/A


The aim is likely to have a significant positive environmental impact as it seeks to minimise negative impacts of minerals extraction on people and ensure that a robust policy framework is in place to do this. None

Health

The aim is likely to have a significant positive environmental impact as it seeks to minimise negative impacts of minerals extraction on people and ensure that a robust policy framework is in place to do this. A key focus of this relates to impacts on human health. None

Material Assets

The aim is unlikely to have any significant impacts on material assets as, in principle, it seeks to minimise any negative impacts on people and their health. None

The aim is likely to have a long term significant impact on the environment, in terms of population and human health. Short, Medium or Long Term Impact?

Cumulative/Synergistic Impacts The aim is unlikely to have any significant cumulative or synergistic impacts on the environment.


None.

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Aim 7: To promote and deliver excellence in working practices



The aim in itself is likely to have a positive significant impact on all environmental components. Although it is likely that minerals workings and extraction will have an environmental impact the aim seeks to ensure that a robust and effective monitoring policy framework is in place. None

Geology As above None

Biodiversity, Flora and Fauna As above None

Climate As above None

Natural Resources Soil As above None

Air As above None

Water As above None

Historic Environment Listed Buildings As above None

Conservation Areas As above None

Archaeological Sites/Areas As above None

Gardens and Designed Landscapes As above None

Scheduled Monuments As above None

Historic Battlefields As above None

Social Environment Population As above None

Health As above None

Material Assets As above None


The aim is likely to have a long term impact on the environment.

Cumulative/Synergistic Impacts There are unlikely to be any significant cumulative or synergistic impacts as a result of the aim.


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Stage 2 Assessment of the Minerals MIR Main Issues – Policy Preferred and Alternative Options The following key should be used to in conjunction with the following tables:


Main Issues 3 and 4: Spatial Strategy for Restoration and Placemaking

Preferred Option: To identify three key themes incorporated into the East Ayrshire landscape. These are: Theme 1 – Capitalise on social history and the historic built environment and bring new recreation opportunities; Theme 2 - Conserve and enhance the natural environment; Theme 3: Promote geological heritage



The preferred option is likely to have a significant positive impact on landscape as it is concerned with conserving and enhancing the natural environment. Theme 2 which relates to capitalising on the area's history and bringing new recreation opportunities could have significant environmental impacts but these are dependent on what type of recreation opportunities are proposed and their location. At this stage, it is difficult to determine if there is an impact and what this is likely to be.

Any recreation opportunities that come forward should only be allowed where the landscape can absorb the development without any impact on the character and setting of the area.

Geology

The option is likely to have a significant positive impact on landscape as it is concerned with promoting geological heritage. Theme 2 which relates to capitalising on the area's history and bringing new recreation opportunities could have significant environmental impacts but these are dependent on what type of recreation opportunities are proposed and their location. At this stage, it is difficult to determine if there is an impact and what this is likely to be. As above but in relation to geology.

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The option is likely to have a significant positive impact on biodiversity, flora and fauna as it is concerned with conserving and enhancing the natural environment. Theme 2 which relates to capitalising on the area's history and bringing new recreation opportunities could have significant environmental impacts but these are dependent on what type of recreation opportunities are proposed and their location. At this stage, it is difficult to determine if there is an impact and what this is likely to be. Any future proposals will be required to ensure that this is done in a positive manner that is not harmful to the site or area.

As above but in relation to biodiversity, flora and fauna.

Climate

The option is likely to have a significant positive impact on climate as it is concerned with conserving and enhancing the natural environment. Theme 2 which relates to capitalising on the area's history and bringing new recreation opportunities could have significant environmental impacts but these are dependent on what type of recreation opportunities are proposed and their location. At this stage, it is difficult to determine if there is an impact and what this is likely to be.

It should be ensured that any new recreation opportunities are sustainably located and do not have any adverse impacts on soils, air quality or the water environment.


The aim is likely to have a significant positive impact on climate as it is concerned with conserving and enhancing the natural environment. Theme 2 which relates to capitalising on the area's history and bringing new recreation opportunities could have significant environmental impacts but these are dependent on what type of recreation opportunities are proposed and their location. At this stage, it is difficult to determine if there is an impact and what this is likely to be.

Any recreation opportunities that come forward should only be allowed where the landscape can absorb the development without any impact on the soil and soil quality of the area.

Air

The strategy option is likely to have a significant positive impact on climate as it is concerned with conserving and enhancing the natural environment. Theme 2 which relates to capitalising on the area's history and bringing new recreation opportunities could have significant environmental impacts but these are dependent on what type of recreation opportunities are proposed and their location. At this stage, it is difficult to As above but in relation to air.

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determine if there is an impact and what this is likely to be.

Water

The strategy option is likely to have a significant positive impact on climate as it is concerned with conserving and enhancing the natural environment. Theme 2 which relates to capitalising on the area's history and bringing new recreation opportunities could have significant environmental impacts but these are dependent on what type of recreation opportunities are proposed and their location. At this stage, it is difficult to determine if there is an impact and what this is likely to be.

As above but in relation to the water environment.


The option is likely to have a significant positive impact on listed buildings as it is concerned with building on the assets already within East Ayrshire. Theme 2 which relates to capitalising on the area's history and bringing new recreation opportunities could have significant environmental impacts but these are dependent on what type of recreation opportunities are proposed and their location. At this stage, it is difficult to determine if there is an impact and what this is likely to be.

It should be ensured that any recreation opportunities that come forward do not negatively impact upon the listed buildings and/or their setting.

Conservation Areas

The option is likely to have a significant positive impact on conservation areas as it is concerned with building on the assets already within East Ayrshire. Theme 2 which relates to capitalising on the area's history and bringing new recreation opportunities could have significant environmental impacts but these are dependent on what type of recreation opportunities are proposed and their location. At this stage, it is difficult to determine if there is an impact and what this is likely to be.

It should be ensured that any recreation opportunities that come forward do not negatively impact upon the character and appearance of conservation areas.

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As above but in relation to archaeological sites or areas.


The option is likely to have a significant positive impact on gardens and designed landscapes as it is concerned with building on the assets already within East Ayrshire. Theme 2 which relates to capitalising on the area's history and bringing new recreation opportunities could have significant environmental impacts but these are dependent on what type of recreation opportunities are proposed and their location. At this stage, it is difficult to determine if there is an impact and what this is likely to be.

As above but in relation to gardens and designed landscapes.

Scheduled Monuments


As above but in relation to scheduled monuments.


The option is likely to have a significant positive impact on historic battlefields as it is concerned with building on the assets already within East Ayrshire. Theme 2 which relates to capitalising on the area's history and bringing new recreation opportunities could have significant environmental impacts but these are dependent on what type of recreation opportunities are proposed and their location. At this stage, it is difficult to determine if there is an impact and what this is likely to be. None

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The option for placemaking and restoration is likely to have positive significant environmental impacts on population as it fundamentally seeks to conserve and enhance the natural environment, capitalise on the area's social history and bring recreation opportunities to create sustainable and attractive places for people to live in and visit. None

Health

The option for placemaking and restoration is likely to have positive significant environmental impacts on population as it fundamentally seeks to conserve and enhance the natural environment, capitalise on the area's social history and bring recreation opportunities to create sustainable and attractive places for people to live in and visit. None

Material Assets

The option for placemaking and restoration is likely to have positive significant environmental impacts in terms of material assets as it fundamentally seeks to conserve and enhance the natural environment, capitalise on the area's social history and bring recreation opportunities to create sustainable and attractive places for people to live in and visit. None

Short, Medium or Long Term Impact? The preferred option for the placemaking and restoration strategy is likely to result in medium to long term significant positive impacts on the environment.

Cumulative/Synergistic Impacts There are unlikely to be any significant cumulative or synergistic environmental impacts as a result of the restoration and placemaking strategy.


In relation to bringing recreation opportunities to East Ayrshire, any proposals that come forward should only be allowed where the landscape can absorb the development without any adverse impacts on the character and setting of the area, its natural features and resources and aspects of the historic environment.

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Main Issue 5: Spatial Strategy for Coal

Preferred Option: Designate existing operational sites only, i.e. Greenburn and House of Water, thus limiting the potential for applications outwith these areas. Future applications to extend the period of consent on these areas will be assessed subject to other policies of the Plan…



The option is likely to have a significant positive impact on landscape as it is concerned with designating a small number of existing operational sites, reflective of the current operational climate. The option also takes into account and excludes significant constraints, such as protected areas, such as Natura 2000 sites. However, due to the nature of minerals extraction, any future coaling of the designated sites are likely to have negative impacts. The overall impact of the option would, therefore, be significant positive and significant negative.

Ensure any significant negative impacts in other areas potentially subject to coal extraction are minimised.

Geology As above As above


The option is likely to have a significant positive impact on biodiversity, flora and fauna as it is concerned with designating a small number of existing operational sites, reflective of the current operational climate. The option also takes into account constraints within the area of search, such as Natura 2000 sites and carbon rich soils, deep peat and priority peatland habitats where a variety of plant and animal life thrives. However, due to the nature of minerals extraction, any future coaling of the designated sites are likely to have negative impacts. Overall there is likely to be significant positive and negative impacts.

Climate

The option is likely to have a significant positive impact as it relates to a small number of existing operational sites, reflective of the current operational climate. It also takes into consideration constraints, such as Natura 2000 sites and carbon rich soils, deep peat and priority peatland habitat potentially directing any future minerals extraction from these sensitive areas. However, due to the nature of minerals extraction, any future coaling of the designated sites are likely to have negative impacts,

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in terms of climate. The overall impact of the option would, therefore, be significant positive and significant negative.

Natural Resources Soil As above.

Air

The designation of an area(s) of search would not have any environmental impact on air. The assessment of environmental impacts of air should be carried out at a site specific level or an assessment of the policies that implement the main issue in the LDP. However, there are likely to be negative impacts, in terms of air, due to the nature of minerals extraction.

The assessment of environmental impacts of air should be carried out at a site specific level or an assessment of the policies that implement the main issue in the LDP.

Water

The area of search could include water bodies within its boundaries. However, a policy framework will be in place to protect water bodies and ground water. It is therefore likely that the preferred option will have a neutral impact on the water environment.

Ensure that there is a robust and effective policy framework in place to protect water bodies and ground water and that mitigates flood risk.


Although the option does not explicitly identify listed buildings as a constraint to be eliminated from the area of search, a policy framework will be in place to safeguard category A listed buildings from future minerals development. The policy framework will also direct development away from category B and C(s) listed buildings, thus having significant positive environmental impacts.

Ensure that there is a robust and effective policy framework in place to safeguard listed buildings.

Conservation Areas

Although the option does not explicitly identify any specific constraints to be eliminated from the area of search, a policy framework will be in place to safeguard important archaeological sites or areas from minerals development, thus having significant positive environmental impacts.

Ensure that there is a robust and effective policy framework in place to safeguard conservation areas.



Ensure that there is a robust and effective policy framework in place to safeguard important archaeological sites or areas.

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Scheduled Monuments

Although the option does not explicitly identify any specific constraints to be eliminated from the area of search, a policy framework will be in place to safeguard scheduled monuments from minerals development, thus having significant positive environmental impacts.



Although the option does not explicitly identify any specific constraints to be eliminated from the area of search, a policy framework will be in place to safeguard historic battlefields from minerals development, thus having significant positive environmental impacts.

Ensure that there is a robust and effective policy framework in place to safeguard historic battlefields from minerals development, thus having significant positive environmental impacts.


The option will apply to settlements and an appropriate buffer distance between communities and minerals extraction sites or areas as a constraint. This would direct any minerals development away from communities resulting in a positive environmental impact on population. However, given the nature of minerals development there are likely to be some negative impacts as a result of any future coaling. Overall there is likely to be significant positive and negative impacts on population.

There is a need to ensure that the Plan will contain a policy framework associated with this alternative option to prohibit new workings that are likely to have adverse impacts on communities, either individually or cumulatively.

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Health

The option will apply to settlements and an appropriate buffer distance between communities and minerals extraction sites or areas as a constraint. This would direct any minerals development away from communities resulting in a positive environmental impact on population. Although this buffer should reduce any significant impacts, any future minerals development could continue to have impacts relating to dust, noise, vibration as well as visual impacts. This will be the case if there is more than one site operating near to a community. Overall there is likely to be significant positive and negative impacts, in terms of health.

There is a need to ensure that the Plan will contain a policy framework associated with this alternative option to prohibit new workings that are likely to have adverse impacts on noise, dust, vibration and visual impact, either individually or cumulatively.

Material Assets

The area of search could include core paths, rights of way and other locally important path networks, which if lost, would have a significant negative environmental impact.

Any core paths and/or rights of way likely to be affected by any future surface coal workings should be diverted or re-routed. The diversion should, particularly in relation to core paths, include upgrading by the developer in consultation with East Ayrshire Leisure's countryside services. In addition, the restoration of these paths as well as other local important paths should form as part of the overall restoration plans for a site.

Short, Medium or Long Term Impact? There are likely to be short, medium and long term impacts as a result of the alternative option.


The option is unlikely to have any significant cumulative or synergistic impacts as it is concerned with a small and focused area of search.


Ensure the MLDP contains a robust policy framework associated with the preferred option in relation to environmental features and resources, the historic environment and social environment. Also, ensure that any significant negative impacts, on landscape character and setting, geological features, biodiversity, flora and fauna, material assets, soils and climate from any future minerals extraction are minimised.

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Alternative Option 1: Designate a small number of sites or areas, reflective of the current operational climate, in consultation with operators, thus limiting the potential for applications outwith these areas.



The option is likely to have a significant positive impact on landscape as it is concerned with designating a small number of sites or areas, reflective of the current operational climate. The option will also take into account and exclude significant constraints, such as protected areas, such as Natura 2000 sites. However, as well as including current operational sites, the alternative area of search will include some sites previously subject to open casting. This is likely to have a significant negative impact as it involves extracting from sites that may have been restored. The overall impact of the option would, therefore, be significant positive and significant negative.




The option is likely to have a significant positive impact on biodiversity, flora and fauna as it is concerned with designating a small number of sites or areas, reflective of the current operational climate. The option will also take into account constraints within the alternative area of search, such as Natura 2000 sites and carbon rich soils, deep peat and priority peatland habitats where a variety of plant and animal life thrives. However, as well as including current operational sites, the alternative area of search will include some sites previously subject to open casting. This is likely to have a significant negative impact as it involves extracting from sites that may have been restored and where biodiversity now flourishes. Overall there is likely to be significant positive and negative impacts. As above

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Climate

The option is likely to have a significant positive impact as it relates to a small number of sites or areas, reflective of the current operational climate. It will also take into consideration constraints, such as Natura 2000 sites and carbon rich soils, deep peat and priority peatland habitat potentially directing any future minerals extraction from these sensitive areas. However, given the nature of coal extraction workings there are likely to be negative impacts, in terms of climate. The overall impact of the option would, therefore, be significant positive and significant negative. As above.

Natural Resources Soil As above As above.

Air

The designation of an area(s) of search would not have any environmental impact on air. The assessment of environmental impacts of air should be carried out at a site specific level or an assessment of the policies that implement the main issue in the LDP. However, there are likely to be negative impacts, in terms of air, due to the nature of minerals extraction.


Water

The area of search could include water bodies within its boundaries. However, a policy framework will be in place to protect water bodies and ground water. It is therefore likely that the preferred option will have a neutral impact on the water environment.



Although the option does not explicitly identify listed buildings as a constraint to be eliminated from the area of search, a policy framework will be in place to safeguard category A listed buildings from future minerals development. The policy framework will also direct development away from category B and C(s) listed buildings, thus having significant positive environmental impacts.


Conservation Areas


Ensure that there is a robust and effective policy framework in place to safeguard conservation areas

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Ensure that there is a robust and effective policy framework in place to safeguard important archaeological sites or areas




Scheduled Monuments

Although the option does not explicitly identify any specific constraints to be eliminated from the area of search, a policy framework will be in place to safeguard scheduled monuments from minerals development, thus having significant positive environmental impacts.



Although the option does not explicitly identify any specific constraints to be eliminated from the area of search, a policy framework will be in place to safeguard historic battlefields from minerals development, thus having significant positive environmental impacts.

Ensure that there is a robust and effective policy framework in place to safeguard historic battlefields from minerals development, thus having significant positive environmental impacts.


The option will apply to settlements and an appropriate buffer distance between communities and minerals extraction sites or areas as a constraint. This would direct any minerals development away from communities resulting in a positive environmental impact on population. However, given the nature of minerals development there are likely to be some negative impacts. Overall there is likely to be significant positive and negative impacts on population.

There is a need to ensure that the Plan will contain a policy framework associated with this alternative option to prohibit new workings that are likely to have adverse impacts on communities, either individually or cumulatively.

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Health

The option will apply to settlements and an appropriate buffer distance between communities and minerals extraction sites or areas as a constraint. This would direct any minerals development away from communities resulting in a positive environmental impact on population. Although this buffer should reduce any significant impacts, any future minerals development could continue to have impacts relating to dust, noise, vibration as well as visual impacts. This will be the case if there is more than one site operating near to a community. Overall there is likely to be significant positive and negative impacts, in terms of health.

There is a need to ensure that the Plan will contain a policy framework associated with this alternative option to prohibit new workings that are likely to have adverse impacts on noise, dust, vibration and visual impact, either individually or cumulatively.

Material Assets

The alternative area of search is likely to include core paths, rights of way and other locally important path networks, which if lost, would have a significant negative environmental impact.


There are likely to be short, medium and long term impacts as a result of the alternative option. Short, Medium or Long Term Impact?

Cumulative/Synergistic Impacts The option is unlikely to have any significant cumulative or synergistic impacts as it is concerned with a small and focused area of search.


Ensure the MLDP contains a robust policy framework associated with the alternative option in relation to environmental features and resources, the historic environment and social environment. Also, ensure that any significant negative impacts, on landscape character and setting, geological features, biodiversity, flora and fauna, material assets, soils and climate from any future minerals extraction are minimised.

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Alternative Option 2: Sieved Option - Start with whole EA surface coal resource areas, then apply constraints mapping to eliminate the following: - SPAs; SACs; SSSIs; Local Nature Conservation Sites, Prime Quality Agricultural Land and locally important agricultural land; Settlements with a 1km buffer (settlements as listed in LDP); Carbon rich soils, deep peat and priority peatland sites; and the North Kyle Forest Masterplan Area with the exception of Benbain Remainder.



The option would ensure that there would be no significant negative impacts on East Ayrshire's protected areas and sites including SPAs, SAC, and Sites of Special Scientific Interest as it focuses potential future coal extraction in specific areas. However, there are likely to be negative impacts on other areas that might be subject to surface coal mining due to the nature of minerals extraction.




The preferred option is likely to have a significant positive impact as it directs coal extraction away from Natura 2000 sites, SSSI's, local nature conservation sites and carbon rich soils, deep peat and priority peatland habitat. However, there are likely to be negative impacts on other areas that might be subject to surface coal mining due to the nature of minerals extraction. As above

Climate

The option is likely to have a significant positive impact, in terms of climate as it directs coal extraction away from carbon rich soils, deep peat and priority peatland habitat as well as prime quality agricultural land and locally important agricultural land. However, there are likely to be negative impacts on other areas that might be subject to surface coal mining due to the nature of minerals extraction. As above


The option is likely to have a significant positive impact, in terms of soil as it directs coal extraction away from carbon rich soils, deep peat and priority peatland habitat as well as prime quality agricultural land and locally important agricultural land. However, there are likely to be negative impacts on other areas that might be subject to surface coal mining due to the nature of minerals extraction. None

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Air

The designation of an area(s) of search would not have any environmental impact on air. The assessment of environmental impacts of air should be carried out at a site specific level or an assessment of the policies that implement the main issue in the LDP. However, there are likely to be negative impacts on other areas that might be subject to surface coal mining due to the nature of minerals extraction.


Water

The area of search could include water bodies within its boundaries. However, a policy framework will be in place to protect water bodies and ground water. It is therefore likely that the option will have a neutral impact on the water environment.



The option does not explicitly identify listed buildings as a constraint to be eliminated from the area of search. However, a policy framework will be in place to safeguard category A listed buildings from future minerals development. The policy framework will also direct development away from category B and C(s) listed buildings, thus having significant positive environmental impacts.


Conservation Areas

The option does not explicitly identify conservation areas as a constraint to be eliminated from the area of search. However, a policy framework will be in place to safeguard all conservation areas from minerals development, thus having significant positive environmental impacts.

Ensure that there is a robust and effective policy framework in place to safeguard conservation areas.


The option does not explicitly identify archaeological sites or areas as a constraint to be eliminated from the area of search although some might fall within those areas identified as a constraint. However, a policy framework will be in place to safeguard important archaeological sites or areas from minerals development, thus having significant positive environmental impacts.


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The option does not explicitly identify Gardens and Designed Landscapes as a constraint to be eliminated although some might fall within those areas identified as a constraint. However, a policy framework will be in place to safeguard all Gardens and Designed Landscapes from minerals development, thus having significant positive environmental impacts.


Scheduled Monuments

The option does not explicitly identify Scheduled Monuments as a constraint to be eliminated although some might fall within those areas identified as a constraint. However, a policy framework will be in place to safeguard all Scheduled Monuments from minerals development, thus having significant positive environmental impacts.



The option does not explicitly identify historic battlefields as a constraint to be eliminated although some might fall within those areas identified as a constraint. However, a policy framework will be in place to safeguard all Historic Battlefields from minerals development, thus having significant positive environmental impacts.

Ensure that there is a robust and effective policy framework in place to safeguard important historic battlefields.

Social Environment

Population

The area of search option will protect communities from the impact of future surface coal workings by putting a buffer zone around settlements, therefore potentially having a significant positive environmental impact on people. None.

Health

The option will protect communities from the impact of future surface coal workings by putting a buffer zone around settlements, therefore potentially having a significant positive environmental impact, in terms of health. Although this buffer should reduce any significant impacts, any future surface coal workings could continue to have impacts relating to dust, noise, vibration as well as visual impacts. This will be the case if there is more than one site operating near to a community. Overall there is likely to be significant positive and negative impacts, in terms of health.

There is a need to ensure that the Plan will contain a policy framework associated with this preferred option to prohibit new workings that are likely to have adverse impacts on noise, dust, vibration and visual impact, either individually or cumulatively.

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Material Assets

The area of search could include core paths, rights of way and other locally important path networks, which if lost, would have a significant negative environmental impact.


Short, Medium or Long Term Impact? There are likely to be short, medium and long term impacts as a result of this option.

Cumulative/Synergistic Impacts The option could have significant cumulative impacts.


Ensure the MLDP contains a robust policy framework associated with the preferred option in relation to environmental features and resources, the historic environment and social environment. Also, ensure that any significant negative impacts, on landscape character and setting, geological features, biodiversity, flora and fauna, material assets, soils and climate from any future minerals extraction are minimised.

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Main Issue 6: Spatial Strategy for Aggregates

Preferred Option: On the basis that there is a plentiful supply of construction aggregates, we adopt a 'criteria-based' based approach to policy where an applicant will have to demonstrate a proven requirement for a particular construction aggregate. In tandem with this, opportunities to extract fireclay in conjunction with coal will be encouraged where, first and foremost, the application for coal is acceptable in all other respects. No area(s) of search would be designated and planning assessments of proposals would be determined of the basis of a proven need for the particular aggregate(s).



Any new proposals for construction aggregates could have a significant impact on landscape character and setting as they could propose to include sensitive landscape areas such as Natura 2000 sites, sites of special scientific interest (SSSIs) and local nature conservation sites. However, there is a plentiful supply of construction aggregates and applicants will have to demonstrate a proven requirement for a particular construction aggregate.

The criteria and/or policy framework associated with the preferred option should ensure that any new workings avoid sensitive landscape areas, such as Natura 2000 sites, SSSIs and local nature conservation sites.

Geology

Any new proposals for construction aggregates could have a significant impact on geological features within sensitive landscape areas. However, there is a plentiful supply of construction aggregates and applicants will have to demonstrate a proven requirement for a particular construction aggregate.

The criteria and/or policy framework associated with the preferred option should ensure that any new workings avoid sensitive landscape areas, such as Natura 2000 sites, SSSIs and local nature conservation sites and protect known geological features.


Any new proposals could have a significant negative impact, in terms of biodiversity, flora and fauna due to the potential degradation or loss of habitat networks, areas containing carbon rich soils, deep peat and priority peatland sites and loss of areas identified for their environmental importance, such as Natura 2000 sites, sites of special scientific interest (SSSIs) and local nature conservation sites. However, there is a plentiful supply of construction aggregates and applicants will have to demonstrate a proven requirement for a particular construction aggregate.

The criteria and/or policy framework associated with the preferred option should ensure that any new workings are prohibited from areas containing carbon rich soils and deep peat. They should also be prohibited from priority peatland habitats, Natura 2000 sites, SSSIs and local nature conservation sites. Any new workings that could lead to the degradation or loss of habitat networks should also be prohibited.

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Climate

Any new proposals could have a significant negative impact, in terms of climate due to the potential degradation or loss of habitat networks, areas containing carbon rich soils, deep peat and priority peatland sites and loss of areas identified for their environmental importance, such as Natura 2000 sites, sites of special scientific interest (SSSIs) and local nature conservation sites. However, there is a plentiful supply of construction aggregates and applicants will have to demonstrate a proven requirement for a particular construction aggregate.

The criteria and/or policy framework associated with the preferred option should ensure that any new workings are prohibited from areas containing carbon rich soils and deep peat. They should also be prohibited from priority peatland sites, Natura 2000 sites, SSSIs and local nature conservation sites. Any new workings that could lead to the degradation or loss of habitat networks should also be prohibited.


Any new proposals could have a significant negative impact on carbon rich soils, deep peat or priority peatland sites as well as areas of prime quality and locally important agricultural land. However, there is a plentiful supply of construction aggregates and applicants will have to demonstrate a proven requirement for a particular construction aggregate.

The criteria and/or policy framework associated with the preferred option should ensure that any new workings are prohibited from areas containing, carbon rich soils, deep peat and from priority peatland sites. New workings should also be prohibited from extracting on areas of prime quality and locally important agricultural land.

Air

Any new proposals for construction aggregates on their own are unlikely to have any impacts on air. The assessment of environmental impacts of air should be carried out at a site specific level or an assessment of the policies that implement the main issue in the LDP.

The criteria and/or policy framework associated with the preferred option should ensure that any new workings should not exceed national air quality standards and require air quality monitoring if there is any uncertainty about the impact on air.

Water

Any new proposals for construction aggregates could include water bodies within its proposed site boundary. The preferred option could therefore have a significant negative impact on the water environment, for example, the disturbance or degradation of water bodies. However, there is a plentiful supply of construction aggregates and applicants will have to demonstrate a proven requirement for a particular construction aggregate.

The criteria and/or policy framework associated with the preferred option should prohibit new construction aggregate workings if they are likely to have detrimental impacts on the water environment.

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Any new proposals for construction aggregates could potentially have a significant negative impact on listed buildings, particularly in rural areas, depending on their proposed location. However, there is a plentiful supply of construction aggregates and applicants will have to demonstrate a proven requirement for a particular construction aggregate.

The criteria and/or policy framework associated with the preferred option should prohibit new workings if they are likely to have an adverse impact on listed buildings and/or their settings.

Conservation Areas

Any new proposals for construction aggregates could potentially have a significant negative impact on some conservation areas depending on their proposed location.

The criteria and/or policy framework associated with the preferred option should prohibit new construction aggregate workings if they are likely to have an adverse impact on conservation areas


Any new proposals for construction aggregates could potentially have a significant negative impact on archaeological sites/areas depending on their proposed location. However, there is a plentiful supply of construction aggregates and applicants will have to demonstrate a proven requirement for a particular construction aggregate.

The criteria and/or policy framework associated with the preferred option should prohibit new construction aggregate workings if they are likely to have an adverse impact on archaeological sites/areas.


Any new proposals for construction aggregates could potentially have a significant negative impact on gardens and designed landscapes depending on their proposed location. However, there is a plentiful supply of construction aggregates and applicants will have to demonstrate a proven requirement for a particular construction aggregate.

The criteria and/or policy framework associated with the preferred option should prohibit new construction aggregate workings if they are likely to have an adverse impact gardens and designed landscapes.

Scheduled Monuments

Any new proposals for construction aggregates could potentially have a significant negative impact on scheduled monuments depending on their proposed location. However, there is a plentiful supply of construction aggregates and applicants will have to demonstrate a proven requirement for a particular construction aggregate.

The criteria and/or policy framework associated with the preferred option should prohibit new construction aggregate workings if they are likely to have an adverse impact on scheduled monuments.


Any new proposals for construction aggregates could potentially have a significant negative impact on historic battlefields depending on their proposed location. However, there is a plentiful supply of construction aggregates and applicants will have to demonstrate a

The criteria and/or policy framework associated with the preferred option should prohibit new construction aggregate workings if they are likely

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proven requirement for a particular construction aggregate.

to have an adverse impact on historic battlefields.


The preferred option could have a significant negative impact communities and their health due to issues, such as noise, dust, vibration and visual impact being prevalent, particularly if there is more than one aggregates site operating near a community.

The criteria and/or policy framework associated with the preferred option should prohibit new construction aggregate workings if they are likely to have significant adverse impacts on human health, either individually or cumulatively.

Health

The preferred option could have a significant negative impact communities and their health due to issues, such as noise, dust, vibration and visual impact being prevalent, particularly if there is more than one aggregates site operating near a community.

The criteria and/or policy framework associated with the preferred option should prohibit new construction aggregate workings if they are likely to have significant adverse impacts on human health, either individually or cumulatively.

Material Assets

Any new proposals for construction aggregates could potentially have a significant negative impact on core paths, rights of way and other locally important path networks. However, there is a plentiful supply of construction aggregates and applicants will have to demonstrate a proven requirement for a particular construction aggregate.

The criteria and/or policy framework associated with the preferred option should prohibit new construction aggregate workings if they are likely to result in the permanent loss of core paths and rights of way.

Short, Medium or Long Term Impact? The preferred option could have short, medium and long term negative environmental impacts.

Cumulative/Synergistic Impacts The preferred option could have cumulative and synergistic impacts.


The criteria and/or policy framework associated with the preferred option should exclude sites or areas designated for the environmental importance and prohibit new construction aggregate workings if they are likely to result in any adverse impacts in relation to all environmental features, resources or aspects of the historic or social environment as outlined above.

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Main Issue 7: Spatial Strategy for Unconventional Oil and Gas

Preferred Option: Preventative Approach



As there is currently a moratorium in place on all unconventional oil and gas proposals and that there is no national policy on the subject at present it is difficult to determine the likely impact. Overall, the impact is unknown. None





Air As above None

Water As above None










Short, Medium or Long Term Impact? Due to the existing moratorium and lack of national policy on the subject it is difficult to determine whether the option will have a short, medium or long term impact at present.

Cumulative/Synergistic Impacts Due to the existing moratorium and lack of national policy on the subject it is difficult to determine whether the option will have any cumulative or synergistic impacts at present.


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Alternative Option: Precautionary Approach



As there is currently a moratorium in place on all unconventional oil and gas proposals and that there is no national policy on the subject at present it is difficult to determine the likely impact. Overall, the impact is unknown. None





Air As above None

Water As above None










Short, Medium or Long Term Impact? Due to the existing moratorium and lack of national policy on the subject it is difficult to determine whether the option will have a short, medium or long term impact at present.

Cumulative/Synergistic Impacts Due to the existing moratorium and lack of national policy on the subject it is difficult to determine whether the option will have any cumulative or synergistic impacts at present.


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Main Issue 8: Conserving and Enhancing the Natural and Built Environment – Protection of Peat

Preferred Option: Prohibit disturbance on designated SPAs, SACs, SSSIs and potential peatland enhancement sites. In addition, there will be a presumption against the disturbance of peat within or affecting land designated as class 1 and 2 areas of carbon rich soil, deep peat and priority peatland habitat as identified by SNH, local nature conservation sites, protected built resources and water catchment areas within East Ayrshire....


Natural Features

Landscape

The preferred option is likely to have a significant positive impact on landscape as it is concerned with prohibiting any disturbance or removal of carbon rich soils, deep peat and priority peatland habitats and protected sites, such as SPAs, SACs and SSSIs as well as potential peatland enhancement sites. The option does, however, state that the removal of peat outwith these categories is required to be carried out to the satisfaction of the Council and SNH. Overall, the option is likely to have significant positive impacts with some negative impacts due to the potential removal of peat outwith the categories listed. None

Geology As above None.


The preferred option is likely to have a significant positive impact on biodiversity, flora and fauna. Prohibiting any disturbance or removal of carbon rich soils, deep peat and priority peatland habitats ensures that biodiversity continues to flourish. The option does, however, state that the removal of peat outwith these categories is required to be carried out to the satisfaction of the Council and SNH. Overall, the option is likely to have significant positive impacts with some negative impacts due to the potential removal of peat outwith the categories listed. None

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Climate

The preferred option is likely to have a significant positive impact, in terms of climate. Peat holds large reserves of carbon which if disturbed can result in carbon dioxide being released into the atmosphere. The preferred option is concerned with prohibiting any disturbance or removal of carbon rich soils, deep peat and priority peatland habitats thus providing climate change adaptation. The option does, however, state that the removal of peat outwith these categories is required to be carried out to the satisfaction of the Council and SNH. Overall, the option is likely to have significant positive impacts with some negative impacts due to the potential removal of peat outwith the categories listed. None.

Natural Resources

Soil

The preferred option is likely to have a significant positive impact on soil as it is concerned with prohibiting any disturbance or removal of carbon rich soils, deep peat and priority peatland habitats. The option does, however state that the removal of peat outwith these categories is required to be carried out to the satisfaction of the Council and SNH. Overall, the option is likely to have significant positive impacts with some negative impacts due to the potential removal of peat outwith the categories listed. None

Air

The preferred option is likely to have a significant positive impact on air as the safeguarding of carbon rich soils, deep peat and priority peatland habitats will continue to store carbon. None.

Water

The preferred option is likely to have a significant positive impact on water as prohibiting the removal of peat will allow for the continuation of water flow and water quality regulation and the provision of natural flood management. The option does, however state that the removal of peat outwith these categories is required to be carried out to the satisfaction of the Council and SNH. Overall, the option is likely to have significant positive impacts with some negative impacts due to the potential removal of peat outwith the categories listed. None.



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Social Environment

Population

The preferred option is likely to have a significant positive impact on people. Carbon rich soils, deep peat and priority peatland habitats provide multiple benefits for people, such as regulating and delivering good quality water and promoting natural flood management and providing a place for recreation and leisure. Overall promoting the health and wellbeing of people. The option does, however, state that the removal of peat outwith these categories is required to be carried out to the satisfaction of the Council and SNH. Overall, the option is likely to have significant positive impacts with some negative impacts due to the potential removal of peat outwith the categories listed. None

Health As above None.

Material Assets

The preferred option is likely to have a significant positive impact, in terms of built and natural assets, such as greenspaces, natural flood management processes, path networks and agricultural land. The option does, however, state that the removal of peat outwith these categories is required to be carried out to the satisfaction of the Council and SNH. Overall, the option is likely to have significant positive impacts with some negative impacts due to the potential removal of peat outwith the categories listed. None.

Short, Medium or Long Term Impact? The preferred option is likely to have a medium and long term impact.

Cumulative/Synergistic Impacts The preferred option is unlikely to have any cumulative or synergistic impacts.


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Alternative Option: Continue with the existing policy framework to conserve all areas of active peat bog within the boundaries of a surface coal mining development site. All peat which requires to be removed in order to access the coal reserves on site will require to be retained on site for future use in restoration the area with storage being carried out to the satisfaction of the Council and Scottish Natural Heritage in purposely designed storage areas. The Council will not support any export of peat from the site for commercial purposes.


Natural Features

Landscape

The alternative option is likely to have both significant positive and negative impacts. Although it seeks to conserve all areas of active peat bog, it does not fully protect all carbon rich soils, deep peat or peatland priority habitats nor does it protect our protected sites, such as 'Natura' sites, SSSIs and local nature conservation sites or priority peatland enhancement sites.

Should this option be taken forward, then the MLDP needs to contain a robust and effective policy framework in place to protect carbon rich soils, deep peat and peatland priority habitats located within protected sites, such as 'Natura' sites and SSSIs.

Geology

The alternative option is likely to have both significant positive and negative impacts. Although it seeks to conserve all areas of active peat bog, it does not fully protect all carbon rich soils, deep peat or peatland priority habitats nor does it protect our protected sites, such as 'Natura' sites, SSSIs and local nature conservation sites or priority peatland enhancement sites. As above



Climate


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Air


Water









The alternative option is likely to have both significant positive and negative indirect impacts on population (e.g. through climate change). Although it seeks to conserve all areas of active peat bog, it does not fully protect all carbon rich soils, deep peat or peatland priority habitats nor does it protect our protected sites, such as 'Natura' sites, SSSIs and local nature conservation sites or priority peatland enhancement sites. As above

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Health

The alternative option is likely to have both significant positive and negative indirect impacts on health. Although it seeks to conserve all areas of active peat bog, it does not fully protect all carbon rich soils, deep peat or peatland priority habitats nor does it protect our protected sites, such as 'Natura' sites, SSSIs and local nature conservation sites or priority peatland enhancement sites. As above

Material Assets


Short, Medium or Long Term Impact? The alternative option is likely to have medium to long term impacts.

Cumulative/Synergistic Impacts It is unlikely to have any significant cumulative or synergistic impacts.


The MLDP should contain a robust and effective policy framework in place to protect carbon rich soils, deep peat and peatland priority habitats located within protected sites, such as 'Natura' sites and SSSIs.

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Main Issue 9: Conserving and Enhancing the Natural and Built Environment – Water Environment, Managing Flood Risk

Preferred Option: That flooding constraints do not form part of the spatial strategy but that proposals are considered unacceptable where they give rise to an increase in flood risk or where they adversely impact on flood storage and conveyancing capacity either during the workings or in the restoration proposals, either on or off site. SEPA state that some minerals workings, such as, sand and gravel are water compatible even in medium-high flood risk areas, compatibility will therefore be assessed to ensure that water compatible workings are not unnecessarily considered unacceptable. In terms of restoration, applicants will be asked to consider the provision of climate change mitigation, such as, greater flood storage capacity.


Natural Features

Landscape

The preferred option is likely to have a significant positive impact as it is concerned with adopting a robust policy framework in line with legislation that will ensure that future proposals do not increase flood risk or any adverse impact on flood storage and conveyancing capacity. Flooding has the potential to alter and damage landscape. Having a framework in place which seeks to manage flood risk at a strategic level should result in significant positive impacts. None



The preferred option is likely to have a significant positive impact on biodiversity, flora and fauna. The option is concerned with avoiding increasing levels of flood risk, any adverse impacts on flood storage and conveyancing capacity. This will have positive impacts, in terms of protecting areas important for their biodiversity, flora and fauna and ensuring habitat restoration. None

Climate

The preferred option is likely to have a significant positive impact on climate. Having a framework in place which seeks to manage flood risk, in turn protecting landscapes, soils and habitat networks at a strategic level should result in significant positive impacts. None


The preferred option is likely to have a significant positive impact on soils. Having a framework in place which seeks to manage flood risk, flood storage and conveyancing capacity will protect important soil resources from flooding. None

Air Scoped out at Stage 1 Assessment N/A

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Water

The option is likely to have a significant positive impact on the water environment as it is concerned with avoiding increasing levels of flood risk or any adverse impacts on flood storage and conveyancing capacity. None.

Historic Environment Listed Buildings Scoped out at Stage 1 Assessment N/A

Conservation Areas Scoped out at Stage 1 Assessment N/A

Archaeological Sites/Areas Scoped out at Stage 1 Assessment N/A

Gardens and Designed Landscapes Scoped out at Stage 1 Assessment N/A

Scheduled Monuments Scoped out at Stage 1 Assessment N/A

Historic Battlefields Scoped out at Stage 1 Assessment N/A

Social Environment Population Scoped out at Stage 1 Assessment N/A

Health Scoped out at Stage 1 Assessment N/A

Material Assets

The preferred option is likely to have a significant positive impact, in terms of, built and natural assets, such as greenspaces, natural flood management processes, path networks and agricultural land. None.

Short, Medium or Long Term Impact? The preferred option is likely to have a medium to long term impact on the environment.

Cumulative/Synergistic Impacts There are unlikely to be any cumulative or synergistic impacts.


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Alternative Option: That the extent of flooding, as mapped by SEPA, forms part of the spatial strategy and no minerals development shall be permitted therein.



The alternative option is likely to have a significant positive impact as it seeks to avoid any future minerals development in areas at risk from flooding, as mapped by SEPA. The SEPA flood map identifies where flooding may happen which allows the MLDP to adopt a framework to manage flood risk and avoid unnecessary development in flood risk areas. This will assist in avoiding potential alterations or damage to landscapes. None.

Geology As above.


The alternative option is likely to have a significant positive impact as it seeks to avoid any future minerals development in areas at risk from flooding, as mapped by SEPA. This will ensure the protection of those areas recognised for their biodiversity, flora and fauna importance that are mapped by SEPA. None.

Climate

The alternative option is likely to have a significant positive impact on climate. Having a framework in place which seeks to manage flood risk, in turn protecting landscapes, soils and habitat networks at a strategic level should result in significant positive impacts. None


The alternative option is likely to have a significant positive impact on soils. Having a framework in place which seeks to manage flood risk, flood storage and conveyancing capacity will protect important soil resources from flooding. None

Air Scoped out at Stage 1 Assessment N/A

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Water

The alternative option is likely to have a significant positive impact as it seeks to avoid any future minerals development in areas at risk from flooding, as mapped by SEPA. This will allow the MLDP to adopt a framework to manage flood risk and avoid unnecessary development in flood risk areas. This will assist in avoiding any increase in flooding in vulnerable areas. It is important to note, however, that some minerals workings, such as, sand and gravel are water compatible even in medium-high flood risk areas, compatibility will therefore be assessed to ensure that water compatible workings are not unnecessarily considered unacceptable. This option would not allow this type of development within areas mapped by SEPA when it might be suitable. None.









Material Assets

The alternative option is likely to have a significant positive impact, in terms of, protecting built and natural assets, such as greenspaces, natural flood management processes, path networks and agricultural land that are located within those areas at risk from flooding, as mapped by SEPA. None.

Short, Medium or Long Term Impact? The alternative option is likely to have a short, medium and long term impact on the environment.

Cumulative/Synergistic Impacts There are unlikely to be cumulative or synergistic impacts as a result of this option.


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Main Issue 10: Conserving and Enhancing the Natural and Built Environment – Water Environment, Protection of Water Bodies and Ground Water

Preferred Option: Propose the following additions to existing policy MIN31..



The preferred option is likely to have a significant positive impact as it proposed to include a presumption against the creation of deep waterbodies which can have an adverse impact on landscape character and setting. The option brings the existing policy up to date with legislation. None

Geology As above. None


The preferred option is likely to have a significant positive impact as it is concerned with preventing minerals extraction close to water bodies where biodiversity, flora and fauna can be evident. In addition, the option supports the creation/restoration or enhancement of wetland habitats in restoration proposals. The option brings the existing policy up to date with legislation. None

Climate

The preferred option is likely to have a significant positive impact as it is concerned with preventing minerals extraction close to water bodies’ thus protecting biodiversity and water quality. The option also supports restoration proposals that will encourage the creation of habitats. The option brings the existing policy up to date with legislation. None


There are unlikely to be any significant environmental impacts in relation to soil. None

Air There are unlikely to be any significant environmental impacts in relation to air. None

Water

The preferred option is likely to have a significant positive impact as it is concerned with preventing minerals extraction close to water bodies where biodiversity, flora and fauna can be evident. In addition, the option supports the creation/restoration or enhancement of wetland habitats in restoration proposals. The option brings the existing policy up to date with legislation. None.

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Material Assets Scoped out at Stage 1 Assessment N/A

Short, Medium or Long Term Impact? The preferred option is likely to have medium and long term impacts on the environment.

Cumulative/Synergistic Impacts There are unlikely to be any significant cumulative or synergistic impacts.


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Alternative Option: Retain existing policy framework for the protection of water bodies and ground water.


Natural Features

Landscape

The preferred option is likely to have a significant positive impact as it is concerned with protecting water bodies and ground water, however it does not include a presumption against the creation of deep water bodies, therefore could potentially have a significant negative impact leading to the alteration or degradation of landscape. Overall the option could have both significant positive and negative impacts. None



The preferred option is likely to have a significant positive impact as it is concerned with protecting principal water courses and their tributaries and other major water resources, such as lochs and reservoirs where biodiversity, flora and fauna can thrive. None

Climate As above. None

Natural Resources

Soil The option is unlikely to have a significant impact on soil.

Air The option is unlikely to have a significant impact on air. None

Water

The preferred option is likely to have a significant positive impact as it is concerned with protecting water bodies and ground water, however it does not include a presumption against the creation of deep water bodies, therefore could potentially have a significant negative impact leading to the alteration or degradation of landscape. Overall the option could have both significant positive and negative impacts.






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Short, Medium or Long Term Impact? The option is likely to have a medium and long term impact on the environment.



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Main Issue 11: Conserving and Enhancing the Natural and Built Environment - Conserving, Enhancing and Protecting Geological Interest

Preferred Option: Spireslack former surface coal mine shall be safeguarded for development related to the educational, tourist and leisure facilities required on site to maximise the site's potential as a geological resource. No other type of development will be permitted unless required in respect of health and safety....



The preferred option is likely to have a significant positive impact as it is concerned with safeguarding those geological features not protected by SSSI status. None

Geology

The preferred option is likely to have a significant positive impact as it is concerned with safeguarding those geological features not protected by SSSI status. None


The preferred option is likely to have a significant positive impact as it is concerned with safeguarding those geological features not protected by SSSI status. This will contribute towards climate change adaptation and maintaining habitat diversity. None



The preferred option is likely to have a significant positive impact as it is concerned with safeguarding those geological features not protected by SSSI status. This should have significant positive impacts on soil. None

Air

The preferred option is unlikely to have a significant impact on air as it is principally concerned with safeguarding important geological features. None

Water

The preferred option is unlikely to have a significant impact on water as it is principally concerned with safeguarding important geological features. None


Listed Buildings Scoped out at Stage 1 Assessment N/A





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Short, Medium or Long Term Impact? There are likely to be medium and long term impacts on the environment.

Cumulative/Synergistic Impacts There are unlikely to be any cumulative or synergistic impacts.


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Alternative Option: Development shall not be permitted which adversely impacts upon the geological features identified at Dalfad, Spireslack, Grasshill and Ponesk former surface coal mines unless required in respect of health and safety.



The alternative option is likely to have a significant positive impact on landscape, however as it does not specify or promote the type of development that would be acceptable within these sites the impact is unknown at this time. None.

Geology As above for geology None.

Biodiversity, Flora and Fauna As above for biodiversity, flora and fauna. None.

Climate As above for climate. None.

Natural Resources Soil As above for soil. None.

Air As above for air. None

Water As above for water. None












The alternative option is likely to have medium or long term impacts on the environment, but these are unknown.



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Main Issue 12: Minimising the negative impacts of mineral extraction on people - cumulative impacts on communities

Preferred Option: Variable Buffer



This option is concerned with cumulative impacts on communities therefore it is unlikely on its own to have any significant environmental impact on landscape. However, there are likely to be indirect positive impacts as a result of this option. These impacts are considered under the analysis of the policy options for cumulative impacts on landscape. None.

Geology

This option is concerned with cumulative impacts on communities therefore it is unlikely on its own to have any significant environmental impact on geology. However, there are likely to be indirect positive impacts as a result of this option. These impacts are considered under the analysis of the policy options for cumulative impacts on landscape. None.

Biodiversity, Flora and Fauna The option is unlikely to have any significant impacts on biodiversity, flora and fauna. None.

Climate

This option is concerned with cumulative impacts on communities therefore it is unlikely on its own to have any significant environmental impact on climate. However, there are likely to be indirect positive impacts as a result of this option. These impacts are considered under the analysis of the policy options for cumulative impacts on landscape. None.

Natural Resources

Soil The option is unlikely to have any significant impacts on soil. None

Air The option is unlikely to have any significant impacts on air. None

Water The option is unlikely to have any significant impacts on water. None


The preferred option is likely to have a significant positive impact as it is concerned with protecting communities from all types of minerals extraction development through the importance of buffer zones. This will have a positive impact on listed buildings, particularly those located within settlements. None

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Conservation Areas

The preferred option is likely to have a significant positive impact as it is concerned with protecting communities from all types of minerals extraction development through the importance of buffer zones. This will have a positive impact on conservation areas, particularly those located within settlements. None

Archaeological Sites/Areas The option is unlikely to have any significant impacts on archaeological sites/areas. None


The option is unlikely to have any significant impacts on gardens and designed landscapes. None

Scheduled Monuments The option is unlikely to have any significant impacts on scheduled monuments. None

Historic Battlefields The option is unlikely to have any significant impacts on historic battlefields. None


The preferred option is likely to have a significant positive impact on people as it is primarily concerned with protecting communities from all types of minerals extraction development through the importance of buffer zones. This will assist in minimising the impacts on people as a result of extraction activity. None

Health

The preferred option is likely to have a significant positive impact on people's health as it is primarily concerned with protecting communities from all types of minerals extraction development through the importance of buffer zones. This will assist in minimising the impacts on people as a result of extraction activity. None

Material Assets

This option is concerned with cumulative impacts on communities therefore it is unlikely on its own to have any significant environmental impact on material assets. However, there are likely to be indirect positive impacts on for example, path linkages as a result of this option. These impacts are considered under the analysis of the policy options for cumulative impacts on landscape. None

Short, Medium or Long Term Impact? The option is likely to have medium and long term impacts on the environment.



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Alternative Option: Single Buffer



The alternative option is concerned with cumulative impacts on communities therefore it is unlikely on its own to have any significant environmental impact on landscape. However, there are likely to be indirect positive impacts as a result of this option. These impacts are considered under the analysis of the policy options for cumulative impacts on landscape. None.

Geology

This option is concerned with cumulative impacts on communities therefore it is unlikely on its own to have any significant environmental impact on geology. However, there are likely to be indirect positive impacts as a result of this option. These impacts are considered under the analysis of the policy options for cumulative impacts on landscape. None.


The option is unlikely to have any significant impacts on biodiversity, flora and fauna. None.

Climate

This option is concerned with cumulative impacts on communities therefore it is unlikely on its own to have any significant environmental impact on climate. However, there are likely to be indirect positive impacts as a result of this option. These impacts are considered under the analysis of the policy options for cumulative impacts on landscape. None.

Natural Resources Soil The option is unlikely to have any significant impacts on soil. None

Air The option is unlikely to have any significant impacts on air. None

Water The option is unlikely to have any significant impacts on water. None


Listed Buildings

The alternative option is likely to have a significant positive and negative impact on people as it is primarily concerned with protecting communities from all types of minerals extraction development through the important of buffer zones. However, the alternative option does not propose a minimum buffer zone and cannot therefore fully ensure the protection of the historic environment, particularly located within settlement areas. None

Conservation Areas

The option is likely to have a significant positive and negative impact on people as it is primarily concerned with protecting communities from all types of minerals extraction development through the importance of buffer zones. However, the alternative option does not propose a minimum buffer zone and cannot None

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therefore fully ensure the protection of the historic environment, particularly located within settlement areas.


The option is unlikely to have any significant impacts on archaeological sites/areas. None


The option is unlikely to have any significant impacts on gardens and designed landscapes. None

Scheduled Monuments The option is unlikely to have any significant impacts on scheduled monuments. None

Historic Battlefields The option is unlikely to have any significant impacts on historic battlefields. None


The option is likely to have a significant positive and negative impact on people as it is primarily concerned with protecting communities from all types of minerals extraction development through the importance of buffer zones. However, the alternative option does not propose a minimum buffer zone and cannot therefore fully ensure the protection of people from the effects of extraction activity. None

Health

The option is likely to have a significant positive and negative impact on people's health as it is primarily concerned with protecting communities from all types of minerals extraction development through the importance of buffer zones. However, the alternative option does not propose a minimum buffer zone and cannot therefore fully ensure the protection of people from the effects of extraction activity. None

Material Assets

This option is concerned with cumulative impacts on communities therefore it is unlikely on its own to have any significant environmental impact on material assets. However, there are likely to be indirect positive impacts on for example, path linkages as a result of this option. These impacts are considered under the analysis of the policy options for cumulative impacts on landscape. None

Short, Medium or Long Term Impact? The option is likely to have medium and long term impacts on the environment.

Cumulative/Synergistic Impacts There are unlikely to be any significant cumulative or synergistic impacts as a result of this option.


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Main Issue 13: Minimising the negative impacts of mineral extraction on people - cumulative impacts on landscape

Preferred Option: Cumulative major land use option



The option is likely to have a significant positive impact on landscape as it is concerned with having one policy to consider proposals for minerals development in cumulative terms with all major landscape interventions including minerals, renewables and waste. This will ensure that there are no unnecessary cumulative impacts on the landscape None



The option is likely to have a significant positive impact on biodiversity, flora and fauna. The option ensures that there are no unnecessary cumulative impacts on landscape which in turn will avoid or minimise any impacts on biodiversity, flora and fauna. None

Climate

The option is likely to have a significant positive impact on climate as it is concerned with avoiding any unnecessary cumulative impacts from all major landscape interventions including minerals, renewables and waste. None


The option is likely to have a significant positive impact on soil. The option ensures that there are no unnecessary cumulative impacts on the landscape which in turn will avoid or minimise any impacts on soil levels or soil quality. None

Air

The option is likely to have a significant positive impact on air. The option ensures that there are no unnecessary cumulative impacts on the landscape which in turn will avoid or minimise any impacts on air, particularly air quality levels. None

Water

The option is likely to have a significant positive impact on water. The option ensures that there are no unnecessary cumulative impacts on the landscape which in turn will avoid or minimise any impacts on the water environment, for example to water course or water bodies. None

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Listed Buildings

The option is likely to have a significant positive impact on the historic environment as it is concerned with avoiding any unnecessary cumulative impacts from all major landscape interventions including minerals, renewables and waste. None

Conservation Areas As above. None

Archaeological Sites/Areas As above. None

Gardens and Designed Landscapes As above. None

Scheduled Monuments As above. None

Historic Battlefields As above. None


The option is likely to have a significant positive impact on population as it is concerned with having one policy to consider proposals for minerals development in cumulative terms with all major landscape interventions including minerals, renewables and waste. This will ensure that there are no unnecessary cumulative impacts on the landscape thus having a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of people. None


Material Assets

The option is likely to have a significant positive impact on soil. The option ensures that there are no unnecessary cumulative impacts on the landscape which in turn will avoid or minimise any impacts on material assets, such as path networks and green spaces. None

Short, Medium or Long Term Impact? The option is likely to have a medium to long term impact on the environment.

Cumulative/Synergistic Impacts There are unlikely to be any significant cumulative or synergistic impacts as a result of this option.


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Alternative Option: Cumulative minerals option



The option is likely to have a significant positive impact on landscape, as it considers the cumulative impacts of past and current minerals extraction. However, it does not take into consideration the cumulative effects arising from other developments, such as renewables and waste alongside minerals which could have a significant impact on landscape. None.

Geology As above. None.


The option is likely to have a significant positive impact on biodiversity, flora and fauna, as it considers the cumulative impacts of past and current minerals extraction. However, it does not take into consideration the cumulative effects arising from other developments alongside minerals which could have a significant impact on biodiversity, flora and fauna. None.

Climate

The option is likely to have a significant positive impact on climate, as it considers the cumulative impacts of past and current minerals extraction. However, it does not take into consideration the cumulative effects arising from other developments alongside minerals which could have a significant impact on climate. None.


The option is likely to have a significant positive impact on soil, as it considers the cumulative impacts of past and current minerals extraction. However, it does not take into consideration the cumulative effects arising from other developments alongside minerals which could have a significant impact on soil, such as renewables or waste. None.

Air

The option is likely to have a significant positive impact on landscape, as it considers the cumulative impacts of past and current minerals extraction. However, it does not take into consideration the cumulative effects arising from other developments alongside minerals which could have a significant impact on air, particularly air quality levels. None.

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Water

The option is likely to have a significant positive impact on water, as it considers the cumulative impacts of past and current minerals extraction. However, it does not take into consideration the cumulative effects arising from other developments alongside minerals which could have a significant impact on the water environment. None.


The option is likely to have a significant positive impact on water, as it considers the cumulative impacts of past and current minerals extraction. However, it does not take into consideration the cumulative effects arising from other developments alongside minerals which could have a significant impact on any listed buildings within or outwith settlements. None.

Conservation Areas

The option is likely to have a significant positive impact on conservation areas, as it considers the cumulative impacts of past and current minerals extraction. However, it does not take into consideration the cumulative effects arising from other developments alongside minerals which could have a significant impact on conservation areas. None.


The option is likely to have a significant positive impact on archaeological sites or areas, as it considers the cumulative impacts of past and current minerals extraction. However, it does not take into consideration the cumulative effects arising from other developments alongside minerals which could have a significant impact on archaeological sites/areas. None.


The option is likely to have a significant positive impact on gardens and designed landscapes, as it considers the cumulative impacts of past and current minerals extraction. However, it does not take into consideration the cumulative effects arising from other developments alongside minerals which could have a significant impact on the water environment such as renewables or waste. None.

Scheduled Monuments

The option is likely to have a significant positive impact on scheduled monuments, as it considers the cumulative impacts of past and current minerals extraction. However, it does not take into consideration the cumulative effects arising from other developments None.

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alongside minerals which could have a significant impact on scheduled monuments.


The option is likely to have a significant positive impact on historic battlefields, as it considers the cumulative impacts of past and current minerals extraction. However, it does not take into consideration the cumulative effects arising from other developments alongside minerals which could have a significant impact. None.


The option is likely to have a significant positive impact on population, as it considers the cumulative impacts of past and current minerals extraction. However, it does not take into consideration the cumulative effects arising from other developments as well as minerals development and the associated impacts on people. None.

Health

The option is likely to have a significant positive impact on human health, as it considers the cumulative impacts of past and current minerals extraction. However, it does not take into consideration the cumulative effects arising from other developments as well as minerals development and the associated impacts on people and their health and wellbeing. None.

Material Assets

The option is likely to have a significant positive impact on material assets, such as core paths, woodland and green spaces as it considers the cumulative impacts of past and current minerals extraction. However, it does not take into consideration the cumulative effects arising from other developments as well as minerals development and the associated impacts on important built and natural material assets. None.


Cumulative/Synergistic Impacts There are likely to continue to be cumulative impacts as a result of other developments, such as renewables and waste developments.


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Main Issue 14: Minimising the negative impacts of mineral extraction on people - cumulative impacts on settlements as a result of durations of permissions

Preferred Option: Have a time limit for extraction and progressive restoration of 10 years on any single site, including extensions. Further extraction will not be permitted on adjoining sites such that extraction will not endure in the same locale for longer than 10 years...



The preferred option is likely to have a significant positive impact on the environment as it is concerned with avoiding unnecessary cumulative impacts as a result of the duration of permissions for new minerals development. None





Air As above None

Water As above None








The preferred option is likely to have a significant positive impact on population as it is concerned with avoiding unnecessary cumulative impacts as a result of the duration of permissions for new minerals development. This avoids long term impacts on communities. None


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Material Assets

The preferred option is likely to have a significant positive impact on material assets as it is concerned with avoiding unnecessary cumulative impacts as a result of the duration of permissions for new minerals development. This avoids or reduces any long term impacts on material assets. None

Short, Medium or Long Term Impact? The preferred option is likely to have a long term impact on the environment.

Cumulative/Synergistic Impacts There are unlikely to be any significant cumulative impacts on the environment.


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Alternative Option: Have a time limit for extraction and progressive restoration of 10 years on any single site, including extensions with no return for a total of 5 years.



The option is likely to have both significant positive and negative impacts on the environment. Although the option offers some protection by having a time limit for extraction and progressive restoration it will not prevent cumulative impacts from development in the same locale. None


Biodiversity, Flora and Fauna As above. None


Natural Resources Soil As above. None

Air As above. None

Water As above. None

Historic Environment Listed Buildings As above. None

Conservation Areas As above. None

Archaeological Sites/Areas As above. None

Gardens and Designed Landscapes As above. None

Scheduled Monuments As above. None

Historic Battlefields As above. None


The option is likely to have both significant positive and negative impacts in terms of population. Although the option applies a time limit for extraction and progressive restoration it does not prevent cumulative impacts from other development in the same locale. This could exacerbate impacts on people and their health and wellbeing. None

Health As above. None

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Material Assets

The option is likely to have both significant positive and negative impacts on the environment. Although the option offers some protection by having a time limit for extraction and progressive restoration it will not prevent cumulative impacts from development in the same locale. None


Cumulative/Synergistic Impacts There are likely to be significant cumulative impacts on the environment as a result of this option.


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Main Issue 19: Transport - routing of the transportation of minerals

Preferred Option: Assess the requirement for the designation of sensitive routes on which there will be a presumption against the haulage of minerals. The assessment for the designation of sensitive routes will take into consideration information including existing routing of minerals transportation; accident rates involving Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGV) for specific routes and traffic data in relation to HGV movements. In addition to particularly sensitive routes, routes directly through settlements should be avoided where possible, except where these are ‘A’ roads, sites within settlements are the delivery point for minerals, or where there is no alternative route. Sensitive routes and settlements will be denoted on a map forming part of the MLDP. If transportation of minerals is required on these routes, developers will be expected to give particular weight in any transport assessment to mitigating impacts.


Natural Features Landscape The preferred option is unlikely to have any significant environmental impacts on landscape. None


Biodiversity, Flora and Fauna As above

Climate

The preferred option is likely to have a significant positive impact on climate. The option is concerned with minimising any impacts on sensitive routes as a result of the transportation of minerals, for example, noise, dust and vibration therefore reducing emissions. None


The preferred option is unlikely to have any significant environmental impacts on soil. None

Air

The preferred option is likely to have a significant positive impact on air. The option is concerned with minimising any impacts on sensitive routes as a result of the transportation of minerals, for example, noise, dust and vibration. This will assist in reducing emissions affecting air quality levels. None

Water The preferred option is unlikely to have any significant environmental impacts on the water environment. None


The preferred option is likely to have a significant positive impact on listed buildings as it is concerned with reducing the effects arising from the haulage of minerals. The designation of sensitive routes is likely to include areas where there are important heritage features. None

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Conservation Areas

The preferred option is likely to have a significant positive impact on conservation areas as it is concerned with reducing the effects arising from the haulage of minerals. The designation of sensitive routes is likely to include areas where there are important heritage features. None

Archaeological Sites/Areas The preferred option is unlikely to have any significant environmental impacts on archaeological sites/areas. None


The preferred option is unlikely to have any significant environmental impacts on gardens and designed landscapes. None

Scheduled Monuments The preferred option is unlikely to have any significant environmental impacts on scheduled monuments. None

Historic Battlefields The preferred option is unlikely to have any significant environmental impacts on historic battlefields. None


The preferred option is likely to have a significant positive impact on population. Local communities can be affected by heavy lorry movements through towns and consequent dust, noise and vibration and damage to local roads and problems with congestion. This option will minimise the impacts of extraction on local communities. None

Health

The preferred option is likely to have a significant positive impact on population. Local communities can be affected by heavy lorry movements through towns and consequent dust, noise and vibration and damage to local roads. There can also be problems with congestion as a result of lorry movements through towns. This option will minimise the impacts of extraction on local communities and the health and safety of people. None

Material Assets

The preferred option is likely to have a significant positive impact on material assets, particularly on road infrastructure. Designating sensitive routes should reduce the impacts on local roads from heavy lorry movements. None

Short, Medium or Long Term Impact? The preferred option is likely to have a long term impact.



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Alternative Option 1: Allow travel only by mutually agreed routes when applications for new sites are submitted. Each site would therefore have an individually agreed route(s) to which transportation was restricted. In addition, promote and encourage haulage routes and the transportation of minerals by rail for any new minerals sites which come forward. Local distribution of aggregates to site specific projects will not be covered by this policy, although haulage outwith the area will. Environmental Topic Component Analysis of the Significant Environmental Impact Mitigation/Enhancement




The alternative option could have both significant positive and negative impacts. The option allows for a thorough assessment of routes on a case by case basis and encourages the transportation of minerals by rail. However, it does not provide any certainties, in terms of avoiding sensitive routes or areas where there are sites important for their biodiversity, flora and fauna features. None

Climate

The alternative option could have both significant positive and negative impacts. The option allows for a thorough assessment of routes on a case by case basis and encourages the transportation of minerals by rail. However, it does not provide any certainties, in terms of avoiding sensitive routes including settlements. None

Natural Resources Soil The preferred option is unlikely to have any significant environmental impacts on soil. None

Air

The alternative option could have both significant positive and negative impacts. The option allows for a thorough assessment of routes on a case by case basis and encourages the transportation of minerals by rail. However, it does not provide any certainties, in terms of avoiding sensitive routes. None

Water The preferred option is unlikely to have any significant environmental impacts on soil. None

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Listed Buildings

The alternative option could have both significant positive and negative impacts. The option allows for a thorough assessment of routes on a case by case basis and encourages the transportation of minerals by rail. However, it does not provide any certainties, in terms of avoiding sensitive routes including settlements. This, therefore, does not ensure that any impacts affecting historic environment features can be reduced or avoided. None

Conservation Areas

The alternative option could have both significant positive and negative impacts. The option allows for a thorough assessment of routes on a case by case basis and encourages the transportation of minerals by rail. However, it does not provide any certainties, in terms of avoiding sensitive routes including settlements. This, therefore, does not ensure that any impacts affecting historic environment features can be reduced or avoided. None







The alternative option could have both significant positive and negative impacts. The option allows for a thorough assessment of routes on a case by case basis and encourages the transportation of minerals by rail. However, it does not provide any certainties, in terms of avoiding sensitive routes including settlements. This, therefore, does not ensure that any impacts affecting communities, such as noise, dust and vibration from heavy lorry movement can be reduced or avoided. None

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Health

The alternative option could have both significant positive and negative impacts. The option allows for a thorough assessment of routes on a case by case basis and encourages the transportation of minerals by rail. However, it does not provide any certainties, in terms of avoiding sensitive routes including settlements. This therefore, does not ensure that any impacts affecting communities, such as noise, dust and vibration from heavy lorry movement can be reduced avoided. None

Material Assets

The alternative option could have both significant positive and negative impacts. The option allows for a thorough assessment of routes on a case by case basis and encourages the transportation of minerals by rail. However, it does not provide any certainties, in terms of avoiding sensitive routes including settlements. This, therefore, does not ensure that any impacts affecting local road infrastructure can be reduced or avoided. None

Short, Medium or Long Term Impact? The alternative option is likely to have a long term impact.

Cumulative/Synergistic Impacts The option could result in significant cumulative or synergistic impacts.


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Alternative Option 2: For opencast sites: allow travel only by mutually agreed routes when applications for new sites are submitted. Each site would therefore have an individually agreed route(s) to which transportation was restricted. In addition, promote and encourage haulage routes and the transportation of minerals by rail for any new minerals sites which come forward. For other minerals sites: Have no similar policy





The alternative option could have both significant positive and negative impacts. The option allows for a thorough assessment of routes on a case by case basis for opencast sites but not for other minerals sites. The option does not provide any certainties, in terms of avoiding sensitive routes or areas where there are sites important for their biodiversity, flora and fauna features. None

Climate

The alternative option could have both significant positive and negative impacts. The option allows for a thorough assessment of routes on a case by case basis for opencast sites but not for other minerals sites. It does not provide any certainties, in terms of avoiding sensitive routes including settlements. None


Air

The alternative option could have both significant positive and negative impacts. The option allows for a thorough assessment of routes on a case by case basis for opencast sites but not for other minerals sites. The option does not provide any certainties, in terms of avoiding sensitive routes. None

Water The preferred option is unlikely to have any significant environmental impacts on soil. None


The alternative option could have both significant positive and negative impacts. The option allows for a thorough assessment of routes on a case by case basis for opencast sites but not for other minerals sites. It does not provide any certainties, in terms of avoiding sensitive routes including settlements. This, therefore, does not ensure that None

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any impacts affecting historic environment features can be reduced or avoided.

Conservation Areas

The alternative option could have both significant positive and negative impacts. The option allows for a thorough assessment of routes on a case by case basis for opencast sites but not for other minerals sites. It does not provide any certainties, in terms of avoiding sensitive routes including settlements. This, therefore, does not ensure that any impacts affecting historic environment features can be reduced or avoided. None







The alternative option could have both significant positive and negative impacts. The option allows for a thorough assessment of routes on a case by case basis for opencast sites but not for other minerals sites. The option does not provide any certainties, in terms of avoiding sensitive routes including settlements. This, therefore, does not ensure that any impacts affecting communities, such as noise, dust and vibration from heavy lorry movement can be reduced or avoided. None

Health

The alternative option could have both significant positive and negative impacts. The option allows for a thorough assessment of routes on a case by case basis for opencast sites but not for other minerals sites. It does not provide any certainties, in terms of avoiding sensitive routes including settlements. This, therefore, does not ensure that any impacts affecting communities, such as noise, dust and vibration from heavy lorry movement can be reduced or avoided. None

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Material Assets

The alternative option could have both significant positive and negative impacts. The option allows for a thorough assessment of routes on a case by case basis for opencast sites but not for other minerals sites. It does not provide any certainties, in terms of avoiding sensitive routes including settlements. This, therefore, does not ensure that any impacts affecting local road infrastructure can be reduced or avoided. None

Short, Medium or Long Term Impact? The alternative option is likely to have a long term impact.

Cumulative/Synergistic Impacts The option could result in significant cumulative or synergistic impacts.


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Main Issue 21: Transport – cumulative impacts of minerals related traffic

Preferred Option: Proposals will be assessed with regard to the cumulative effects of existing mineral and renewables related traffic movements in the locale and their impact upon settlements and individual properties outwith settlements (in respect of wind farms under construction or consented and not yet built, quarries and opencast coal sites). Applicants will be required to assess cumulative impacts in their submissions and any mitigation required to lessen adverse impacts. Consideration of any assessment is not for the purposes of preventing traffic but of mitigating adverse impacts where possible.





The preferred option is unlikely to have any significant environmental impacts on biodiversity, flora and fauna. None

Climate

The preferred option is likely to have a significant positive impact on climate as it is concerned with ensuring that applicants assess the cumulative impacts of their proposals and any mitigation required to reduce any adverse impacts. This should reduce any adverse impacts, for example levels of emissions being released into the atmosphere. None


Air

The preferred option is likely to have a significant positive impact on climate as it is concerned with ensuring that applicants assess the cumulative impacts of their proposals and any mitigation required to reduce any adverse impacts. This should reduce any adverse impacts relating to air quality. None

Water The preferred option is unlikely to have any significant environmental impacts on water. None


The preferred option is likely to have a significant positive impact on climate as it is concerned with ensuring that applicants assess the cumulative impacts of their proposals and any mitigation required to reduce any adverse impacts. This should reduce any adverse impacts relating to historic environment features. None

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Conservation Areas

The preferred option is likely to have a significant positive impact on climate as it is concerned with ensuring that applicants assess the cumulative impacts of their proposals and any mitigation required to reduce any adverse impacts. This should reduce any adverse impacts relating to historic environment features. None







The preferred option is likely to have a significant positive impact on climate as it is concerned with ensuring that applicants assess the cumulative impacts of their proposals and any mitigation required to reduce any adverse impacts. This should reduce any adverse impacts relating to communities. None

Health

The preferred option is likely to have a significant positive impact on climate as it is concerned with ensuring that applicants assess the cumulative impacts of their proposals and any mitigation required to reduce any adverse impacts. This should minimise any adverse impacts relating to human health, such as dust, noise and vibration from the movement of traffic cumulatively. None

Material Assets

The preferred option is likely to have a significant positive impact on climate as it is concerned with ensuring that applicants assess the cumulative impacts of their proposals and any mitigation required to reduce any adverse impacts. This should reduce any adverse impacts relating to potential damage to the local road infrastructure. None


Cumulative/Synergistic Impacts There are unlikely to be any significant cumulative and synergistic impacts.


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Alternative Option 1: Proposals will be assessed by comparing other aggregate or opencast coal sites depending on the workings proposed. Proposals will be assessed with regard to the existing mineral related traffic movements in the locale and their impact upon settlements and individual properties outwith settlements. Applicants will be required to assess cumulative impacts in their submissions and any mitigation required to lessen adverse impacts.






Climate

The alternative option is likely to have a significant positive impact on climate as it is concerned with ensuring that proposals are assessed with regards to cumulative impacts from traffic movement. Although the option cannot prevent traffic it can ensure that mitigation measures are in place to reduce any adverse impacts identified, for example levels of emissions being released into the atmosphere. None


Air

The alternative option is likely to have a significant positive impact on air as it is concerned with ensuring that proposals are assessed with regards to cumulative impacts from traffic movement. Although the option cannot prevent traffic it can ensure that mitigation measures are in place to reduce any adverse impacts identified relating to air quality. None



The alternative option is likely to have a significant positive impact on listed buildings as it is concerned with ensuring that proposals are assessed with regards to cumulative impacts from traffic movement. Although the option cannot prevent traffic it can ensure that mitigation measures are in place to reduce any adverse impacts identified, including any impacts on historic environment features. None

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Conservation Areas

The alternative option is likely to have a significant positive impact on listed buildings as it is concerned with ensuring that proposals are assessed with regards to cumulative impacts from traffic movement. Although the option cannot prevent traffic it can ensure that mitigation measures are in place to reduce any adverse impacts identified, including any impacts on historic environment features. None







The alternative option is likely to have a significant positive impact on population as it is concerned with ensuring that proposals are assessed with regards to cumulative impacts from traffic movement. Although the option cannot prevent traffic it can ensure that mitigation measures are in place to reduce any adverse impacts identified, including any impacts on local communities. None


Material Assets

The alternative option is likely to have a significant positive impact on listed buildings as it is concerned with ensuring that proposals are assessed with regards to cumulative impacts from traffic movement. Although the option cannot prevent traffic it can ensure that mitigation measures are in place to reduce any adverse impacts identified, including any impacts on material assets, such as the local road infrastructure. None

Short, Medium or Long Term Impact? The alternative option is likely to have a long term impact on the environment.



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Alternative Option 2: As existing, proposals will be assessed on a site by site basis only with no regard given to cumulative impacts.






Climate

The alternative option is likely to have a significant negative impact as the alternative option does not recognise the cumulative impacts on communities and their wider environment. In addition, it does not ensure that mitigation measures will be required to lessen adverse impacts. None


Air





Conservation Areas



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Health


Material Assets


Short, Medium or Long Term Impact? The option is likely to have a long term impact on the environment.

Cumulative/Synergistic Impacts There are likely to be significant cumulative and synergistic impacts.


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Main Issue 22: Borrow Pits – Location of Borrow Pits

Preferred Option: Borrow pits will be required to be within the planning application boundary of the project the mineral is to be used for. Justification for the borrow pit(s) addressing the following topics will require to be submitted with any planning application seeking borrow pits: 1. The distance between the borrow pit and the location of works 2. The number of vehicle movements which will be avoided 3. Carbon assessments 4. The quality of the materials to be extracted 5. Environmental considerations, such as impact on the water environment etc.



The preferred option is likely to have a significant positive impact on natural features as it is concerned with the location of borrow pits and reducing any adverse impacts as a result of the borrow pits location. None





Air

The preferred option is unlikely to have any significant environmental impacts on air as it relates to the location of borrow pits. None

Water

The preferred option is likely to have a significant positive impact on the water environment as it is concerned with the location of borrow pits and reducing any adverse impacts as a result of the borrow pits location. None


The preferred option is unlikely to have any significant environmental impacts on listed buildings. None

Conservation Areas The preferred option is unlikely to have any significant environmental impacts on conservation areas. None


The preferred option is unlikely to have a significant impact on archaeological sites/areas, however any proposals for borrow pits will be required to avoid any unnecessary loss of cultural heritage features, such as archaeological sites.

Any proposals for borrow pits will be required to avoid any unnecessary loss of cultural heritage features

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The preferred option is unlikely to have a significant impact on gardens and designed landscapes, however any proposals for borrow pits will be required to avoid any unnecessary loss of cultural heritage features, such as gardens and designed landscapes. As above.

Scheduled Monuments

The preferred option is unlikely to have a significant impact on scheduled monuments, however any proposals for borrow pits will be required to avoid any unnecessary loss of cultural heritage features, such as scheduled monuments. As above.


The preferred option is unlikely to have a significant impact on historic battlefields, however any proposals for borrow pits will be required to avoid any unnecessary loss of cultural heritage features, such as historic battlefields. As above.


The preferred option is likely to have a significant positive impact on population as it is concerned with the location of borrow pits and reducing any adverse impacts as a result of the borrow pits location. This will minimise any effects on local communities and their surroundings. None

Health

The preferred option is likely to have a significant positive impact on people's health as it is concerned with the location of borrow pits and reducing any adverse impacts as a result of a borrow pits location. This will minimise any effects on local communities and their surroundings. None

Material Assets

The preferred option is likely to have a significant positive impact on material assets as it is concerned with the location of borrow pits and reducing any adverse impacts as a result of a borrow pits location. This will minimise any effects on, for example, path networks, greenspace and field boundaries e.g. hedges. None


Cumulative/Synergistic Impacts The option is unlikely to result in any significant cumulative or synergistic impacts.


Any proposals for borrow pits will be required to avoid any unnecessary loss of cultural heritage features.

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Main Issue 23: Borrow Pits – Number of Borrow Pits

Preferred Option: The requirement for the formation of an additional borrow pit will need to be justified in terms of insufficient (fit for purpose) supplies. Restoration bonds will be mandatory for the existing and additional pits. The following justification will require to be submitted with any planning application seeking additional borrow pits: 1. The distance between the borrow pit and the location of works 2. The number of vehicle movements which will be avoided 3. Carbon assessments 4. The quality of the materials to be extracted 5. Environmental considerations, such as impact on the water environment etc.



The preferred option is likely to have a significant positive impact on natural features as the option provides a framework against which to assess applications for the number of borrow pits and should minimise any adverse impacts as a result of the number of borrow pits. None





The preferred option is likely to have a significant positive impact on soil as the option provides a framework against which to assess applications for the number of borrow pits and should minimise any adverse impacts as a result of the number of borrow pits, in particular against areas of prime or good quality agricultural land and areas important for carbon rich soils, deep peat and priority peatland habitat. None

Air As above for air. None

Water As above for water. None



Conservation Areas The preferred option is unlikely to have any significant environmental impacts on listed buildings. None




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Scheduled Monuments





The preferred option is likely to have a significant positive impact on population as it is concerned with determining the number of borrow pits and reducing any adverse impacts as a result of a borrow pit. This will minimise any effects on local communities and their surroundings. None

Health

The preferred option is likely to have a significant positive impact on population as it is concerned with determining the number of borrow pits and reducing any adverse impacts as a result of a borrow pit. This will minimise any effects on local communities and their surroundings. None

Material Assets

The preferred option is likely to have a significant positive impact on population as it is concerned with determining the number of borrow pits and reducing any adverse impacts as a result of a borrow pit. This will minimise any effects on, for example, path networks, greenspace and field boundaries e.g. hedges. None


Cumulative/Synergistic Impacts The option is unlikely to result in significant cumulative and synergistic impacts.



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Main Issue 24: Borrow Pits - Non-location based criteria

Preferred Option: Borrow pits will only be permitted where there are significant environmental or economic benefits compared to obtaining material from local quarries; they are time-limited; tied to a particular project and appropriate reclamation measures are in place, in line with para 243 of SPP…



The preferred option is likely to have a significant positive impact on natural features as the option provides a framework against which to assess applications for borrow pits and should minimise any adverse impacts as a result of the number of borrow pits. None





The preferred option is likely to have a significant positive impact on soil as the option provides a framework against which to assess applications for borrow pits and should minimise any adverse impacts as a result of the number of borrow pits, in particular against areas of prime or good quality agricultural land and areas important for carbon rich soils, deep peat and priority peatland habitat. None

Air As above. None

Water As above. None



Conservation Areas The preferred option is unlikely to have any significant environmental impacts on conservation areas. None






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Scheduled Monuments





The preferred option is likely to have a significant positive impact on population as it is concerned with determining when borrow pits may prove to be acceptable and reducing any adverse impacts as a result of a borrow pit. This will minimise any effects on local communities and their surroundings. None

Health

The preferred option is likely to have a significant positive impact on population as it is concerned with determining when borrow pits may prove to be acceptable and reducing any adverse impacts as a result of a borrow pit. This will minimise any effects on local communities and their surroundings. None

Material Assets

The preferred option is likely to have a significant positive impact on population as it is concerned with determining when borrow pits may prove to be acceptable and reducing any adverse impacts as a result of a borrow pit. This will minimise any effects on, for example, path networks, greenspace and field boundaries e.g. hedges. None


Cumulative/Synergistic Impacts The option is unlikely to result in significant cumulative and synergistic impacts.



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Main Issue 25: Recycled and Secondary Aggregates

Preferred Option: Support permanent facilities for the recycling of aggregates in principle subject to detailed consideration of other relevant matters (such as transport, impact upon amenity and the environment…)



Depending on the location of a proposal, there could be significant negative impacts on landscape. However, the option proposes to consider permanent facilities for recycled aggregates subject to detailed consideration of other relevant matters relating to, for example, transport, amenity and the environment.

Any new development should be located where there is capacity in the landscape to absorb it and where it will not lead to any adverse impacts on landscape character and setting. In addition, any new development should not lead to any permanent scarring of the landscape allowing it to be restored.



Depending on the location of a proposal, there could be significant negative impacts on biodiversity, flora and fauna. However, the option proposes to consider permanent facilities for recycled aggregates subject to detailed consideration of other relevant matters relating to, for example, transport, amenity and the environment.

Any new development should avoid any areas protected by European, national or local designations, such as SPAs, SACs, SSSIs and LNCs as well as areas important, in terms of carbon rich soils, deep peat and priority peatland habitats. It should also avoid the loss or fragmentation of habitat networks.

Climate

Depending on the location of a proposal, there could be significant negative impacts on climate. However, the option proposes to consider permanent facilities for recycled aggregates subject to detailed consideration of other relevant matters relating to, for example, transport, amenity and the environment.

It is difficult to prescribe mitigation measures for this type of development in terms of reducing emissions into the atmosphere as a result of haulage transportation. Transportation by rail would reduce the impact on climate, however depending on the location of development, there might not be a viable rail hault etc. within close proximity to a site.

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Depending on the location of a proposal, there could be significant negative impacts on soil. However, the option proposes to consider permanent facilities for recycled aggregates subject to detailed consideration of other relevant matters relating to, for example, transport, amenity and the environment.

Any new development should not result in the loss of prime quality or good quality agricultural land as well as areas important in terms of carbon rich soils, deep peat and priority peatland habitats.

Air

Depending on the location of a proposal, there could be significant negative impacts on air, in terms of emissions from materials and haulage emissions to and from site. However, the option proposes to consider permanent facilities for recycled aggregates subject to detailed consideration of other relevant matters relating to, for example, transport, amenity and the environment.

It is difficult to prescribe mitigation measures for this type of development, in terms of, reducing emissions into the atmosphere as a result of haulage transportation. Transportation by rail would reduce the impact on climate, however depending on the location of development, there might not be a viable rail hault etc. within close proximity to a site.

Water

Depending on the location of a proposal, there could be significant negative impacts on water. However, the option proposes to consider permanent facilities for recycled aggregates subject to detailed consideration of other relevant matters relating to, for example, transport, amenity and the environment.

Any new development should not lead to the degradation of a water body or affect the setting and quality of watercourses.


Listed Buildings

Depending on the location of a proposal, there could be significant negative impacts on historic environment features. However, the option proposes to consider permanent facilities for recycled aggregates subject to detailed consideration of other relevant matters relating to, for example, transport, amenity and the environment.

Development should not adversely affect listed buildings or the setting of the listed building.

Conservation Areas


Development should not adversely affect the character and appearance of conservation areas.

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Development should avoid being located within areas of archaeological remains. Where a site is located within an archaeological trigger location, WOSAS should be consulted and any mitigation measures required implemented.



Development should not adversely affect the quality, character and appearance of gardens and designed landscapes.

Scheduled Monuments


Development should not adversely affect scheduled monuments or the setting of the scheduled monument.



Development should not adversely affect historic battlefields or their setting.


Depending on the location of a proposal, there could be significant negative impacts on population. However, the option proposes to consider permanent facilities for recycled aggregates subject to detailed consideration of other relevant matters relating to, for example, transport, amenity and the environment.

The policy framework supporting the option will need to ensure that any new development does not adversely impact upon local communities.

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Health

Depending on the location of a proposal, there could be significant negative impacts on health. However, the option proposes to consider permanent facilities for

recycled aggregates subject to detailed consideration

of other relevant matters relating to, for example, transport, amenity and the environment.

The policy framework supporting the option will need to ensure that any new development does not adversely impact upon local communities.

Material Assets

Depending on the location of a proposal, there could be significant negative impacts on material assets. However, the option proposes to consider permanent facilities for recycled aggregates subject to detailed consideration of other relevant matters relating to, for example, transport, amenity and the environment.

The policy framework supporting the option will need to ensure that any new development does not adversely impact upon local communities and material assets, such as transport infrastructure, green spaces and path and cycle networks.

Short, Medium or Long Term Impact? The preferred option is likely to have short, medium and long term impacts on the environment.



Ensure that any new development does not adversely affect natural features and resources and as well as historic environment features and local communities and material assets.

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Alternative Option: Promote permanent facilities for the recycling of aggregates on minerals sites (only).



The alternative option is unlikely to have a significant impact on landscape as it is concerned with promoting permanent facilities for the recycling of aggregates on existing minerals sites. None.

Geology As above None.


The alternative option is unlikely to have a significant impact on biodiversity, flora and fauna as it is concerned with promoting permanent facilities for the recycling of aggregates on existing minerals sites. None

Climate

The option is likely to have a significant positive impact on climate. The purpose of recycling aggregates is to conserve the use of natural resources and producing less waste. In addition, promoting permanent aggregates recycling facilities on existing minerals sites will ensure that any extraction and recycling activity is retained on one site. However, the recycling of aggregates might result in an increase in the haulage of minerals to and from an existing minerals site which could potentially have a significant negative impact. Overall, the option is likely to have both positive and negative impacts.

It is difficult to prescribe mitigation measures for this type of development, in terms of, reducing emissions into the atmosphere as a result of haulage transportation. Transportation by rail would reduce the impact on air, however depending on the location of development, there might not be a viable rail hault etc. within close proximity to a site.

Natural Resources

Soil

The alternative option is unlikely to have a significant impact on soil as it is concerned with promoting permanent facilities for the recycling of aggregates on existing minerals sites. None

Air

The alternative option is unlikely to have a significant impact on air as it is concerned with promoting permanent facilities for the recycling of aggregates contained to existing minerals sites. However, the recycling of aggregates might result in an increase in the haulage of minerals to and from an existing minerals site which could potentially have a significant negative impact. Overall, the option is likely to have both positive and negative impacts.

It is difficult to prescribe mitigation measures for this type of development, in terms of, reducing emissions into the atmosphere as a result of haulage transportation. Transportation by rail would reduce the impact on air, however depending on the location of development, there might not be a viable rail hault etc. within close proximity to a site.

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Water

The alternative option is unlikely to have a significant impact on water as it is concerned with promoting permanent facilities for the recycling of aggregates contained to existing minerals sites. None


Listed Buildings Scoped out at Stage 1 Assessment Stage. N/A






Social Environment

Population

The option is likely to have a significant positive impact on local communities as it is concerned with promoting permanent facilities for the recycling of aggregates contained to existing minerals sites. Although the option would also result in less waste going to landfill, given the nature of aggregates recycling, there are likely to be some negative impacts, in terms of noise and potential emissions from recycling works.

The policy framework supporting the option will need to ensure that any new recycling facilities does not adversely impact upon local communities.

Health

The option is likely to have a significant positive impact on local communities as it is concerned with promoting permanent facilities for the recycling of aggregates on existing minerals sites. Although the option would also result in less waste going to landfill, given the nature of aggregates recycling, there are likely to be some negative impacts, in terms of noise and potential emissions from recycling works.

The policy framework supporting the option will need to ensure that any new recycling facilities does not adversely impact upon local communities and their health.

Material Assets

The alternative option is unlikely to have a significant impact on material assets as it is concerned with promoting permanent facilities for the recycling of aggregates on existing minerals sites. However, the recycling of aggregates might result in an increase in the haulage of minerals to and from an existing minerals site which could potentially have a significant negative impact. Overall, the option is likely to have both neutral and potentially negative impacts.

The policy framework supporting the option will need to ensure that any new development does not adversely impact upon material assets, such as transport infrastructure.


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Preferred Option: Reclaiming bing material should be supported in the plan, subject to any application meeting other policies of the plan in respect of environmental impact, and subject to an assessment of the risks of mobilising pollutants and the quality and variety of any existing bing naturalisation and associated flora and fauna.



The preferred option is likely to have a significant positive impact on landscape as the option ensures that any application to reclaim bing material should be in accordance with other LDP policies in respect of environmental impacts. None

Geology

The preferred option is likely to have a significant positive impact on geology as the option ensures that any application to reclaim bing material should be in accordance with other LDP policies in respect of environmental impacts. None


The preferred option is likely to have a significant positive impact as the option ensures that any application to reclaim bing material should be in accordance with other LDP policies in respect of environmental impacts and subject to an assessment of the quality and variety of any existing bing naturalisation and associated flora and fauna. Deep mining bings can be valuable natural heritage resources, however the preferred option is likely to ensure that any reclamation works take this into consideration and assess the potential impacts. None.

Climate

The preferred option is likely to have a significant positive impact as the option ensures that any application to reclaim bing material should be in accordance with other LDP policies in respect of environmental impacts and subject to an assessment of the risks of mobilising pollutants quality and variety of any existing bing naturalisation and associated flora and fauna. None

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The preferred option is likely to have a significant positive impact as the option ensures that any application to reclaim bing material should be in accordance with other LDP policies in respect of environmental impacts and subject to an assessment of the risks of mobilising pollutants and of the quality and variety of any existing bing naturalisation and associated flora and fauna. None.

Air

Positive impact as the option ensures that any application to reclaim bing material should be in accordance with other LDP policies in respect of environmental impacts and subject to an assessment of the risks of mobilising pollutants quality and variety of any existing bing naturalisation and associated flora and fauna. None

Water

Positive impact as the option ensures that any application to reclaim bing material should be in accordance with other LDP policies in respect of environmental impacts and subject to an assessment of the risks of mobilising pollutants quality and variety of any existing bing naturalisation and associated flora and fauna. None


The option is likely to have a neutral impact on listed buildings as generally, deep mining bings are located away from listed buildings and their settings. None

Conservation Areas

The option is likely to have a neutral impact on conservation areas as generally, deep mining bings are located away from conservation areas. None


The preferred option is likely to have a significant positive impact on archaeological sites and areas as the option ensures that any application to reclaim bing material should be in accordance with other LDP policies in respect of environmental impacts. None


The preferred option is likely to have a significant positive impact on gardens and designed landscapes as the option ensures that any application to reclaim bing material should be in accordance with other LDP policies in respect of environmental impacts. None

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Scheduled Monuments

The preferred option is likely to have a significant positive impact on scheduled monuments as the option ensures that any application to reclaim bing material should be in accordance with other LDP policies in respect of environmental impacts. None


The preferred option is likely to have a significant positive impact on historic battlefields as the option ensures that any application to reclaim bing material should be in accordance with other LDP policies in respect of environmental impacts. None


The preferred option is likely to have a significant positive impact on local communities as the option ensures that any application to reclaim bing material should be in accordance with other LDP policies in respect of environmental impacts. None

Health

The preferred option is likely to have a significant positive impact on local communities and their health as the option ensures that any application to reclaim bing material should be in accordance with other LDP policies in respect of environmental impacts. None

Material Assets

The preferred option is likely to have a significant positive impact on built and natural material assets as the option ensures that any application to reclaim bing material should be in accordance with other LDP policies in respect of environmental impacts. None

Short, Medium or Long Term Impact? The preferred option is likely to have a medium and long term impact.

Cumulative/Synergistic Impacts It is unlikely to have any significant cumulative or synergistic impacts.


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Alternative Option: Reclaiming bing material should only be supported where the material can aid restoration of other minerals sites (i.e. not the deep mining bing itself)



The alternative option is likely to have a significant positive impact on landscape as it will aid the restoration of other minerals sites. None.

Geology As above. None.


The alternative option is likely to have a significant positive impact on biodiversity, flora and fauna as it will aid the restoration of other minerals sites potentially enhancing habitat networks. However, deep mining bings can be valuable natural heritage resources and may be important habitats for wildlife.

Any reclaiming of bing material will require to take into consideration any natural heritage resources that may be disturbed as a result of any reclamation works.

Climate

The alternative option is likely to have a significant positive impact on climate as it will aid the restoration of other minerals sites. None.


The alternative option is likely to have a significant positive impact on soil as it will aid the restoration of other minerals sites. None

Air

The alternative option is unlikely to have any significant environmental impacts on air as it is concerned with the reclamation of bing material only. None

Water

The alternative option is unlikely to have any significant environmental impacts on air as it is concerned with the reclamation of bing material only. None







185


The alternative option is likely to have a significant positive impact on local communities as it will aid the restoration of other minerals sites and potentially enhance landscape character and setting. None

Health

The alternative option is likely to have a significant positive impact on local communities as it will aid the restoration of other minerals sites and potentially enhance landscape character and setting. None

Material Assets

The alternative option is likely to have a significant positive impact on local communities as it will aid the restoration of other minerals sites and potentially enhance landscape character and setting and greenspaces. None




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Main Issue 27: Extraction of Secondary Aggregates

Preferred Option: The extraction of secondary materials with primary materials should be supported subject to sufficient material being present for restoration purposes and appropriate consents being sought.



The option itself is unlikely to have any significant impacts on landscape as it relates to the extraction of secondary materials with primary materials, however consideration is required to be given to how this will impact upon the restoration plan of minerals sites.

It should be ensured that proposals for the extraction of secondary materials with primary materials take into consideration how this will impact upon any restoration plans and that mitigation measures are put in place where necessary.



The option itself is unlikely to have any significant impacts on biodiversity, flora and fauna as it relates to the extraction of secondary materials with primary materials. None

Climate

The preferred option is likely to have both significant negative and positive impacts in terms of climate. The extraction of any materials is likely to have a significant environmental impact, however this form of extraction will maximise a contribution to sustainable development from the extraction of secondary materials.


Natural Resources

Soil

The preferred option is likely to have both significant negative and positive impacts in terms of soil. The extraction of any materials is likely to have a significant environmental impact, however this form of extraction will maximise a contribution to sustainable development from the extraction of secondary materials.


Air

There could be significant negative impacts on air, in terms of emissions from materials, and haulage emissions to and from site. However, this form of extraction will maximise a contribution to sustainable development from the extraction of secondary materials.

It is difficult to prescribe mitigation measures for this type of development in terms of reducing emissions into the atmosphere as a result of haulage transportation. Transportation by rail would reduce the impact on air,

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however depending on the location of development, there might not be a viable rail hault etc. within close proximity to a site.

Water

The option itself is unlikely to have any significant impacts on water as it relates to the extraction of secondary materials with primary materials. None








The preferred option is likely to have both significant negative and positive impacts in terms of population. The extraction of any materials is likely to have a significant environmental impact on local communities, however this form of extraction will maximise a contribution to sustainable development from the extraction of secondary materials.

The policy framework supporting the option will need to ensure that any extraction of secondary aggregates does not adversely impact upon local communities.

Health

The preferred option is likely to have both significant negative and positive impacts in terms of population. The extraction of any materials is likely to have a significant environmental impact on local communities, however this form of extraction will maximise a contribution to sustainable development from the extraction of secondary materials.

The policy framework supporting the option will need to ensure that any extraction of secondary aggregates does not adversely impact upon local communities and their health.

Material Assets

The option itself is unlikely to have any significant impacts on material assets as it relates to the extraction of secondary materials with primary materials, however consideration is required to be given to how this will impact upon the restoration plan of a minerals site.



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Alternative Option: The extraction of fireclay as a secondary material (normally to coal) should be supported as East Ayrshire's aggregates supply of fireclay is less than 10 years.

Environmental Topic Component

Analysis of the Significant Environmental Impact Mitigation/Enhancement


The option itself is unlikely to have any significant impact on landscape as it relates to the extraction of a secondary material on an existing minerals site.

Geology As above

Biodiversity, Flora and Fauna As above

Climate

The alternative option is likely to have both significant negative and positive impacts in terms of climate. The extraction of any materials is likely to have a significant environmental impact, however this form of extraction will maximise a contribution to sustainable development from the extraction of secondary materials.



The alternative option is likely to have both significant negative and positive impacts, in terms of soil. The extraction of any materials is likely to have a significant environmental impact, however this form of extraction will maximise a contribution to sustainable development from the extraction of secondary materials.


Air

There could be significant negative impacts on air, in terms of emissions from workings, and haulage emissions to and from site. The extraction of any materials is likely to have a significant environmental impact, however this form of extraction will maximise a contribution to sustainable development from the extraction of secondary materials.

It is difficult to prescribe mitigation measures for this type of development in terms of reducing emissions into the atmosphere as a result of haulage transportation. Transportation by rail would reduce the impact on air, however depending on the location of development, there might not be a viable rail hault etc. within close proximity to a site.

Water

The option itself is unlikely to have any significant impacts on water as it relates to the extraction of a secondary material with primary materials. None


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Historic Environment Conservation Areas Scoped out at Stage 1 Assessment N/A






The alternative option is likely to have both significant negative and positive impacts in terms of population. The extraction of any material is likely to have a significant environmental impact on local communities, however this form of extraction will maximise a contribution to sustainable development from the extraction of secondary materials.

The policy framework supporting the option will need to ensure that any extraction of fireclay does not adversely impact upon local communities.

Health

The alternative option is likely to have both significant negative and positive impacts, in terms of population. The extraction of any material is likely to have a significant environmental impact on local communities, however this form of extraction will maximise a contribution to sustainable development from the extraction of secondary materials.

The policy framework supporting the option will need to ensure that any extraction of fireclay does not adversely impact upon local communities and their health.

Material Assets

The option itself is unlikely to have any significant impacts on material assets as it relates to the extraction of secondary materials with primary materials, however consideration is required to be given to how this will impact upon the restoration plan of a minerals sites.






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Main Issue 34: Excess Soils

Preferred Option: Set out a policy direction such that where opportunities arise, applicants will be encouraged to divert excess soils to restoration projects rather than landfill. In addition, applicants will be encouraged to reuse excess soils in the longer term, post restoration works. Operators must detail in their restoration plans if they are likely to require additional soils and should consult with other agencies such as SEPA and SNH to ensure all regulatory obligations are met. Supplementary Guidance will provide direction in terms of soil storage and transfer.

Environmental Topic Component Analysis of the Significant Environmental

Impact Mitigation/Enhancement


The option is likely to have a positive significant impact on landscape. The use of good quality excess soils would aid the restoration of previously worked minerals sites where an insufficient level of soil has been left. The soils could assist in reshaping the landscape of these sites. None

Geology The option is unlikely to have an environmental impact on geological features. None


The use of excess soils would aid the restoration of previously worked sites, in terms of promoting land recovery which would assist in the creation and enhancement of biodiversity, flora and fauna on site. None

Climate

The option is likely to have a positive environmental impact on climate. The reuse of excess soils in land restoration will redirect the soils from being transported to, and deposited at landfill. This will assist in meeting the requirements of the Scottish Government's zero waste policy. None


The option is likely to have a positive significant impact on landscape. The use of excess soils in land restoration can address the insufficient soil levels that exist on some previously worked minerals site and could promote land recovery. None

Air

The option is unlikely to have a significant environmental impact as a result of the preferred option. None

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Water

The option is likely to have a positive significant impact on water, particularly in terms of addressing deep voids. The use of good quality excess soils would aid the restoration of previously worked minerals sites where an insufficient level of soil has been left. The soils could assist in reshaping or filling in of deep voids created during the operation of extracting minerals resulting in the prevention of deep water voids. None


Listed Buildings There is unlikely to be any significant impacts as a result of the preferred option None

Conservation Areas There is unlikely to be any significant impacts as a result of the preferred option None

Archaeological Sites/Areas There is unlikely to be any significant impacts as a result of the preferred option None


There is unlikely to be any significant impacts as a result of the preferred option None

Scheduled Monuments There is unlikely to be any significant impacts as a result of the preferred option None

Historic Battlefields There is unlikely to be any significant impacts as a result of the preferred option None

Social Environment Population There is unlikely to be any significant impacts as a result of the preferred option None

Health There is unlikely to be any significant impacts as a result of the preferred option None

Material Assets There is unlikely to be any significant impacts as a result of the preferred option None

Short, Medium or Long Term Impact? There are likely to be short, medium and long term significant positive impacts on the environment as a result of the preferred option.

Cumulative/Synergistic Impacts There are unlikely to be any significant cumulative or synergistic impacts as a result of this preferred option.


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Alternative Option: Set out no policy direction for excess soils



The option is likely to have a significant negative impact on landscape. The use of good quality excess soils would aid the restoration of previously worked minerals sites where an insufficient level of soil has been left. The soils would normally assist in reshaping the landscape of these sites, therefore the absence of a policy direction is likely to have adverse impacts on landscape.

If this option is taken forward, the Council would encourage the reuse of excess soils to assist in the restoration of minerals sites.

Geology The option is unlikely to have a significant impact on geological features. None


The option is likely to have a significant negative impact on biodiversity, flora and fauna. The use of excess soils would aid the restoration of previously worked sites, in terms of promoting land recovery which would assist in the creation and enhancement of biodiversity, flora and fauna on site.


Climate

The option is likely to have a significant negative impact on climate. Although some reuse of excess soils will occur there will be no policy direction for the use of these soils to aid land restoration. This will result in excess soils continuing to be transported to, and deposited at, landfill.


Natural Resources Soil Scoped out at stage 1 assessment N/A

Air Scoped out at stage 1 assessment N/A

Water Scoped out at stage 1 assessment N/A

Historic Environment Listed Buildings Scoped out at stage 1 assessment N/A

Conservation Areas Scoped out at stage 1 assessment N/A

Archaeological Sites/Areas Scoped out at stage 1 assessment N/A

Gardens and Designed Landscapes Scoped out at stage 1 assessment N/A

Scheduled Monuments Scoped out at stage 1 assessment N/A

Historic Battlefields Scoped out at stage 1 assessment N/A

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Social Environment Population Scoped out at stage 1 assessment N/A

Health Scoped out at stage 1 assessment N/A

Material Assets Scoped out at stage 1 assessment N/A

Short, Medium or Long Term Impact? The option is likely to result in long term impacts on the environment.

Cumulative/Synergistic Impacts There are unlikely to be any significant cumulative or synergistic impacts as a result of the option.



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Main Issue 35: Sewage Sludge

Preferred Option: Set out a policy direction to promote the responsible use of sewage sludge in restoration of sites, existing and in the future. Sewage sludge will be an additional method of site restoration, supplementing other available soils, rather than an alternative method. The operator should provide information on the details of the spreading of sewage sludge within the restoration plan. The use and storage of sewage sludge used by the operator should be carried out to the satisfaction of SEPA. Supplementary Guidance will provide direction on type of sewage sludge to be used for particular after uses.



This option is likely to result in significant positive impacts on landscape. Ensuring the effective management of sewage sludge will benefit the restoration process on sites. None.

Geology

There is unlikely to be any significant impacts on geology as a result of the use of sewage sludge in the restoration of minerals sites. None.


This option is likely to result in significant positive impacts. Sewage sludge has nutrients (e.g. nitrogen, phosphate, potash, magnesium and sulphur) which are essential to plant and animal growth, and it is recognised as a good substitute for peat in land reclamation projects.

There is a need to ensure that the application of sewage sludge is well managed and the appropriate amount is applied to soil to meet habitat needs.

Climate

The environmental impacts, in terms of climate change are unknown, due to a lack of evidence, however, if used correctly, sewage sludge could potentially have a significant positive impact with less waste being transported and deposited at landfill. None.


This option is likely to result in significant positive impacts on soil when used in the restoration of sites. It has nutrients (e.g. nitrogen, phosphate, potash, magnesium and sulphur) which are essential to plant and animal growth, and it is recognised as a good substitute for peat in land reclamation projects.

There is a need to ensure that the application of sewage sludge is well managed, on-site material analysed prior to its application and the appropriate amount is applied to soil in order to support the land recovery and soil improvement.

Air

This option is unlikely to result in any significant impacts on air. The option seeks to ensure the appropriate management of the use and storage of sewage sludge. If used appropriately there should be no significant environmental impacts on air. None.

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Water

This option is likely to result in significant positive impacts on the water environment as it seeks to ensure the appropriate management and appropriate application of sewage sludge on restoration sites and avoid any adverse impacts to, for example, groundwater or water quality. This option requires the use and storage of sewage sludge to be carried out to the satisfaction of SEPA. None.


There is unlikely to be any significant impacts as a result of the use and storage of sewage sludge in the restoration of minerals sites. None.

Conservation Areas

There is unlikely to be any significant impacts as a result of the appropriate use and storage of sewage sludge in the restoration of minerals sites. None.





Scheduled Monuments






Health

There is unlikely to be any significant impacts as a result of the appropriate use and storage of sewage sludge in the restoration of minerals sites. A study carried out by the Scottish Government has concluded that there is no health risk associated with the spreading of sewage sludge to local communities.

Given past concerns regarding odours, there is a need to ensure that if sewage sludge is to be used to aid the restoration of a minerals site that this complies with the relevant MLDP policy and SEPA regulations and guidelines.

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Material Assets


Short, Medium or Long Term Impact? There are likely to be short, medium and long term impacts as a result of this option.

Cumulative/Synergistic Impacts This option is unlikely to result in cumulative or synergistic impacts.


Monitor the use of sewage sludge during restoration works as part of regular compliance monitoring of the restoration of minerals sites and through the aftercare provision of a site.

mldp interim environmental report - east ayrshire · 1 1. non-technical summary introduction 1.1...

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