Written Question · S5W-11740 · Session 5
What steps it is taking to ensure that (a) forestry and (b) other development proposals are screened to ensure that curlew nesting habitats…
The question
To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to ensure that (a) forestry and (b) other development proposals are screened to ensure that curlew nesting habitats are not lost.
The answer
(a) Forestry Commission Scotland has a statutory duty under the Forestry (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Scotland) Regulations 2017 to screen forestry proposals with the potential to have a significant environmental impact; this could include planting schemes where curlew nesting habitats are present.
If after assessing proposals, FCS considers that the proposal will have a significant impact on the environment, then the land manager is required to formally apply for consent under the Forestry (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Scotland) Regulations 2017. During this process expert organisations, such as SNH and RSPB, will be consulted. All forestry proposals also need to comply with the biodiversity requirements of the UK Forestry Standard as a prerequisite for grant support.
b) In relation to development proposals, all planning applications must be determined in accordance with the development plan, unless material considerations indicate otherwise. Scottish Planning Policy, which is a material consideration, makes clear the planning system should seek benefits for biodiversity from new development where possible, including the restoration of degraded habitats and the avoidance of further fragmentation or isolation of habitats.
Where a proposal is likely to have a significant effect on the environment, an Environmental Impact Assessment Report will be required to accompany the planning application.
If after assessing proposals, FCS considers that the proposal will have a significant impact on the environment, then the land manager is required to formally apply for consent under the Forestry (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Scotland) Regulations 2017. During this process expert organisations, such as SNH and RSPB, will be consulted. All forestry proposals also need to comply with the biodiversity requirements of the UK Forestry Standard as a prerequisite for grant support.
b) In relation to development proposals, all planning applications must be determined in accordance with the development plan, unless material considerations indicate otherwise. Scottish Planning Policy, which is a material consideration, makes clear the planning system should seek benefits for biodiversity from new development where possible, including the restoration of degraded habitats and the avoidance of further fragmentation or isolation of habitats.
Where a proposal is likely to have a significant effect on the environment, an Environmental Impact Assessment Report will be required to accompany the planning application.
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S5W-11740 by reference.