Agenda Document Pack - Economy and Infrastructure Committee - 27/08/2025
Perth and Kinross Council · 27 August 2025
Back to Economy and Infrastructure Committee — 27 August 2025 and its agenda
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Ambition | Compassion | Integrity Our vision is for a Perth and Kinross where everyone can live life well, free from poverty and inequality Council Building 2 High Street Perth PH1 5PH 20/08/2025 A hybrid meeting of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee will be held in the Council Chamber on Wednesday, 27 August 2025 at 09:30. If you have any queries please contact Democratic Services on (01738) 475000 or email Committee@pkc.gov.uk. THOMAS GLEN Chief Executive Those attending the meeting are requested to ensure that all notifications are silent on their device and other devices are in silent mode. Please note that the meeting will be broadcast online and recorded. The recording will be publicly available on the Council’s website following the meeting. Members: Councillor Eric Drysdale (Convener) Councillor Jack Welch (Vice-Convener) Councillor Hugh Anderson Bailie Rhona Brock Councillor Steven Carr Councillor Stewart Donaldson Councillor John Duff Councillor Angus Forbes Councillor Ken Harvey Councillor Noah Khogali Councillor Grant Laing Councillor Willie Robertson Councillor Frank Smith Councillor Colin Stewart Councillor Alan Watt Page 1 of 128
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Economy and Infrastructure Committee Wednesday, 27 August 2025 Agenda Members are reminded of their obligation to declare any financial or non- financial interest which they may have in any item on this agenda in accordance with the councillors’ code of conduct. 1 WELCOME AND APOLOGIES/SUBSTITUTES 2 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST 3 MINUTE OF MEETING OF THE ECONOMY AND INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE OF 28 MAY 2025 FOR APPROVAL (copy herewith) 5 - 8 4 OUTSTANDING BUSINESS STATEMENT (copy herewith 25/209) 9 - 12 5 ADVERTISEMENT CONTROL NON-STATUTORY PLANNING GUIDANCE Report by Strategic Lead - Economy, Development and Planning (copy herewith 25/210) 13 - 44 6 COUNCIL SUPPORT TO BUSINESSES Report by Strategic Lead - Economy, Development and Planning (copy herewith 25/211) 45 - 72 7 RENEWABLE AND LOW CARBON ENERGY SUPPLEMENTARY GUIDANCE Report by Strategic Lead - Economy, Development and Planning (copy herewith 25/212) 73 - 128 Page 3 of 128
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Economy and Infrastructure Committee Minute of hybrid meeting of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee held in the Council Chambers on Wednesday 28 May 2025 at 9.30am. Present: Councillors E Drysdale, J Welch, Bailie C Ahern (substituting for Councillor H Anderson), K Allan (substituting for Councillor A Forbes), D Cuthbert (substituting for Bailie R Brock), F Smith, S Donaldson, J Duff, K Harvey, N Khogali, G Laing, S Carr, W Robertson, C Stewart and A Watt. In Attendance: S Merone, Strategic Lead – Economy, Development and Planning; S Cumiskey (up to and including Item 6), A Dobson (up to and including Item 7), S MacDonald, B Murray (up to and including Item 5), N Sworowski (up to and including Item 5) (all Economy, Development and Planning); F Crofts, Strategic Lead – Environment; C Daly, M Findlay, W Mahoney (up to and including Item 4), D McKeown and B Watt (all Environment and Infrastructure); J Guild, S Hendry, A Brown and M Pasternak (all Legal and Governance). Apologies: Bailie R Brock, Councillors H Anderson and A Forbes. Councillor E Drysdale, Convener, Presiding. Councillor E Drysdale led on Items 1-7 and Councillor J Welch led on Items 8-9. 1. Welcome and Apologies Convener welcomed everyone to the meeting. Apologies for absence were noted as above. 2. Declarations of Interest There were no Declarations of Interests in terms of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct. 3. Minute of Meeting of Economy and Infrastructure Committee of 5 February 2025 The minute of the meeting of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee of 5 February 2025 was submitted and approved as a correct record. 4. Outstanding Business Statement W Mahoney provided an update on Action 18 Road Gully Cleansing, advising the Committee that information is now live on PKC website to raise awareness amongst the public including informative videos and an interactive map of all gully locations across Perth and Kinross and past or future cleansing dates. Resolved: The status of actions in the Outstanding Business Statement (25/127) be noted and completed actions removed accordingly. 3 Page 5 of 128
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5. LDP3 – Development Plan Scheme There was submitted a report by Strategic Lead – Economy, Development and Planning (25/128) (1) seeking approval of the updated statutory Development Plan Scheme which proposes a revised timetable for the preparation of the next Perth and Kinross Local Development Plan (LDP3); and (2) highlighting the recent addendum prepared in relation to the LDP2 Delivery Programme. Resolved: (i) The updated Perth and Kinross Development Plan Scheme, be agreed. (ii) The Strategic Lead – Economy, Development and Planning be authorised to submit the Scheme to the Scottish Ministers. (iii) The publication of the addendum to the Delivery Programme for LDP2, be noted. 6. Perth and Kinross Tourism Strategy and Action Plan 2025-2030 There was submitted a report by Strategic Lead – Economy, Development and Planning (25/129) seeking endorsement of the Perth and Kinross Tourism Strategy and Action Plan 2025-2030. Resolved: (i) The draft Perth and Kinross Tourism Strategy and Action Plan 2025-2023, developed by Perthshire Tourism Partnership, be endorsed. (ii) Officers be requested to bring back annual progress reports to this Committee for consideration. (There followed a short recess and the meeting reconvened at 11.00am) 7. Review of Perth Harbour Operations to Support ‘Harbour Quarter’ and Inner River Tay Developments There was submitted a report by Strategic Lead – Economy, Development and Planning (25/130) providing members with an update on the review of Perth Harbour operations to support the delivery of the ‘Harbour Quarter’ promoted as part of the Perth City Development and Design Framework and wider Inner River Tay developments for leisure, tourism and nature. Resolved: (i) It be agreed to proceed with the option of a Harbour Revision Order retaining Statutory Harbour Authority and health and safety obligations excluding traffic for commercial vessels over 24 metres and ceasing Competent Harbour Authority duties in line with Transport Scotland suggestions. (ii) The Strategic Lead – Economy, Development and Planning be requested to report any financial implications of the review of Perth Harbour operations to the Finance and Resources Committee. (iii) The signification contributions made by the Harbour Board and its dedicated members be acknowledged and it be noted that that as the Board is no longer necessary it will be discontinued. Page 6 of 128
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In terms of Standing Order 22, Bailie Ahern requested his dissent to the decision be noted. 8. School Exclusion Zone Update There was submitted a report by Strategic Lead – Environment and Infrastructure (25/131) (1) providing an update on the effectiveness of school exclusion zones in Blairgowrie, Guildtown, Kinloch Rannoch and Perth; (2) proposing additional pedestrian facilities at Blairgowrie and Perth; and (3) recommending changes at the Viewlands zone in Perth to encourage better compliance with the access restriction. Resolved: (i) The effectiveness of the school exclusion zone programme within a defined road environment, be noted. (ii) The creation of permanent Traffic Regulation Orders for school exclusion zones at Blairgowrie Community Campus and at Guildtown, Inch View and Kinloch Rannoch Primary Schools, be approved. (iii) The creation of an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order to trial and exclusion zone at Tulloch Primary School, be approved. (iv) The public consultation on changes to the Viewlands School Exclusion Zone to encourage better compliance, be agreed. (v) The provision of the additional measures to improve pedestrian facilities around Blairgowrie Committee Campus and at Guildtown, Tulloch and Viewlands Primary Schools, and the removal of the school exclusion zone from the old Balhousie Primary School site, subject to consultation and available budgets, be approved. (vi) The implementation of a communications strategy to promote each school exclusion zone, be approved. 9. Active Travel Prioritisation Delivery Report There was submitted a report by Strategic Lead – Environment and Infrastructure (25/132) (1) providing an update on projects completed in 2024/25; (2) detailing the funding provided by Transport Scotland in 2025/26; and (3) seeking approval of the Active Travel Prioritisation Delivery Plan. Resolved: (i) The changes in Active Travel Infrastructure funding, be noted. (ii) The projects implemented from Teir 1 and other external grant funding for 2024/25, as detailed in Appendix 1 to Report 25/132, be noted. (iii) The Prioritisation Delivery Plan, as detailed in Appendix 2 to Report 25/132, be approved. (iv) Delegation of projects for delivery to the Strategic Lead – Environment and Infrastructure, within available funding based on the prioritised list of projects which have been subject to the criteria set out in the Prioritisation Deliver Plan, be approved. Page 7 of 128
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ECONOMY & INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE OUTSTANDING BUSINESS STATEMENT (OBS) (25/209) Please note that this statement sets out outstanding decisions of this committee along with an update and estimated completion date. Actions which are overdue are shaded for ease of reference. Where an update reflects that an action is complete then the Committee’s agreement will be sought to its removal from the OBS. No Minute Reference Subject Title Outstanding Action Update Lead Officer /Service Action Due / Complete Action Expected 23. 28 May 2025 Item 5 LDP3 – Development Plan Scheme Further information to be provided in relation to Appendix 3 – Housing Land Audit figures beyond Year 10. Circulated to Members via email 18/08/25 Brenda Murray / Nicola Sworowski COMPLETE 27 August 2025 24. 28 May 2025 Item 6 Perth and Kinross Tourism Strategy and Action Plan 2025 – 2030 Further information to be provided in relation to types of businesses classed as tourism businesses. Circulated to Members via email 23/06/2025. Suzanne Cumiskey / Steve Macdonald COMPLETE 27 August 2025 25. 28 May 2025 Item 6 Perth and Kinross Tourism Strategy and Action Plan 2025 – 2030 Further information to be provided in relation to domestic nights and the extent of overnight stays this includes. Circulated to Members via email 23/06/2025. Suzanne Cumiskey / Steve Macdonald COMPLETE 27 August 2025 26. 28 May 2025 Item 6 Perth and Kinross Tourism Strategy and Action Plan 2025 – 2030 Further information to be provided in relation to encouraging visitors to utilise various forms of public transport. Circulated to Members via email 23/06/2025. Suzanne Cumiskey / Steve Macdonald COMPLETE 27 August 2025 27. 28 May 2025 Item 8 School Exclusion Zone Update Committee to consider, in conjunction with relevant officers, a refresh or review of Safer Routes to School Climate Change funding has recently been awarded to support a wider piece of work around school road David McArthur / Craig Daly DUE Summer / Autumn 2026 4 Page 9 of 128
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No Minute Reference Subject Title Outstanding Action Update Lead Officer /Service Action Due / Complete Action Expected Plans to reflect new residential developments. safety and sustainable travel which will include a review of existing school travel plans. There will be a particular focus on early years to promote and encourage more sustainable travel methods with the potential for spend to save investment through reduced home to school transport costs. This is a medium term project which would aim to report back on findings by summer / autumn 2026. 28. 28 May 2025 Item 8 School Exclusion Zone Update Update on the public consultation exercise on the proposed changes to the Viewlands school exclusion zone. To ensure all parties have an opportunity to comment on the proposed Viewlands school exclusion zone, further consultation will be undertaken with parents and residents from the start of September and conclude by the end of the month. This will involve e-mail to parents and a maildrop to residents within and adjacent to the trialled zone. The proposal is for the access restriction to be reduced in area to Daryl McKeown / Craig Daly DUE 19 November 2025 Page 10 of 128
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No Minute Reference Subject Title Outstanding Action Update Lead Officer /Service Action Due / Complete Action Expected cover those streets closer to the campus. Responses would be collated in early October and with a report presented to E&I on 19 November 2025. The Road Safety Team will be liaising with the Head Teachers from the end of August about possible engagement with school pupils in early September. A progress meeting is also scheduled with the Ward Councillors for the end of August. Discussions have taken place with Police Scotland about an enforcement strategy should the new exclusion zone be installed. This would include an information campaign by PKC at the start of each term followed by enforcement, although this latter part will be subject to Police resources Page 11 of 128
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Our vision is a Perth and Kinross where everyone can live life well, free from poverty and inequality ___________________________________________________________________ Committee or Board: Economy & Infrastructure Committee Date of Meeting: 27 August 2025 Report Title: Advertisement Control Non-Statutory Planning Guidance Report Number: 25/210 Report Author: Dante Sosa (Development Plan Team) Organisational Lead: Serge Merone, Strategic Lead – Economy, Development and Planning ___________________________________________________________________ 1. Purpose 1.1 This report summarises updates made to the planning authority’s existing non-statutory Advertisement Control Planning Guidance Note, including comments received during the consultation period. It seeks approval to finalise and adopt the guidance to support the Local Development Plan. Such guidance would not have the status of being part of the Local Development Plan, but where relevant to a decision would be a material consideration to support the determination and enforcement of advertisement consents. 1.2 Sections 1. Purpose 2. Recommendations 3. Background/Main Issues 4. Consultation Responses and Final Amendments 5. Conclusion 6. Impact and Value Assessment 7. Appendices 2. Recommendations It is recommended that the Committee: 2.1 Approves the Advertisement Control Planning Guidance. 2.2 Delegates Authority to the Strategic Lead (Economy, Development and Planning) to make any necessary amendments to the format and layout of the guidance, and to adapt it for publication in accessible formats including online and on paper. 5 Page 13 of 128
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3. Background/Main Issues 3.1 Historic Information/Context 3.1.1 The Council has powers to control the display of advertisements in the interests of amenity or public safety. These powers are derived from Sections 182-187 of the Town & Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 (as amended), and the provisions of the Town and Country Planning (Control of Advertisements) (Scotland) Regulations 1984. The regulations are accompanied by Circular 10/1984, which sets out the Scottish Ministers guidance on the Control of Advertisements. 3.1.2 The Regulations set out the circumstances in which advertisements need consent from the planning authority and define limited circumstances where advertisements may be displayed without the need for an application. There is provision for planning authorities to set out relevant amenity or public safety criteria, and these will be material to the determination of advertisement consent applications. 3.1.3 The Council’s predecessor authority adopted and issued a planning advice note on advertisement control to guide applicants seeking advertisement consent. That advice note set out some locally derived policy and guidelines on advertisement control and illustrated the provisions of the relevant Act and Regulations and the matters to be taken into consideration when determining applications for advertisement consent. 3.1.4 This advice note has remained unaltered for many years and requires to be reviewed to ensure it remains relevant and fit for purpose. It is proposed to prepare and issue the updated note as non-statutory planning guidance. 3.2 Rationale for Recommendations made in Section 2 3.2.1 It is proposed that non-statutory Advertisement Control planning guidance be prepared to assist applicants in the preparation of applications for advertisement consent. Non-statutory planning guidance does not have the status of being part of the development plan, but where relevant to a decision would be a material consideration to be afforded such weight as determined by the decision maker. It would therefore be used to support the determination of applications for advertisement consent. 3.2.2 In terms of the content of the Advertisement Control non-statutory planning guidance, it is proposed that it should closely follow the original advice note. Few changes are proposed to the text and illustrations other than minor technical amendments or corrections. There have been essentially no changes to the advertisement regulations since they were introduced. However, given the age of the original advice note, there is considerable benefit in reviewing it to ensure it remains fit for purpose. 3.2.3 A copy of the finalised Advertisement Control non-statutory planning guidance is attached as Appendix 1 to this report. Page 14 of 128
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3.2.4 There are a few significant changes to the guidance note, these are summarised in more detail as follows: 3.2.5 Illuminated advertisements – The updated guidance includes reference to new technical guidance – The Brightness of Illuminated Advertisements including Digital Displays (2023) – prepared by the Institution of Lighting Professionals. This reflects changes in technology, including the application of digital displays. This is an area of the advertisement industry that has experienced significant growth since the original guidance note and was important to address in the updated guidance for Perth and Kinross. 3.2.6 Special protection for rural areas – Section 183 of the Act makes provision for authorities to establish areas of special control where different advertisement regulations apply. The updated guidance proposes that the Council’s area of special control be redefined as land outside of settlement boundaries, to be consistent with the Local Development Plan. For the definition of settlement boundaries, it is proposed to use the proposals maps in the Perth and Kinross Local Development Plan (adopted 2019) and the Cairngorms National Park Local Development Plan (adopted 2021). 3.2.7 Window Decals and Manifestations – The updated guidance addresses the issue of large-scale displays on shop or office windows using posters or adhesive vinyls. There has been an increased use of these displays which often have an adverse impact on active frontages, visual amenity and street vitality. These displays may be acceptable where used to cover windows of vacant premises, given they are not consisting of advertisement clutter and work to enhance the streetscape. 4. Consultation Responses and Final Amendments 4.1 The consultative draft was circulated internally for comments prior to being published for external consultation. Views were sought from Development Management and Development Plans to inform the draft. Once published the consultation was shared with PKC’s Transport Planning and Roads Network Management teams for feedback. 4.2 The draft guidance was published externally on the Consultation Hub from 1- 29 July 2025. The feedback questionnaire seeks input on the clarity of layout and information included, providing opportunity to comment on any changes thought to be required. Notice of the consultation was sent to the Development Plans contact list and advertised on PKC’s social media channels. 4.3 Views have been sought from the Cairngorms National Park Planning Authority on the consultative draft, specifically requesting feedback on the Areas of Special Control section which references settlements covered in the park’s Local Development Plan. No response was received. 4.4 Seventeen members of the public responded to the consultation on the draft guidance. When asked about the clarity of its layout and content, eleven answered "yes," five "somewhat," and one respondent did not reply. A detailed summary of the feedback and the planning authority’s responses is Page 15 of 128
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provided in Appendix 2. Five minor amendments have been made to the final guidance, as outlined below. 4.5 Stricter enforcement – Respondents welcomed the guidance and expressed support for efforts to regulate advertising. Several comments emphasised the need for stronger enforcement, particularly in Perth City Centre, Pitlochry, and Conservation Areas. In response, Paragraph 10 of the Enforcement section has been expanded to include a link to the Planning Enforcement webpage, enabling users to report potential breaches. 4.6 A-Boards – Several respondents recommended that the guidance address the use of A-Boards, which were identified as a growing concern in certain communities, notably Pitlochry. In response, Paragraph 11 of the Enforcement section has been expanded to clarify that A-Boards fall under the jurisdiction of the Roads Authority and are not covered by advertisement control regulations or this guidance. A reference to Perth & Kinross Council’s A-Board Guidelines—enforceable under Section 59 of the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984—has been included. 4.7 Pre-application advice – One respondent requested that PKC offer pre- application advice for advertisement proposals. In response, Paragraph 12 has been updated to include links to both the advertisement consent submission checklist and the pre-application service, where guidance can be sought. 4.8 Election notices – One respondent recommended strengthening the guidance regarding electioneering signage. In response, Paragraph 54 has been added to clarify that, under Regulation 12, election notices related to pending elections are granted deemed consent, provided they are removed within 14 days following the poll. 4.9 Illuminated advertisements – One respondent recommended the guidance should address illuminated displays near traffic lights. In response, Paragraph 65 has been included to reference proximity of illuminated displays near roadways. 5. Conclusion 5.1 The non-statutory Advertisement Control Planning Guidance has been prepared to support the determination and enforcement of advertisement consents. This document has been prepared through consultation with internal and external stakeholders. 6. Impact and Value Assessment 6.1 https://www.pkc.gov.uk/media/54266/Advertisement-Control-Planning- Guidance/pdf/Advertisement_Control_Planning_Guidance.pdf?m=175326721 1260 Page 16 of 128
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7. Appendices 7.1 Appendix 1 – Finalised Advertisement Control Planning Guidance 7.2 Appendix 2 – Summary of Consultation Responses 7.3 Appendix 3 – PKC Guidelines for A-Boards and Other Advertising Structures on Footpaths Page 17 of 128
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1 Perth and Kinross Council Advertisement Control Non-statutory planning guidance Final Draft – August 2025 Perth and Kinross Council (PKC) Policy on Signposting 1. Advertisements play an important role in our lives: they provide information and an awareness of services and products. But to serve their purpose, advertisements must command attention through the careful selection of sites, sizes, colours and, in some cases, methods of illumination. If there were no planning controls, advertisers would compete with each other by exaggerating each of these characteristics and the resulting clamour for attention would have serious effects on the appearance of our towns, villages and countryside. 2. In order to strike a balance between the conflicting interests of freedom for advertisers and the appearance of our surroundings, central government has provided regulations for use by planning authorities that set out the circumstances in which advertisements need permission. PKC’s Planning Authority’s interpretation of the Town and Country Planning (Control of Advertisements) (Scotland) Regulations 1984 is set out in this document as a broad guide to everyone resident and having a business in Perth and Kinross of the standards the Authority is trying to achieve. Areas of Special Advertisement Control 3. The whole of the countryside in Perth and Kinross is an ‘Area of Special Control’ which, as the name suggests, implies tight control on the erection of signs and general advertisements out with built-up areas. Within built-up areas, different considerations apply but, again, there is a need for restraint in the amount of advertising permissible. 4. The countryside in Perth and Kinross is defined here as any area out with the settlement boundaries outlined in the current Local Development Plan covering the area. For clarity, this also includes plans prepared by National Parks Planning Authorities. The ‘Area of Special Control’ will change accordingly should settlement boundaries change. Advertisement Signs on Listed Buildings and within Conservation Areas 5. Within Conservation Areas and on Listed Buildings new advertisements must be properly related to the architectural design of the buildings on which they are displayed. Particular attention will be paid to the size of lettering, and dignified styles should be employed with illumination restricted to the lettering only. 5 Page 19 of 128
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2 6. In Conservation Areas with a Regulation 11 Order, the deemed consents for advertisements listed in Schedule 4 of the regulations may not apply. For clarification, please refer to PKC's Interactive Heritage Map. Advance Warning Signs for Individual Premises 7. Advance signs will be permitted where, in the opinion of the Planning Authority, the display is ‘reasonably necessary’ for the transmission of information to the public, and where signs are not detrimental to the interests of amenity or road safety. The signs should only contain information, and the use of any general advertising will be discouraged. Official Directional Signs for Individual Premises 8. Official directional road signs (i.e. brown signs) will be considered by the Roads Authority in the following instances: a) If the Council is required to provide its own directional signage to communities along major roads; b) If the official directional signs to the nearest town or village are inadequate to guide users to an establishment; c) If the signage relates to a tourist destination that has received an official letter of accreditation from Visit Scotland. N.B. Hotels and restaurants are not regarded as tourist destination for the purposes of this policy. Advertisements on Buildings 9. In determining applications for consent to display advertisements on buildings, the Planning Authority will pay particular attention to design, dimensions, and position of the advertisement together with its impact on the building. The Planning Authority will not permit advertisements which would have a detrimental effect on the amenity and character of the street. In the interests of amenity, and in order to avoid clutter, the numbers of advertisements should be restricted to a minimum. In the case of signs erected within the curtilage of buildings, no more than one double sided sign will be permitted at the junction of an access drive with the public road. Illuminated Advertisements (including digital displays) 10. The impact of illuminated advertisements on amenity and public safety requires special consideration, especially with the growing use of digital displays. When considering applications for such signage the Planning Authority will refer to the most recent industry guidance on best practice, further detailed in Appendix 3. Enforcement 11. In the case of unauthorised signs on private land, the Planning Authority will use its Planning Enforcement Charter and will secure the removal of unacceptable signs through the powers Page 20 of 128
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3 contained in Regulations. Information on enforcement, including how to report a planning breach, can be found on the Planning Enforcement webpage. 12. Under Section 59 of the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984, it is an offence to place or deposit anything in a road (including the footpath/pavement), so as to cause an obstruction, except with the Roads Authority’s written consent. Unauthorised signage may be subject to removal by the Roads Authority under their enforcement powers, including advertisements on A-boards, in line with the Council’s A-Board Guidelines. Page 21 of 128
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4 Detailed Guidelines for Advertisers 13. The detailed guidelines which follow have been produced to assist potential applicants. The guidelines should be read in conjunction with Appendix 1 which lists those types of signs which do not require advertisement consent. Applicants are encouraged to visit our Other Consents and Permissions Application Checklist webpage for information on submission requirements or refer to the pre-application service webpage if seeking advice on a proposal. Advance Warning Signs for Individual Premises 14. Location – Where the principle of an individual sign is accepted, the display should normally comprise one double sided sign at the public/private road junction leading directly to the premises advertised. A series of repetitive signs will be unacceptable. In cases where two or more advance signs are justified at one road junction, the use of a composite sign will be encouraged. All signs must be erected out with the roads boundary. 15. Scale And Design – The overall size of individual advance signs will not normally exceed 1200 mm x 600 mm or be more than 1.5 m in height from ground level. The signs should contain only explanatory information rather than general advertising. 16. Illumination – Illumination will be permitted providing it can be done without prejudice to road safety. Figure 1: Advance warning signs for individual premises Page 22 of 128
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5 Shops and Offices 17. Location – In general terms, advertisement of commercial premises should be restricted to the fascia area of those premises having fascia displays. Only one projecting sign per commercial frontage will generally be allowed. The lower edge of such a sign must be at least 2450 mm above pavement level and must be set back at least 500 mm from the kerb. 18. Large-scale displays on windows using posters or adhesive vinyls are discouraged in order to retain an active frontage, preserve visual amenity and encourage vitality of the street. 19. Generally, displays covering the windows of vacant premises may be acceptable where they enhance the streetscape and are not considered to be advertisement clutter. 20. Scale And Design – the size of any advertisement should be related to the scale and form of the building on which it is displayed. The depth of any fascia should either be made to fit the space designed for it or, where no such space exists, its depth should not exceed 700 mm or one half of the vertical size between the top of the shop front and the sill of the first floor window, whichever is the smaller. Lettering should generally be restricted to 300 mm unless on a large scale building. Where lettering is applied directly to the face of the building without the use of a fascia board, its height will be subject to the same conditions. 21. Hand-painted fascias and hanging signs are encouraged. 22. The display of large projecting signs and advertisements on gable walls, forecourt walls, roofs and fences are generally discouraged. Figure 2: Fascias Page 23 of 128
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6 Figure 4: Large projecting signs and advertisements on gable walls, forecourt walls, roofs and fences are discouraged. 23. Illumination – Preference will be given to signs with individually illuminated letters. In all cases where illuminated signs are permitted, conditions will be attached to limit the luminance of the display. Illuminated signs must not resemble or be erected in close proximity to official highway or traffic lights. 24. In Conservation Areas and on listed buildings full length illuminated box type fascia signs and illuminated box type projecting signs are unlikely to be supported. 25. When assessing an application for advertisement consent, all illuminated advertisements (including digital displays) will be evaluated according to the technical guidance provided in Appendix 3. Hotels, Public Houses and Restaurants 26. Location – Generally, a greater amount of display is appropriate due to dependence on passing trade, although stricter control will be necessary where they relate to listed buildings or are located in Conservation Areas. Figure 3: Hanging signs Page 24 of 128
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7 27. One projecting sign on each frontage is the preferred arrangement, with any additional signs being wall mounted. Where the building is set back, consideration will be given to a free standing sign. 28. Scale And Design – Scale should be carefully related to that of the building and should not mask architectural features. Encouragement will be given to the use of individual designed signs in preference to standard ‘company’ signs. 29. Illumination – Illumination of signs is acceptable for these types of uses. External illumination of fascia, projecting or free standing pole mounted signs in preferable to internally illuminated box signs. Garages and Petrol Filling Stations 30. Location – The appropriate levels of display would normally comprise pole mounted illuminated totem style signage which may also display price or special offers. If a site has a frontage to more than one road, pole mounted signs may be permitted on more than one frontage. 31. Scale And Design – Forecourts should be kept free from the accumulation of advertising clutter through the rationalisation of advertisements on display. In particular, the display of banner signs on boundary fences or free standing structures is discouraged. 32. Illumination – It is appropriate for the pole mounted sign, and the company name and logo to be illuminated. Additional illumination, particularly of the entire canopy fascia, is considered excessive and will not be permitted. Industrial Buildings 33. Location – Advertisements identifying businesses or their products should generally be confined to the walls of the building, although free standing signs may be allowed where there are large yards or forecourts. 34. Scale And Design – Generally, the scale of signs and lettering should not be excessive in relation to the size of the building. 35. Illumination – Illumination of advertisements may be appropriate for the identification of individual properties within an industrial area, but should not be of a level which would cause nuisance to neighbouring residential areas. Display Panels or Hoardings 36. Location – New hoardings should be confined to small gap sites in urban areas, particularly those of a temporary nature, where it is proposed that a new building is to be erected. There will Figure 5: Petrol station display Page 25 of 128
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8 be a presumption against new hoardings in rural areas, Conservation Areas, predominantly residential areas, open areas within towns and villages and on or beside listed buildings. 37. Scale And Design – The scale and design of a hoarding should be related to the size and layout of the site. Where a gap site is involved a generous landscaping treatment should be incorporated. If free standing, it should be integrated into the framework of a wall, fence or purpose designed structure. 38. Illumination – In areas where hoardings may be allowed, there will normally be adequate levels of street lighting. If additional external illumination is considered appropriate the light source should be screened from any public area. Applications for digital hoardings will be evaluated according to the technical guidance on illuminated advertisements provided in Appendix 3. Bunting/Flags etc. 39. Banners, bunting and commercial flags bearing sponsors names etc. are considered inappropriate for permanent display. Flyposting (including Portable Signs) 40. Any flyposting within the Road boundary is illegal and any instances will be reported the Council’s Roads Authority for immediate action. In other cases of flyposting on private property or buildings the practice will be discouraged by use of the Planning Authority’s powers of enforcement. Concluding Remarks 41. Whilst this is an advice note, the Planning Authority strongly recommend that note is taken as Officers will use this as a guide to deem what is reasonable and ensure that in P&K the right balance is struck allowing advertising while ensuring no clutter or proliferation of adverts. As it is an advice note, there is scope for interpretation with a thought through design. Page 26 of 128
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9 Appendix 1: Advertisements for which Consent is not Required under The Town and Country Planning (Control of Advertisements) (Scotland) Regulations 1984, as Amended 42. The classes of advertisements displayed with deemed consent presented below are specified in Schedule 4 of the Town and Country Planning (Control of Advertisements) (Scotland) Regulations 1984, as amended. Deemed consent is subject to conditions specified in Schedule 4 which should be referred to for further detail on each class. 43. It is important to note that not all deemed consents apply where a Regulation 11 Order has been issued. This is relevant to most Conservations Areas. For more information, please refer to PKC's Interactive Heritage Map. Class 1 – Functional Advertisements 44. Advertisements relating to the functions of local authorities, community councils, statutory undertakers and public transport undertakers, which are reasonably required. Advertisements erected by a Planning Authority on land within their area. Figure 6: Functional advertisements Page 27 of 128
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10 Class 2 – Advertisements relating to Land on which Displayed 45. (a) For the purpose of identification, direction or warning. 46. (b) Relating to any person, partnership or company carrying on a profession, business or trade at the premises. Limited to one advertisement per person etc. or two if entrances on different roads. 47. (c) Relating to any institution of a religious, cultural, educational, recreational or medical character, or to any hotel, public house, block of flats, club or boarding house. Limited to one advertisement, or two if entrances on different roads. Class 3 – Certain Temporary Advertisements 48. Referring to the sale or letting of land or buildings (single board – 2 sq metres or in the case of joined boards together 2.3 sq metres). Sale of goods or livestock not on a regular basis (1.2 sq metres maximum). Building works (2 sq metres maximum). Announcement of local event (0.6 sq metres maximum). Demonstration of agricultural methods (display not to exceed 1.2 sq metres and no individual advertisement to exceed 0.4 sq metres). Advertisements on hoarding enclosing land where building operations are taking place which is designated in a Development Plan for commercial, industrial or business purposes and is not in a Conservation Area or an Area of Special Advertisement Control must be between 1.5 and 3.1 metres in height and between 1.0 and 6.1 metres in length. Figure 7: Advertisements relating to land on which displayed Figure 8: Certain temporary advertisements a b c Page 28 of 128
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11 Class 4 – Advertisements on Business Premises 49. Advertisement displayed on business premises related to activity carried on, goods sold or service provided. There are limitations on the area of advertisement, height of letters, and height above ground level. In the case of shops the wall must contain a display window. 50. Advertisements displayed within forecourts of business premises are limited to an aggregate area of 4.5 sq metres on each frontage. Figure 9: Advertisements on business premises Figure 10: Advertisements on business premises forecourt Page 29 of 128
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12 Class 5 – Advertisements Within Buildings 51. Advertisements displayed within any building where no one advertisement exceeds 250 sq cm in area, and where any group of adverts does not total more than one tenth area of door or window where displayed. Illuminated advertisements must not incorporate any moving feature or animation. For clarification, this applies to advertisements which are within a distance of one metre from any external door, window, or other opening through which the advertisement is visible from outside the building. Class 6 – Illuminated Advertisements 52. Individually illuminated letters limited to one advertisement fixed to the face of the building and not projecting more than 0.25 metres. The advertisement must not incorporate a moving feature or be illuminated intermittently. Minimum height of lowest part of advertisement 2.5 metres and maximum height 4.6 metres from ground level. There is no change in Conservation Area or Area of Special Advertisement Control. Figure 12: Illuminated advertisements 53. In the case of Classes 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 advertisements the maximum height of letters is 0.75 metre and 0.3 metre in an Area of Special Advertisement Control. Maximum height above ground level of highest part of advertisement is 4.6 metres and in an Area of Special Advertisement Control 3.6 metres unless otherwise stated. It is important to remember that all advertisements in Classes 1-6 must not obscure any road traffic signs or render hazardous the use of any road, railway, waterway or airfield. Figure 11: Advertisements within buildings Page 30 of 128
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13 Class 7 – Advertisements on ground based housing for electronic communications apparatus 54. Advertisements displayed on ground based housing for electronic communications apparatus required to be attached to that housing by virtue of Articles 8 and 9 of Commission Regulation (EC) No 1828/2006 setting out rules for the implementation of Council Regulation (EC) No 1083/2006 laying down general provisions on the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund and the Cohesion Fund and of Regulation (EC) No 1080/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the European Regional Development Fund. Regulation 12: Election Notices, Statutory Advertisements, Traffic Signs Figure 13: Election notices, statutory advertisements, traffic signs 55. Advertisements are granted deemed consent if they (a) relate to pending elections, (b) are statutory notices required by legislation or parliamentary procedure, or (c) are authorised traffic signs for safety and guidance. These must meet the following conditions: (a) election-related adverts must be removed within 14 days after polling; (b) temporary statutory or traffic-related advertisements must be removed promptly authorised period ends, or within a reasonable time if no period is specified; (c) statutory notices must comply with applicable limits on size, number, and height in relation to the display of advertisements of that class, and must not exceed what is necessary to fulfil their intended purpose. Miscellaneous Advertisements Exempt from Regulations 56. (a) Advertisements not readily visible from outside the curtilage; (b) within buildings; (c) on a vehicle (primarily employed as a moving vehicle but not when used primarily for the display of advertisements); (d) forming part of the fabric of a building; (e) & (f) advertisements on balloons flown at a height exceeding 60 metres or on a captive balloon advertising the premises to which it is tethered, limited to ten days in any year providing it is not in a Conservation Area or an Area of Special Advertisement Control, finally; (g) advertisements displayed on an article for sale or on a pump from which liquid or gas is sold provided it is not illuminated and does not exceed 0.1 sq metres in area. Page 31 of 128
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14 Figure 14: Miscellaneous advertisements exempt from regulations Page 32 of 128
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15 Appendix 2: Standard Conditions 57. Standard conditions are imposed in relation to all consents for the display of advertisements as set out below: 1) All advertisements displayed and any land used for the display of advertisements shall be maintained in clean and tidy condition to reasonable satisfaction of the Local Planning Authority. 2) Any hoarding or similar structure or any sign, placard, board or device erected or used principally for the purpose of displaying advertisements shall be maintained in a safe condition to the reasonable satisfaction of the Local Planning Authority. 3) Where any advertisement is required under the regulations to be removed, the removal thereof shall be carried out to the reasonable satisfaction of the Local Planning Authority. 4) Before an advertisement is displayed on land the permission of the owner of that land or other person entitled to grant permission shall be obtained. 58. Where an advertisement has deemed consent the following standard condition also applies: 5) Advertisements shall not be sited or displayed so as to obscure, or hinder the ready interpretation of, any road traffic sign, railway signal or aid to navigation by water or air, or so as to otherwise render hazardous the use of any road, railway, waterway (including any coastal waters) or airfield. Page 33 of 128
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16 Appendix 3: Technical Guidance on Illuminated Advertisements (including digital displays) 59. Illuminated advertisements are required to meet the conditions specified in Schedule 4 of the Town and Country Planning (Control of Advertisements) (Scotland) Regulations 1984 to be eligible for deemed consent. In all cases, the guidance detailed below will apply. 60. The technical guidance that follows was taken from the Professional Lighting Guide 05/23 (PLG05/23) “The Brightness of Illuminated Advertisements Including Digital Displays” (2023) published by the Institution of Lighting Professionals. We shall apply new standards where these are brought forward and update this guidance accordingly. 61. In accordance with the Institute of Lighting Professionals recommendations in PLG05/23, advertisements will be illuminated only in a manner as reasonably required to fulfil the purpose of the advertisement within the appropriate zoning. The PLG05/23 considers five lighting environmental zones described in the table below: Table 1: Lighting environmental zones Zone Surrounding Lighting Environment Examples E0 Protected Dark Astronomical Observable dark skies, UNESCO starlight reserves, IDA dark sky places E1 Natural Dark Relatively uninhabited rural areas, National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, IDA buffer zones etc. E2 Rural Low district brightness Sparsely inhabited rural areas, village or relatively dark outer suburban locations E3 Suburban Medium district brightness Well inhabited rural and urban settlements, small town centres or suburban locations E4 Urban High district brightness Town and city centres and other commercial areas with high levels of night-time activity 62. The PLG05/23 summarises the latest research on effects of colourful dynamic lighting (including digital displays) on the day and night-time environment. The maximum levels of display luminance will not exceed the thresholds specified in PLG05/23, shown in the tables below: Page 34 of 128
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17 Table 2: Recommended maximum night-time permitted values of display luminance Light Technical Parameter Maximum sign luminance (L,) cd / m2 Environmental zones Sign surface area E0 E1 E2 E3 E4 0 to < 5 m2 0 25 200 300 300 5 to < 20 m2 0 0 200 300 300 ≥ 20 m2 0 0 100 200 300 63. Illuminated displays are generally required to be switched off between midnight and 05:00 unless it is agreed with the planning authority that the installation is required to be operational at this time, in which case the display luminance shall be 50% of the figure in Table 2. 64. During daytime, the permitted value of display luminance is increased due to higher levels of background ambient lighting, shown below: Table 3: Recommended maximum daytime permitted values of sign luminance Daylight ambient Illuminance (Eh) [lux] Sign Luminance [cd/m2] Up to 3,500 ≤ 400 3,501 to 8,500 (overcast day) ≤ 1,000 8,501 to 15,000 (bright day with cloud cover) ≤ 2,500 15,001 to 25,000 (bright sunny day) ≤ 3,500 25,001 to 42,000 (direct sunlight) ≤ 5,000 42,001 and above > 5,000 Page 35 of 128
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18 65. Given the variations in daylight ambient lighting conditions, digital displays shall have a control device or other appropriate technology to ensure luminance is controlled in response to ambient light levels, as per the values in the table above. Image Rate of Change 66. Illuminated advertisements, including digital displays, are categorized into four classifications as outlined in Table 4. When positioned in proximity to the road network, particularly at junctions, this type of advertisement will be carefully considered, as dynamic or variable displays may pose a distraction to drivers. Table 4: Image rate of change categories for illuminated advertisements including digital displays Category Description Example F1 Static non-changing displays Unchanging display, traditional billboard, paper display in bus shelter, displays of fuel prices. F2 Static displays that change sequentially Digital displays, large and small format, showing static advertisements that change sequentially, road maintenance signage. F3 Variable displays / partial motion Pharmaceutical cross, stroboscope light. F4 Dynamic full motion displays Video / movie advertising display, or live transmission. Standard Conditions for Illuminated Advertisements, including Digital Displays 67. In addition to the luminance controls discussed above, the PLG05/23 recommends the following conditions also apply to illuminated advertisements, including digital displays, that consist of changing images: • There shall be no moving images, animation, intermittent or full motion video images, audio, directional symbols, or any images that resemble road signs or traffic signals, unless consent has been granted. • Static images shall not change more frequently than every 10 seconds, unless approved to do so by the planning authority. • Where multiple displays appear together, then the rate of change in each display shall be co- ordinated and consistent. Where such displays appear as a line together, then the transitions for each display shall be set such that they change all at once, but do not change in sequence along the road. • The advertisement shall at all times contain a feature that will turn the display off (showing a black/blank screen) in the event of malfunction or error. Page 36 of 128
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19 Useful Links • Adopted Local Development Plan (LDP2) - Perth & Kinross Council • Cairngorms National Park - Local Development Plan • Interactive heritage map - Perth & Kinross Council • Planning enforcement - Perth & Kinross Council • Other Consents and Permissions Application Checklist • Pre-application services - Perth & Kinross Council • A-Board Guidelines Page 37 of 128
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Advertisement Control Planning Guidance Consultation Report Is the layout and information in the Draft Advertisement Control Guidance (2025) clear? Comment Summary Received From PKC Officer Response Changes to be Made to Guidance Respondents welcome the guidance and support efforts to control advertising. Public We welcome the positive feedback. No change. Stricter enforcement of the guidance is required. Specific locations mentioned are Perth City Centre, Pitlochry and Conservation Areas. Issues of poor- quality, plastic signage in conservation areas and flyposting of big posters were raised. Public The guidance addresses both signage within conservation areas (para. 5) and flyposting (para. 39). Information on enforcement, including how to report a planning breach, can be found Planning Enforcement webpage. Paragraph 11 expanded to include link to PKC’s Planning Enforcement webpage. Request for PKC to provide pre-application advice on proposals for sign construction and placement. Public The guidance includes detailed guidelines for applicants and Appendix 1 provides clarification on deemed consents. Applicants are encouraged to visit our Other Consents and Permissions Application Checklist webpage for information on submission requirements or refer to the Paragraph 13 expanded to include link to application checklist and pre-application service. 5 Page 39 of 128
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pre-application service webpage if seeking advice on a proposal. States there is no avenue for appeal if a sign is deemed unacceptable by the planning authority. Public You have the right to make an advertisement consent appeal to Scottish Ministers. Please refer to the following link for further information - Advertisement consent appeals. No change. Information on the right to appeal is provided when a Decision Notice is issued. Guidance should address the use of A-Boards, as this is a growing issue in certain communities (e.g. Pitlochry). Public Under Section 59 of the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984, it is an offence to place or deposit anything in a road (including the footpath/pavement), so as to cause an obstruction, except with the Roads Authority’s written consent. Unauthorised signage may be subject to removal by the Roads Authority under their enforcement powers, including advertisements on A- boards, in line with the Council’s A-Board Guidelines. Paragraph 12 expanded to reference the Road Authority’s A-Board Guidelines. Guidance should limit the number and location of poles supporting brown tourist signs. These can look cluttered and impact visual amenity (e.g. Atholl Road, Pitlochry). Public The display of brown tourist signs falls under the responsibility of the Roads Authority, and any related issues should be reported directly to them. The guidelines promote the use of composite signs where multiple signs are required. No change. Guidance should be strengthened on electioneering signage. In particular, the issue of large political displays on private land along roads (e.g. A9) should be addressed with clarification around enforceable restrictions. Public Regulation 12 states notices relating to pending elections are granted deemed consent. The only condition specified is for the notice to be removed within 14 days after polling. Information on enforcement, including how to report a planning breach, can be found Planning Enforcement webpage. Paragraph 55 inserted to provide further information on Regulation 12 and clarify Figure 13. Guidance should address illuminated displays near traffic lights. Public When positioned in proximity to the road network, particularly at junctions, this type of advertisement will Paragraph 66 included to address proximity of illuminated displays near roadways. Page 40 of 128
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be carefully considered, as dynamic or variable displays may pose a distraction to drivers. Guidance should address signage for seasonal attractions and provide definitions for “permanent” and “temporary” advertisements. Public These cases are assessed on a case-by-case basis when an application is received, or a planning breach has been reported. No change Guidance should address signage at road junctions. In particular, the issue of directional signage being placed after lanes have been divided was raised. Public Paragraph 13 states the display of advance warning signs for individual premises should be located at the public/private road junction leading directly to the premises advertised. No change. Guidance should address maintenance of advertisement displays, including cleanliness and overgrown vegetation obscuring signs. This should reference obligations for both PKC and private advertisers. Public Appendix 2: Standard Conditions specifies that all advertisements displayed and any land used for the display of advertisements shall be maintained in clean and tidy condition to reasonable satisfaction of the Planning Authority. No change. Guidance should address placement of poles containing signage on pavements. Respondent raises concerns around these obstructing narrow pavements for wheelchairs and prams (e.g. northeast and northwest corners of West Moulin Road and Atholl Road in Pitlochry). Public Under Section 59 of the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984, it is an offence to place or deposit anything in a road (including the footpath/pavement), so as to cause an obstruction, except with the Roads Authority’s written consent. Pavement obstructions should be reported to the Roads Authority. Paragraph 12 expanded to reference Section 59 of the Roads (Scotland) Act. Guidance should enable rural businesses (e.g. village shops, post officers, etc) to display roadside advertisement at approaches to villages so that, like hotels, pubs and restaurants, they can benefit from passing traffic. Council policies should support rural business to prevent the loss of these local hubs. Public The guidance provides a framework for the planning authority to maintain an appropriate balance of freedom for advertisers and protecting visual amenity and public safety. Paragraph 7 states advance warning signs for individual premises will be permitted when the display is reasonably necessary for the transmission of information to the public, and where signs are not detrimental to the interests of amenity or road safety. No change Page 41 of 128
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The guidance lacks visual examples of acceptable or unacceptable in terms of scale or design. Public The guidance contains diagrams exemplifying acceptable scale and design. These provide advertisers a framework within which there is scope to suit site- specific context. No change. Suggestion for diagrams to be redrawn to make figures clearer and easier to read. Public Noted. Diagrams were sourced from the existing guidance and may be updated in the final document subject to resource availability. Final version to have updated diagrams. Suggestion for document to be reformatted to clarify which text and diagrams are associated. Public Noted. Document layout will be updated in the final version of the guidance. Final version to have updated layout. Respondent asks why there is a difference in allowable sizes for signs outside the illustrated joiners and hotel in Figure 7. Public The varying sizes shown in Figure 7 correspond with the different types of advertisement listed a-c included under Class 2. Figure 7 updated to include reference to relevant text. Respondent asks why it states that petrol stations "may" display prices and not "must". Public There is currently no legal requirement for petrol stations to display fuel prices. No change. Page 42 of 128
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If you or someone you know would like a copy of this document in another language or format, (on occasion, only a summary of the document will be provided in translation), this can be arranged by contacting the Customer Service Centre on 01738 475000. You can also send us a text message on 07824 498145. All Council Services can offer a telephone translation facility. www.pkc.gov.uk (PKC Design Team - 2017747) Guidelines for A-Boards and other advertising structures on footpaths. Keep Clear and Remove Obstacles! A-Boards are used as promotion by businesses throughout the Council area. Over the years the number and size of A-Boards used by businesses on footpaths and pavements has increased, and this growth has been brought to the Council’s attention by local communities. We recognise that they are an important way for businesses to communicate with shoppers and visitors. However they, and similar structures, can cause access problems for pedestrians, particularly people who have a visual impairment, wheelchair users and people with pushchairs. A-Boards can also affect road safety and visibility if inappropriately used. It is important therefore that the number, size and positioning of A-Boards is controlled so they do not cause difficulty for pedestrians. We want to work with businesses and local communities to achieve a sensible and practical approach to their use. In introducing these guidelines, we expect to improve access for pedestrians by reducing the number of areas where the amount of A-Boards has an adverse impact on free movement for both able-bodied people and those with a disability. This scheme has the support of the Centre for Inclusive Living Perth & Kinross (CILPK). Both the Council and CILPK will be pleased to discuss with businesses any proposals for A-Boards or provide advice/clarification on suitable locations: Centre for Inclusive Living Perth & Kinross 90 Tay Street, PERTH, PH2 8NP Email info@cilpk.org.uk Perth & Kinross Council Pullar House, 35 Kinnoull Street, PERTH, PH1 5GD Tel 01738 475000 Details correct at time of going to press March 2018. These guidelines may be modified at any time by Perth & Kinross Council. 5 Page 43 of 128
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• No sign shall be placed on a street corner and/or obstruct driver/pedestrian visibility or access to buses etc. • Each sign must be removed outwith trading hours. • Anyone who places a sign on the public footway should also be aware that any liability arising from an accident involving an A-Board remains with the board’s owner. It is not only A-boards that are an issue - there are also other display items which are inconsistently placed, along with waste containers. 8 Why do we need these guidelines? 8 84 Under Section 59 of the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984, it is an offence to place or deposit anything in a road (including the footpath/pavement), so as to cause an obstruction, except with the Roads Authority’s written consent. As a Council we do not wish to impose a blanket ban on the use of A-Boards, in recognition of the importance of promotion for local businesses. However, due to their excessive use, it has now become necessary to issue the following guidelines for acceptable placement of advertising signs: • The sign consists of a simple A-Board of modest size (maximum dimensions 1.0m by 0.5m). • The sign must be located within the frontage of the premises to which it relates, with one edge of the frame against that frontage (except in the pedestrianised zone of Perth City Centre, where it should be located in line with existing permanent street furniture). • There must only be one sign per premises, located in a regular position. • No part of the sign shall be closer than 1.2 metres to the kerb or other piece of street furniture, and shall not be physically attached to any piece of street furniture. The temporary and mobile nature of these boards means that blind and partially sighted people cannot learn where they are, so struggle to avoid walking into them. It is the Council’s intention to enforce these guidelines with immediate effect. We would welcome your full co-operation, in the interests of public safety and physical amenity. Failure to comply with the above guidelines or with any reasonable request from a Council officer regarding a sign will result in it being uplifted, and it will not be returned. Page 44 of 128
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Our vision is a Perth and Kinross where everyone can live life well, free from poverty and inequality ___________________________________________________________________ Committee or Board: Economy and Infrastructure Committee Date of Meeting: 27 August 2025 Report Title: Council Support to Businesses Report Number: 25/211 Report Author: Steve MacDonald, Economic Development Manager (Business, Place and Investment) Organisational Lead: Serge Merone, Strategic Lead – Economy, Development and Planning ___________________________________________________________________ 1. Purpose 1.1 The purpose of this report is to provide a series of actions and recommendations which enhance interactions between the Council and businesses. They aim to build on and improve our business-friendly approach and create a supportive environment with our partners to improve our strong business start-up and growth performance. 1.2 Sections 1. Purpose 2. Recommendations 3. Background/Context 4. Main Issues 5. Proposals 6. Conclusion 7. Impact and Value Assessment 8. Appendices 2. Recommendations 2.1 It is recommended that the Committee considers and comments on the contents of the report. 2.2 It is recommended that the Committee approves the following recommendations as set out in the proposals: (i) it is recommended that a ‘Business-friendly’ Cross-Service Officer Group is established chaired by the Strategic Lead (Economy, Development and Planning). 6 Page 45 of 128
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(ii) it is recommended that the Council review its interactions with the Local Employability Partnership (LEP) to improve employability support services including impact tracking and continue to facilitate synergies between LEP and Perth and Kinross Economic Partnership. (iii) it is recommended that the Business, Place and Investment team carries out a full review of the Business Gateway contract arrangements with a full delivery options appraisal and report back to the Economy and Infrastructure Committee in August 2026. (iv) it is recommended that an update on the Commercial Property Investment Programme (CPIP) is provided to the Economy and Infrastructure Committee in Spring 2026. 3. Background/Context 3.1 At its meeting on 5 February 2025, the Economy and Infrastructure Committee noted the ‘Scotland National Strategy for Economic Transformation’, ‘Tay Cities Prospectus for Regional Growth (2025-2035)’ and endorsed the ‘Perth and Kinross Economic Action Plan (2025-2030)’. These provide national, regional and local context and direction for economic growth. 3.2 The Action Plan sets out the approach the Perth and Kinross Economic Partnership will take over the next five years (2025-2030) to grow a stronger, greener, fairer and more sustainable economy for Perth and Kinross. The Action Plan was developed using strong evidence base and through engagement with partners as well as public consultation. 3.3 The key objectives of the plan include: • Supporting our local businesses to grow, attract jobs and investment. • Tackling inequalities. • Supporting the transition to net zero. 3.4 Ensuring that we have the right business support offering in Perth and Kinross, through both our contracted programmes and general interactions, is one of the key actions and critical to achieve our objectives. 3.5 Perth and Kinross has 6,630 private sector registered businesses, employing 57,430 people. We experienced a net increase of 55 registered businesses in 2024 indicating good start-ups trend and are ranked 10th out of 32 local authority areas in Scotland. 3.6 The largest number of registered businesses in Perth and Kinross are Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SME’s). Overall, SME’s employed 33,330 people in 2024. Of these, 6,105 registered businesses employ less than 50 people (23,370 employed); 195 businesses employ between 50-249 people (7,960 people employed). The remaining 24,100 people were employed in 330 businesses that employ 250 plus people. 3.7 It is important to recognise that Perth and Kinross has a relatively diverse economy with no one sector dominating. Page 46 of 128
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3.8 The 5-year survival rate of 49.5% (2017-2022) for businesses in Perth and Kinross has been a long-term strength and is the third highest in Scotland. 3.9 Perth and Kinross was recently rated the highest in the UK for the number of businesses likely to grow by 20% or more over the next year (Growth Flag Annual Report 2025), highlighting our strong growth potential. 3.10 Overall, Perth and Kinross business economic performance is strong. By building on and improving our business-friendly approach and creating a supportive environment with our partners we can further improve the number of start-ups and growth businesses in our region. 3.11 Several enhancements were identified by the Scrutiny and Performance Committee in the ‘Review of Interactions between Businesses and the Council including Business Support activities’ report approved on 23 April 2025 (Report 25/92). This report recognises these and provides recommendations for improvement. 4. Main Issues 4.1 There are multiple interactions between the Council and businesses. The diagram below provides some examples of these. It is important to note that business support activities represent only a small proportion of the interactions between businesses and the Council. Several of the other areas are operational and linked to specific services. Page 47 of 128
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5. Proposals 5.1 ‘Business-friendly’ Cross-Service Officer Group 5.1.1 As previously mentioned, the Councils activities cut across several services which provide information, guidance and support to businesses. 5.1.2 There is a need to create a mechanism to respond to any emergency issues and identify areas of improvement to strengthen our business-friendly approach. 5.1.3 To support this, it is proposed to establish a ‘Business-friendly’ Cross-Service Officer Group, chaired by the Strategy Lead (Economy, Development and Planning). The group will include officers who interface with businesses with a flexible and agile membership to focus on the Council priorities and business needs. The group could also be mobilised to deal with emergencies. They will liaise with other established business-related groups such as the Climate Change Business and Industry Group to avoid duplication and maximise synergies. Regular update briefings will be produced when needed, and an annual update will be provided to this committee. 5.2 Business Intelligence and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) System 5.2.1 In January 2025, the Business, Place and Investment Team launched a bespoke Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system – produced by Bank Search – as a business engagement management tool. The CRM allows the team to effectively track all interactions with businesses, focussing on key growth companies. The Top 100 growth companies are identified using several measures which helps the team manage interactions with businesses. This includes significant turnover or employment, and direct support to those with key growth potential, including the creation of jobs. 5.2.2 We will continue to develop our CRM system and maximise integration opportunities with the Master Customer Record (MCR) developed by the Business Support Partnership at national level as part of our business support services (see section 5.8.4 below). 5.3 Business Lead Officer 5.3.1 The Business, Place and Investment Team has overall responsibility for business engagement. 5.3.2 In addition to the ‘Business-friendly’ Cross-Service Officer Group, individual members of the Business, Place and Investment team will act as a ‘Business Lead Officer’ for each of those companies identified in our Top 100 and growth businesses list. This will include being a key point of contact and liaising with other services as well as supporting Elected Members, Executive Leadership Team and Strategic Leads in their interactions with businesses through briefings, meetings or site visits. This would also be in place for inward investment enquiries of scale, assessed and determined by the Lead Page 48 of 128
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Officer. These interactions are essential to understand individual business needs and priorities and how the Council can respond effectively. 5.4 Business Promotion and Support (Invest in Perth) 5.4.1 The Business, Place and Investment Team has overall responsibility for business promotion and support. The team is working closely with local and national partners such as the Scottish Cities Alliance (SCA) to promote investment opportunities. 5.4.2 The team leads business and investment promotion via Invest in Perth brand and digital platforms. This includes: - Investment Prospectus – highlighting key opportunities (Appendix 1). The £530 million investment prospectus was launched at the UK’s Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum in April 2025, in partnership with the Scottish Cities Alliance. - Inward Investment and Land Opportunities – including Perth Eco- Innovation Park at Perth West / Northfield Business Park / other land and property enquiries (including working with private sector agents). - Management of grant and investment programmes, including Green Capital Development, Beyond Scotland Market Development, Adapt Your Property and Angel Share. - Our monthly Business and Economy Bulletin and Invest in Perth social media are key communication channels between the Council and businesses. This could be further developed through bespoke meetings or visits by Elected Members, Executive Leadership team or Strategic Leads supported by Business Lead Officers as described above in the report. 5.4.3 Outcomes from the grant programmes will be reported back annually to the Economy and Infrastructure Committee and through regular briefing notes including impact tracking and long-term sustainability. 5.4.4 Bespoke promotional opportunities will continue to be identified which showcase individual businesses successes and achievements. 5.5 Business networks 5.5.1 In addition to direct engagement with individual business, the Council is also engaging with several business networks. These include Perthshire Chamber of Commerce, Federation of Small Businesses, Perth and Kinross Business Partnership, sector-specific networks (Perth and Kinross Tourism Partnership) or roundtable discussions such as the one organised in January 2025 with the agricultural sector. These interactions are essential to understand collective business needs and priorities and how the Council can respond. 5.5.2 In addition to individual interactions with each business network, it is beneficial to bring business networks together to understand collective business needs and priorities. Perthshire Chamber of Commerce, Federation of Small Businesses, Perth and Kinross Business Partnership and Perth and Kinross Tourism Partnership are all members of Perth and Kinross Economic Page 49 of 128
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Partnership. They have co-developed Perth and Kinross Economic Action Plan which aligns business needs and priorities to our shared economic objectives. 5.5.3 The Council will continue to support the Perth and Kinross Economic Partnership as a strategic engagement platform with business networks and collectively with the whole business community in Perth and Kinross. One possible action that the Partnership would explore as part of its communication and marketing plan is the organisation of an annual business and economic summit or conference. This event could be complemented by a series of smaller events for business leaders or sector-specific roundtable discussions. 5.6 Skills and Employability Support Services 5.6.1 One key area of engagement with businesses and business networks are the alignment of skills with economic needs. The Perth and Kinross Economic Partnership leads on this when the Perth and Kinross Local Employability Partnership (LEP) leads on employability support activities. The Perth and Kinross Local Employability Strategy and Action Plan provides a framework for providing employment support bringing economically inactive and unemployed people back to the job market. Business engagement is essential to both. The Council, through its skills and employment support, engage with and support businesses in several ways, including recruitment assistance, skills support, financial assistance and incentives. 5.6.2 It is proposed that the Council review its interactions with the LEP to improve employability support services including impact tracking and continue to facilitate synergies between LEP and Perth and Kinross Economic Partnership. This could be done in close liaison with UHI Perth which is a member of both partnerships and has a key role to play in this area. 5.7 Business Support Non-Departmental Public Bodies 5.7.1 The Council is interacting with business support Non-Departmental Public Bodies, namely Scottish Enterprise (including Scottish Development International), Skills Development Scotland and Visit Scotland. The Council has regular meetings with each to deliver on local and national priorities as well as supporting business individually or collectively. All are members of the Perth and Kinross Economic Partnership and/or LEP. 5.7.2 We will continue to strengthen our interactions with them individually and develop synergies collectively through the Perth and Kinross Economic Partnership and LEP to maximise impact of business support. 5.8 Business Support Services 5.8.1 Business support services provided by the Council sit within the context of a variety of organisations involved in business support in Scotland, co-ordinated through the national Business Support Partnership. Page 50 of 128
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5.8.2 Almost all the organisations work at a national level, with local delivery delegated to regions and local authority areas, principally through the Business Gateway contract. 5.8.3 One of the challenges of co-ordinating business support across Scotland is that each agency uses different Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems to record interactions with businesses. This can result in duplication and inefficiency. 5.8.4 The Business Support Partnership has started work on a Master Customer Record (MCR) for all of Scotland. This will deliver efficiencies and help to inform and target support better. 5.8.5 We will continue to support the creation of MCR and contribute towards its development while maximising integration opportunities with our own CRM system. This will be led by the Business, Place and Investment Team. 5.8.6 The Council, as part of the wider Tay Cities Region, commissions Elevator to deliver the Business Gateway contract on our behalf. This is covered by a Service Level Agreement as part of a nationally funded contract managed by Dundee City Council. The total award is £1,512,666 across the Tay Cities Region. Funding is distributed at a regional level across Scotland, based on population. The contract covered the period April 2023 to March 2025 with the option to extend for up to three additional single years until March 2028. The contract is in its first additional year (25/26). 5.8.7 Business Gateway has 12 staff across Tayside with a team of 5 focussing on Perth and Kinross located at the Creative Exchange. The Business Gateway team works closely with the Business, Place and Investment Team to co- ordinate individual or collective business support activities. 5.8.8 Performance is monitored by the Business, Place and Investment team through quarterly meetings and has remained strong throughout the contract. Targets against both business start-ups and growth were achieved in 2024-25 and remain on track for 2025-26. A Business Gateway Board meets quarterly, providing strategic direction and ensuring delivery against set targets. The Convener of the Enterprise and Infrastructure Committee, or an alternate, attend the Board on behalf of the Council. 5.8.9 Whilst performance is strong, we should continue to review performance, value for money and how the support aligns and contributes to our growth aspirations at a local level, including alignment with key sectors. At the last meeting on 31 May 2025, the Board discussed a process to review the contract arrangements for further extension. The process would start in October with the Board considering one additional year extension in November and the contractor informed in January. This would run from April 26 – March 27. 5.8.10 It is proposed that the Business, Place and Investment Team will carry out a full review of the Business Gateway contract arrangements with a full delivery options appraisal and report back to the Economy and Infrastructure Committee in August 2026. The agreed delivery options could then be in Page 51 of 128
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place from April 2027 (for third extension year) or from April 2028 (outwith existing contract) if agreed. 5.8.11 The Council financially supports GrowBiz to deliver business support services in rural Perth and Kinross via a team of self-employed Enterprise Facilitators. GrowBiz also has an accredited mentoring programme which trains volunteer mentors, runs peer-to-peer and training events and specialised groups via Perthshire Artisans. 5.8.12 The Council is providing £140k to deliver outputs and outputs agreed through a Service Level Agreement (SLA) monitored by the Business, Place and Investment Team. Key areas include: - 1-2-1 business support - Learning and networking sessions - Social enterprise support and development - Specialist creative sector support - Specialist care and wellbeing sector support - Young entrepreneurship - Net zero awareness and learning. 5.8.13 Whilst performance is strong, the Business, Place and Investment Team will continue to review, through the SLA, performance, value for money, qualitative information on outcomes such as jobs, business turnover and social inclusion and how the support contributes to our growth aspirations at a local level, including alignment with key sectors. 5.9 Provision of Employment Land and Commercial Properties 5.9.1 The private sector is usually the primary provider of employment land and commercial properties, but the market conditions must be supportive. Market conditions include land availability and costs, development costs, sufficient demand and level of rents or sales to ensure a return on investment. However, when market conditions are not supportive, public-sector can intervene and stimulate development and demand. 5.9.2 The Perth and Kinross Employment Land and Property Market Analysis Report (December 2022) recognised that while the employment land market benefits from a generous planning allocation, the majority of allocated employment land supply is constrained to some extent and is unlikely to be developed in the short-medium term without public sector intervention. 5.9.3 A survey of local businesses found that 43% of occupiers have, or will shortly have, a requirement to expand or relocate. 5.9.4 The Council’s Commercial Property Investment Programme (CPIP) includes projects to deliver new small business units and serviced employment land. Following initial capital investment, the CPIP is using sale receipts to fund itself. Demonstrating a commitment to supporting local businesses, the Council, at its budget on 26 February 2025, agreed additional borrowing of £7m over the next 3 years in addition to £2m the previous year. This will allow the development of new employment land and small business units across the Page 52 of 128
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area, supporting new business start-ups and growth. The CPIP is being delivered and managed by the Estates and Commercial Investment Team. A Board has been established to support delivery. 5.9.5 An update will be provided to the Economy and Infrastructure Committee in Spring 2026. 6. Conclusion 6.1 Perth and Kinross has a strong economy both in terms of number of businesses, sectoral mix, survival rate and growth potential. This is evidenced by our rating from Growth Flag as having the strongest growth potential (likely to grow by at least 20%) amongst businesses in the UK for the year ahead. 6.2 The Council has many interactions with businesses individually or collectively. By fostering collaborative working across services and partners, the recommendations contained within this report will help to build on and improve the ‘Business-friendly’ approach adopted by the Council, improving our economic performance and the opportunities for our businesses and residents. 7. Impact and Value Assessment 7.1 Not applicable. 8. Appendices 8.1 Appendix 1 – Perth and Kinross Investment Prospectus Page 53 of 128
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PB 1 Invest in Perth and Kinross A vibrant, forward-thinking business destination full of investment opportunity and potential. 6 Page 55 of 128
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2 3 This Investment Prospectus presents the current investment opportunities in Perth and Kinross and provides an overview of our priorities, ambitions and business support for interested investors and partners. The prospectus also highlights the strength of our connections, recent successful investments, and the supportive environment we offer for driving forward leading innovations and sustainable growth. Please contact our dedicated team to understand more about our latest investment opportunities and for support with your interests. Welcome Contents INTRODUCTION Choose Perth and Kinross Perth and Kinross at a Glance Our Sectors and Capabilities The Best Place to Start and Grow a Business INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES Investment Opportunities Overview 1. Eco-Innovation Park 2. Perth City Heat Network 3. Strategic Energy Partnership 4. Advanced Plastics Sorting and Upcycling Factory 5. Binn Eco Park 6. Northfield Business Park 7. Culture Quarter 8. Mill Quarter 9. Station Quarter 10. Harbour Quarter CASE STUDIES SSE Energy Solutions Aviva 4 6 8 10 11 12 14 16 18 20 22 26 28 30 31 32 33 Kirsty Easton Senior Economic Development Officer KEaston@pkc.gov.uk Key Contacts Oliver Johnstone Economic Development Officer OJohnstone@pkc.gov.uk Page 56 of 128
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4 5 Choose Perth and Kinross Perth and Kinross is consistently ranked as one of the top five places to live and work in the UK, and we have a perfect balance that suits flexible working. With the vibrant city of Perth, surrounded by stunning scenery, home to a thriving arts and cultural scene, excellent schools, and a competitive housing market, it’s easy to see why. Globally renowned in our key sectors of food and drink, energy, finance, creative industries and tourism, our innovation and forward- thinking make Perth one of Europe’s most sustainable and attractive small cities. In a prime location in Scotland’s central belt, Perth and Kinross is a central hub for national rail, with fast connections to international airports and all major UK road networks. We are at the centre of the Tay Cities, a region with a long track-record of successful partnership working backed by transformational public investment. The Tay Cities Region Deal brings £300m of investment into a range of economic development projects including digital skills, biomedical, agri-tech, and low carbon and renewable technologies, and we connect fantastic talent, research and infrastructure to unlock sustainable growth. We have a diverse and resilient business community - from being Scotland’s independent business champion to proudly being home to major national and international brands, including Highland Spring, Stagecoach, SSE, Aviva, and Castle Water, amongst others. Our national and international connectivity, digital and energy infrastructure, and developer-ready sites mean Perth and Kinross is an innovative business and investment location. Here in Perth and Kinross, our connected infrastructure and dynamic sites can help provide your launchpad for sustainable growth. The Business, Place and Investment Team is continually working on developing a range of opportunities and is here to help unlock your investment. Offering a rich heritage, entrepreneurial spirit and exceptional connectivity, Perth and Kinross is a word-class environment for business and investment success. Perth and Kinross Glasgow Mancester Belfast Edinburgh Newcastle London Aberdeen Dundee Inverness Page 57 of 128
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6 7 Perth and Kinross at a Glance Innovative, Sustainable, Connected Perth and Kinross is a vibrant region, full of opportunity and potential. Located within the innovative and skilled Tay Cities region, our rich heritage, entrepreneurial spirit and exceptional connectivity offer a word-class environment for business and investment success. Economic Opportunity Forward-thinking Entreprenurial Mindset • £4bn GVA per annum. • 12% growth in the past 10 years. High Levels of Productivity • 17% higher than the Scotland average. Strongly Positioned to Lead in the Green Transition and Unlock Sustainable Economic Growth • Publicly committed to making Perth one of Europe’s most sustainable small cities. • Abundant natural resources and biodiversity, and considerable opportunities in renewable energy. • A leading destination for innovation, entrepreneurship and higher than average business survival rates. Region of World-Leading Expertise • Home to the largest University of the Highlands and Islands campus, close to St Andrews, Edinburgh, Dundee and Abertay Universities; and the James Hutton Institute, an agri-tech world leader. Talented and Skilled Labour Market Life in a Stunning Environment Home to Diverse and Innovative Businesses • 65,000 working age residents in the Perth Travel to Work Area. • A highly skilled workforce with 47% qualified to post-secondary levels. Outstanding Business Growth Potential • Named UK’s Top Local Authority with the Strongest Business Growth Potential for 2025. • 12% Business Expected To Grow by 20% (Growth Flag, 2025). • A world-leader in food and drink, financial industries and tourism, and positioned to lead in energy transitions and future sustainability. • Higher business growth potential than UK average in all key sectors, and resilient businesses throughout the region - 43% in rural areas, 57% in rural areas. Thriving Culture Hotbed • Home to the UK’s only UNESCO City of Craft and Folk Art. • Consistently ranked among top five places to live and work in the UK. Public Investment Track Record • £700m+ public investment with ambitious plans to support future sustainable growth. Quality of Life • Unrivalled outdoor countryside. • Offers a competitive housing market. • Top-rated schools and a university campus within Perth, many other academic institutions within 1hr. • Good hospitals and health care facilities. Page 58 of 128
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8 9 Our Sectors and Capabilities Energy Transition Food and Drink The Circular Economy Perth and Kinross is a proven world-class leader in food and drink, tourism and the financial industries. Home to a thriving creative community and at the leading edge of the UK’s journey to net zero, we connect a broad range of capabilities to unlock investments and drive economic growth. Financial and Business Services Tourism • Recognised as one of 119 areas across the globe taking bold leadership on environmental action and transparency. • Home to Binn Group and a growing supply chain, the Binn Eco Park is our flagship initiative at the cutting edge of waste and circular economy focused resource management. • We are committed to placing the region firmly at the forefront of net zero and clean growth. • Perth is the growth home of choice for major energy transition businesses, including SSE and Paprec Energies, through to innovative startups. • Investments in Perth West and the Strategic Energy Partnership will unlock more dynamic spaces and opportunities. • A strong cluster of financial and business services expertise play a key role in the local and regional economy. • Perth is home to multiple national and international insurers such as GS Group, and Aviva – the UK’s largest insurer serving more than 31 million customers across 16 countries. • Perth and Kinross is globally renowned for its food and drink industry, home to 7 Scotch Whisky distilleries, the world-famous Tay Salmon fishing, and the James Hutton Institute International Barley Hub. • We play a pivotal role, from being the distribution hub for global brands, to providing the testbed for food innovation and advances in food security. • Over 900 businesses, public investment and established sites such as Northfield Business Park support sector growth. • Our region is a thriving creative hotbed and part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network. • The new £27m Perth Museum opened in 2024 and attracted over 250,000 visitors in its first year of opening. • Perth and Kinross has unique incubator spaces to support digital and creative SMEs, these are situated within Perth Creative Exchange, which was a £4.5m public sector investment. Creative and Digital • A frontrunner for leisure, business and eco-tourism, Perth and Kinross offers an unrivalled natural landscape, colourful history and rich cultural offering. • Events are a major tourism driver, with our region hosting national and international events. • Over 2 million visits in 2022, supported by exceptional infrastructure and connectivity. Page 59 of 128
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10 11 The Best Place to Start and Grow a Business 2019 Perth Transport Futures Phase 1 – essential local infrastructure and connectivity improvements. Our commitment to sustainable growth and securing investment in Perth and Kinross is underpinned by a £600m+ public investment programme, supporting essential infrastructure, key sectors, and arts and culture. Recent, current and future projects include: 2021 Perth Creative Exchange, winner of the Regeneration Project of the Year, £4.5m partnership project between Perth and Kinross Council and Wasps which transformed the former St John’s School building into a hub for creative industries. 2023 Award-winning Pitlochry Festival Theatre £21.3m capital project, 90% funded by Tay Cities Deal. Nov 2023 Increased digital connectivity for around 1,400 digitally-hard-to- connect households - with more improvements planned. Mar 2024 Perth Museum opens, a new £27million attraction that has attracted over 250,000 visitors in the first year since opening. Jun 2024 The Broxden Hub – Perth low carbon transport hub opens. Dec 2024 Tay City Region investments in innovation, include the International Barley Hub, and the Advanced Plant Growth Centre, new innovation centres forming part of The James Hutton Institute, officially opened. Mar 2025 Perth Transport Futures Phase 2, The £150m Cross Tay Link Road (CTLR), opened. This was the biggest infrastructure project ever undertaken by Perth and Kinross Council. 2025 Perth Transport Futures, Phase 3. Funding has been approved for Phase 3 to connect Phases 1 and 2. Dec 2025 £1.5m of EV charging infrastructure expansion. 2026/27 Perth Transport Futures Phase 4 will focus on traffic management measures within the city centre. 2028/29 A new leisure centre for the centre of Perth with £90m funding committed by Perth and Kinross Council. Investment Opportunities Perth and Kinross has a range of unique developer-ready investment opportunities, and a strong pipeline of future opportunities, set out in this prospectus. These include opportunities in: • Energy and Net Zero • Circular Economy • Food and Drink • Light Industrial The strong foundation of public investment in the region demonstrates our commitment to building resilience and supporting growth, and gives investors confidence that Perth and Kinross is a location that is delivering for the future. The Business, Place and Investment Team believes partnership working is the best way to deliver the region’s vision and will work closely with you to realise this future. Current opportunities 1 Eco-Innovation Park 2 Perth City Heat Network 3 Strategic Energy Partnership (area wide) 4 Advanced Plastics Sorting and Upcycling Factory (Project Beacon) • Travel and Logistics • Leisure and Retail • Accommodation 5 Binn Eco Park 6 Northfield Business Park 7 Culture Quarter (city centre) 8 Mill Quarter (city centre) Pipeline opportunities 54 6 1 72 9 10 8 Station Quarter (city centre) Harbour Quarter 9 10 Page 60 of 128
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12 13 Opportunity Description A fully serviced 26ha Perth Eco-Innovation Park (PEIP) is under development within the wider Perth West mixed-use development with phase 1 (11ha) at design and marketing stage. The first stage of Perth West, a proposed national hub of excellence for Net Zero activities, will be the Eco-Innovation Park, a 26ha commercial hub for companies focused on driving the transition for Net Zero through innovation, green technology and smart eco-investment. The Eco-Innovation Park will provide opportunities from flexible working environments for innovative small start-ups, to innovative manufacturing space for large companies, and dynamic lab-based areas for research & development. Early opportunities will be given to enterprises focused on stimulating growth in next generation logistics, last mile distribution and R&D around Mobility as a Service (MaaS), active travel and blue-green infrastructure. By being based alongside like-minded organisations with interests in similar sectors, there will be greater opportunities for cross-selling, collaboration and idea generation. Eco-Innovation Park partners will be able to access services across the wider Perth West development, which includes: The Innovation Highway (a smart mobility corridor for testing MaaS, active travel and last mile distribution developments) The National Green Transport Hub (a low carbon fuelling stop for EVs, hydrogen-fuelled HGVs and coaches) DR.ECO (a 20MW solar park linking local smart grids with residents, businesses and transport hubs) By investing early, financial investors have a unique opportunity to influence planning and development in the initial phases of the Eco-Innovation Park at Perth West, with a fully supported Masterplan strategy currently being developed to secure long-term returns for investors through a proactive approach. Jones Lang LeSalle are currently contracted to provide marketing and commercial development expertise and experience for the PEIP. 1. Perth Eco Innovation Park Size 26 ha (1st phase 11ha) Investment Type Innovation Park – travel, logistics and Net Zero tech/ engineering Total investment value £150M+ Timeframes for development Land ready to develop mid-late 2028 Units available early-mid 2029 Access to services and utilities Fully serviced sites (Anticipated) Portfolio of onsite organisations Green Transport Hub partners, innovation/R&D partners, engineering, technology organisations, hotel, retail and last mile logistics Investor Benefits A world-class destination for investors and companies focused on Net Zero to collaborate Contacts Kirsty Easton KEaston@pkc.gov.uk Fact File INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES Page 61 of 128
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14 15 Opportunity Description The proposed Perth City Heat Network is an ambitious project that will power a green and sustainable future in Perth and Kinross, providing heat to numerous public buildings and social housing in Perth. The development of a Heat Network as the anchor project of the Perth and Kinross Strategic Energy Partnership will provide low-cost and low-carbon energy to homes and businesses across Perth and invest in renewable energy projects across Perth and Kinross. Perth and Kinross Council, supported by ARUP, is currently developing its strategic heat network vision supported by Scottish Government Heat Network Support Unit. Appraisal and analysis will determine the potential to expand the city centre heat network opportunity to a wider area. The appraisal and analysis will inform and enable an Outline Market Prospectus to be developed. This will set out in more detail the investment opportunity for low carbon heat and decarbonisation energy projects across Perth and Kinross and will include maps, technical development information, a high-level cost plan, techno-economic model, risk register and the Outline Market Prospectus. This project offers a fantastic opportunity to investors seeking to develop a leading heat network and other renewable energy projects that will offer transformative clean energy to the city. Size 2km2 Investment Type Heat Network. Linear heat density 5000 kWh/m/year. Total annual heat demand 75 GWh. 15 Perth and Kinross Council buildings connected. Fuel poverty 33% Total investment value £100m Timeframes for development Commence 2030-2040 Access to services and utilities Sewer network, river source (R Tay), or geothermal. Full fibre network, 5G mobile network. (Anticipated) Portfolio of onsite organisations Large number of Perth and Kinross Council buildings (15), new Leisure Centre, Perth Museum, Police HQ, Perth Prison, Perth Royal Infirmary Investor Benefits New Heat Network development as anchor project Contacts Graham Pinfield GPinfield@pkc.gov.uk Fact File 2. Perth City Heat Network *Images are for illustrative purposes only DN125 DN100 DN100 DN80 DN100 DN80 DN65 DN100 DN150 DN100 DN250 DN100 DN100 DN100 DN125 DN100 DN150 DN80 DN65 DN200 DN65 DN100 DN80 DN100 Esri Community Maps Contributors, Esri UK, Esri, TomTom, Garmin, GeoTechnologies, Inc, METI/NASA, USGS Building Connections Phase 1 Phase 2 Phase 3 Phase 4 Pipe Routing Phase 1 Phase 2 Phase 3 Phase 4 INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES Page 62 of 128
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16 17 Opportunity Description The Perth and Kinross Strategic Energy Partnership is a unique opportunity to partner with the Council to create a de-carbonised energy system fit for the future. Perth and Kinross aims to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2045 in a fair, equitable and economically viable way. In doing so, we need to focus on securing long-term sources of low cost and low carbon energy that can effectively support the needs of residents and businesses throughout the area. Leading businesses such as SSE by SSEN, Scottish Water, Scottish Gas Network, and others, are united behind our ambitious energy transition targets and there are significant opportunities to realise the potential of green technologies and infrastructure in the region. The Strategic Energy Partnership will play a key role in placing Perth and Kinross at the forefront of net zero and clean growth. The partnership will help unlock investment and facilitate the delivery of heat, renewable energy and decarbonisation projects. Recommended by the Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy (LHEES) approved by the Council in 2023, the partnership will support a range of projects benefiting community, social, residential, commercial and industrial developments. In addition to the Perth City Heat Network, there are opportunities for investors to contribute to the successful achievement of green energy transformations in the region. Opportunities will continue to emerge as the partnership is further developed, with projects including battery and energy storage infrastructure, low carbon and active travel infrastructure, EV charging, and solar projects. This is a fantastic opportunity to join us in laying the foundations for sustainable growth across the region and beyond. 3. Strategic Energy Partnership Fact File Investment Type Heat networks, EV charging, renewable energy (solar - ground mount and rooftop PV, wind, HEP) battery storage. Total investment value £1bn Timeframes for development Strategic Energy Partnership to 2050 (25 years) Access to services and utilities Access to Perth and Kinross Council land and buildings estate (£1bn valuation) (Anticipated) Portfolio of onsite organisations Perth and Kinross Council, public sector organisations, private sector estates, P&K Economic Partnership, SSEN. Investor Benefits Contributing to net-zero and clean growth outcomes in the local area Contacts Graham Pinfield gpinfield@pkc.gov.uk *Images are for illustrative purposes only INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES Page 63 of 128
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18 19 4. Advanced Plastics Sorting and Upcycling Factory (Project Beacon) Opportunity Description Located at Binn Eco Park, an Advanced Plastics Sorting and Upcycling Factory (APSuF) will be a regional, scalable Residual Plastics Waste (RPW) treatment facility, suitable for networking with other similar facilities. It will deliver a systems change for the improved management of plastic waste, addressing the many issues this complex group of materials presents. The project is forecast to make an operating profit of £1.85 million p.a. once it is fully operational and will help solve some aspects of micro plastic and marine litter risks. The factory will provide safe, inventoried, long term material conservation (Land Banking) for excess plastics. Through the factory, waste will be separated for reuse into: • additional mechanical recyclates value (granulate/flake/pellet); • sources of plastic waste for chemical feedstock recycling systems; and • materials for direct on-site product manufacture The APSuF system will support process and system optimisation, training and R&D for the development of new distributed plastics economies. It encourages the proximate and regional management of RPW at a global level and significantly reduces non-biogenic carbon emissions from incineration and the wider plastics system. There is an exciting opportunity for investors to partner with the project, helping to realise the potential of the Factory and to be part of its circular economy innovations. *Images are for illustrative purposes only Fact File Size Design capacity sufficient to accept, process and recycle up to 30,000 tonnes of single stream recyclates and RPW per annum Investment Type Energy and circular economy Total investment value £9.2m (includes £5.2m of City Deal Funding) Timeframes for development Construction 2027/28 Operational 2028/29 Access to services and utilities On site renewable energy and potential private wire (Anticipated) Portfolio of onsite organisations Paprec, EcoideaM Ltd, The Binn Group Integration with the Tay Cities Clean Growth Initiative and its partners including: Michelin Scotland Innovation St Andrews University The James Hutton Institute Investor Benefits Engagement with concept optimisation and system disseminations. Concept utilisation rights including access to the Polymer Fusion Moulding technology for product manufacture for mixed waste plastic flows. Operating profit of £1.85m pa. Contacts John Ferguson (Binn Eco-Park) john.ferguson@binnecopark.com INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES Page 64 of 128
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20 21 5. Binn Eco Park Size 200-acre site Investment Type Plastics recycling; Renewable Energy; Energy from Waste plant (£120m - in construction); green hydrogen production (planned); food waste recycling; wind energy Total investment value £100m Timeframes for development Advanced plastics recycling 2028/29 Access to services and utilities Potential for private wire connection to Perth City heat network (Anticipated) Portfolio of onsite organisations Binn Group (lead organisation) SUEZ UK Earnside Energy Pi Polymers Investor Benefits Controlled environment for organisations developing innovative approaches in the circular economy Contacts John Ferguson john.ferguson@binnecopark.com Opportunity Description Binn Eco Park is located near Glenfarg six-miles from Perth and is one of the most fully integrated re- source recovery complexes in the UK. It employs over 160 people and provides significant economic ben- efits and added value to the local economy. A former landfill site it is now focuses on the circular economy and a £120m Energy from Waste facility is currently under construction in a joint venture with French waste company Paprec. Binn Eco Park is also currently home to: • two separate Material Reclamation Facilities (MRF) treating commercial, industrial and municipal waste • a 30,000 tonne per annum food waste anaerobic digestion facility. • in-vessel and green-waste composting facilities. • a residual waste Solid Recovered Fuel (SRF) facility. • waste wood processing and storage facilities. • 4x 2.3MW wind turbines with complementary battery systems to be added in due course. Planning consent has recently been secured for an Advanced Plastics Recycling Facility (A-PRF) combining mechanical and chemical plastics recycling systems, an energy from waste plant and a four-turbine wind- farm. Investors can partner to play a role in the future development of these leading facilities, supporting growth and innovation in the circular economy. INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES Page 65 of 128
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22 23 Inveralmond Industrial Estate Northfield 6. Northfield Business Park Opportunity Description Located on the outskirts of Perth this prime location offers efficient distribution and logistics, in a fully serviced business park with plots currently available. Northfield Business Park offers a competitive edge for industry of all sizes. This prime location with great connections to all major Scottish road and rail networks offers efficient distribution and logistics capabilities, proximity to the national talent pool, and a cost-effective, no compromise, alternative to its large city counterparts. There are a number of plots currently available, totalling 12.8 acres, with plot sizes ranging from 1.2 acres to 5 acres – catering for businesses at all stages of their development journey. By bringing together cost- effective production facilities, with a desirable location on the edge of the city, Northfield Business Park presents a significant strategic opportunity to be part of a hub for businesses with significant logistics and distribution considerations. High-profile organisations such as John Deere, McLaughlan Transport and Eastern Western Motor Group are currently headquartered at Northfield. Other organisations with operations nearby include SSE, Dingbro, Praveen Kumar and the Inveralmond Business Centre. There are considerable opportunities for businesses of all sizes to engage and collaborate. Businesses linked to the Food and Drink industry are encouraged, but the land is also suitable for Business, Industrial, and Storage and Distribution uses with planning permission granted for Use Classes 4 (Business), 5 (General Industrial) & 6 (Storage or Distribution). Size 12.8 acres, spread across five plots ranging from 1.2 – 5 acres Investment Type Food and Drink industry manufacturing, logistics and distribution centre, flexible light industrial demand Total investment value £10M+ Timeframes for development Shovel-ready Access to services and utilities Fully serviced sites (Anticipated) Portfolio of onsite organisations John Deere Forestry, McLaughland Transport and Eastern Western Motor Group Investor Benefits Prime location for efficient distribution and logistics across Scotland Contacts Kirsty Easton KEaston@pkc.gov.uk RIVER TAY SUDS PONDSOLAR ARRAYS (X3) FOOD & DRINK UNITS RAILWAY LINE ARRAN ROAD KILDA ROAD SITE 6 SITE 7 SITE 8 SITE 9 SITE 12 5 acres 2.4 acres 2.0 acres 2.2 acres 1.2 acres A B INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES Page 66 of 128
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24 25 7–10: City Quarters The Perth City Centre Development and Design Framework offers a range of investment opportunities that will drive sustainable economic growth and revitalise the city centre. Already an exceptional hub of creative activity, home to a wide array of independent businesses and increasingly developing a reputation as a food town, Perth attracts visitors from across the region and beyond. Major public investments have helped revitalise the city centre over recent years, including award-winning public realm projects. There are now opportunities to invest in and be part of specific sites that will be key to the city’s future. In line with the aim of the Perth City Plan for 2040 to make Perth one of Europe’s great ‘small cities’, we have an ambitious agenda for shaping a growing, sustainable, connected and equitable city. We have carefully developed plans for the next phase of developments, including for the creation of new focal points, landmarks and community facilities that will further enhance the city. Our latest opportunities and pipeline opportunities for development in our quarters, are displayed over the following pages. Through a range of attractive developments, the quarters will support the creation of a sustainable mixed-use economy in Perth and attract more residents and repeat visitors to the thriving city centre. Perth City Centre Development & Design Framework guidance - presenting a series of ‘intervention options for streetscape enhancements, property improvements and new developments and uses within the city centre and designated investment areas. It also promotes a city-wide initiative to improve connectivity between the areas and wider neighbourhoods through improved active travel routes. The proposed interventions aim to drive sustainable economic growth and revitalise and support the city centre. The series of proposed investment areas are shown below and include the city centre as a whole and a number of designated ‘quarters’. • Guiding and promoting property development on vacant and underdeveloped sites in P city and its city centre. • Provide guidance and support for local businesses to revitalise and/or adapt their operations and properties. • Attract consumers and visitors back to the city centre through promotion, information, and incentives. MILL QUARTER Mixed-use development to include residential in key city centre location. Key streetscape improvements for historical streetscape including connection to Mill Street and High Street to St Paul’s Church. CULTURE QU Extended pedestrian priority public space within the city centre supporting the cultural offer Streetscape improvements, al fresco dining and opportunity to reflect the historic conte engaging with the P CITY CENTRE & Wider Area Series of Streetscape and Building Improvements. New and improved active travel connections between the city centre, investment areas and wider Perth neighbourhoods. The series of proposed investment areas are shown below and include the city centre as a whole and a number of designated ‘quarters’. incentives. STATION QUARTER New masterplan for gateway to Perth city centre with transport interchange, active travel routes and development of adjacent development sites for mixed- use. MILL QUARTER Mixed-use development to include residential in key city centre location. Key streetscape improvements for historical streetscape including connection to Mill Street and High Street to St Paul’s Church. CULTURE QUARTER Extended pedestrian priority public space within the city centre supporting the cultural offer. Streetscape improvements, al fresco dining and opportunity to reflect the historic context of the city through engaging with the Perth Lade. CITY CENTRE & Wider Area Series of Streetscape and Building Improvements. New and improved active travel connections between the city centre, investment areas and wider Perth neighbourhoods. Introduction Background The Perth City Development and Design Framework serves as a comprehensive document outlining guidelines and principles for urban development in Perth. It provides a framework for architects, planners, and developers to create a cohesive and sustainable urban environment in the city. The Framework aims to enhance the overall design quality, functionality, and liveability of Perth through informed and strategic development practices. The Perth City Development and Design Framework is being developed to build upon existing planning, economic design, and development guidance - presenting a series of ‘intervention’ options for streetscape enhancements, property improvements and new developments and uses within the city centre and designated investment areas. It also promotes a city-wide initiative to improve connectivity between the areas and wider neighbourhoods through improved active travel routes. The proposed interventions aim to drive sustainable economic growth and revitalise and support the city centre. The series of proposed investment areas are shown below and include the city centre as a whole and a number of designated ‘quarters’. The aims and objectives of the Perth City Development and Design Framework include: • Support the creation of a sustainable mixed- use economy in Perth city centre. • Creating a comprehensive public and private investment design-focussed framework aligned with the Corporate Plan, Perth City Plan, and Economic Wellbeing Plan objectives. • Informing transport investment and management, optimising key routes and spaces for various transport modes, supporting development, and enhancing active use of public space. • Guiding and promoting property development on vacant and underdeveloped sites in Perth city and its city centre. • Provide guidance and support for local businesses to revitalise and/or adapt their operations and properties. • Attract consumers and visitors back to the city centre through promotion, information, and incentives. HARBOUR QU New alternative marine and leisure uses. Improve connection and water access infrastructure from harbour area and adjacent Moncreiffe Island. STATION QUARTER New masterplan for gateway to Perth city centre with transport interchange, active travel routes and development of adjacent development sites for mixed- use. UNIVERSITY QUARTER Primary/Secondary/Further and Higher Education campus development. Improved transport links to Perth city centre and Train/Bus Stations. MILL QUARTER Mixed-use development to include residential in key city centre location. Key streetscape improvements for historical streetscape including connection to Mill Street and High Street to St Paul’s Church. CULTURE QUARTER Extended pedestrian priority public space within the city centre supporting the cultural offer. Streetscape improvements, al fresco dining and opportunity to reflect the historic context of the city through engaging with the Perth Lade. CITY CENTRE & Wider Area Series of Streetscape and Building Improvements. New and improved active travel connections between the city centre, investment areas and wider Perth neighbourhoods. Introduction Background The Perth City Development and Design Framework serves as a comprehensive document outlining guidelines and principles for urban development in Perth. It provides a framework for architects, planners, and developers to create a cohesive and sustainable urban environment in the city. The Framework aims to enhance the overall design quality, functionality, and liveability of Perth through informed and strategic development practices. The Perth City Development and Design Framework is being developed to build upon existing planning, economic design, and development guidance - presenting a series of ‘intervention’ options for streetscape enhancements, property improvements and new developments and uses within the city centre and designated investment areas. It also promotes a city-wide initiative to improve connectivity between the areas and wider neighbourhoods through improved active travel routes. The proposed interventions aim to drive sustainable economic growth and revitalise and support the city centre. The series of proposed investment areas are shown below and include the city centre as a whole and a number of designated ‘quarters’. The aims and objectives of the Perth City Development and Design Framework include: • Support the creation of a sustainable mixed- use economy in Perth city centre. • Creating a comprehensive public and private investment design-focussed framework aligned with the Corporate Plan, Perth City Plan, and Economic Wellbeing Plan objectives. • Informing transport investment and management, optimising key routes and spaces for various transport modes, supporting development, and enhancing active use of public space. • Guiding and promoting property development on vacant and underdeveloped sites in Perth city and its city centre. • Provide guidance and support for local businesses to revitalise and/or adapt their operations and properties. • Attract consumers and visitors back to the city centre through promotion, information, and incentives. HARBOUR QUARTER New alternative marine and leisure uses. Improve connection and water access infrastructure from harbour area and adjacent Moncreiffe Island. STATION QUARTER New masterplan for gateway to Perth city centre with transport interchange, active travel routes and development of adjacent development sites for mixed- use. UNIVERSITY QUARTER Primary/Secondary/Further and Higher Education campus development. Improved transport links to Perth city centre and Train/Bus Stations. MILL QUARTER Mixed-use development to include residential in key city centre location. Key streetscape improvements for historical streetscape including connection to Mill Street and High Street to St Paul’s Church. CULTURE QUARTER Extended pedestrian priority public space within the city centre supporting the cultural offer. Streetscape improvements, al fresco dining and opportunity to reflect the historic context of the city through engaging with the Perth Lade. CITY CENTRE & Wider Area Series of Streetscape and Building Improvements. New and improved active travel connections between the city centre, investment areas and wider Perth neighbourhoods. The Culture Quarter is a major strategic asset to Perth, at the heart of ongoing developments to deliver cultural-led regeneration in the city centre and wider region. The Mill Quarter will be home to a new £61m swimming pool and leisure centre, adding to Perth’s thriving culture and leisure attractions in the city centre The Station Quarter and the Harbour Quarter are complementary components of the vision for Perth city. These are longer term opportunities for investors that continue to develop, and we welcome any enquiries and future discussion. 7 9 10 8 INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES Page 67 of 128
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26 27 7: Culture Quarter Opportunity Description The Culture Quarter is a major strategic asset to Perth, at the heart of ongoing developments to deliver cultural-led regeneration in the city centre and wider region. Building on the award-winning Mill Street regeneration, the further development of the Culture Quarter offers a range of opportunities, including for new leisure and residential developments in the centre of a vibrant city. The quarter is home to a thriving cultural scene, with outstanding assets including Perth Theatre, Perth Concert Hall, Perth Art Gallery and the new Perth Museum. The Culture Quarter celebrates the history of Perth and the current creative and cultural transformation underway in the city. There are currently opportunities to refurbish and convert parts of existing historic buildings into new residential use, and there are vacant sites available to support new public realm, residential, leisure and experiential developments. The area will be a catalyst for the greening of the city and new developments will broaden the appeal of the city centre, which is already known for its independent shops and a growing reputation as a food town. This is a tremendous opportunity to help shape the future of Perth, with the potential to realise strong returns from new developments. The vision for the area is to build on the initial success of the Culture Quarter and extend the Mill Street public realm project westwards to Mill Street/ Murray Street area, including: traffic reduction, streetscape improvements, areas for events and al fresco dining use for adjacent hospitality businesses. Several development opportunities exist at the St. Johns Shopping Centre; former Debenhams building on High St; former Beales Dept Store and several gap sites for residential or student accommodation developments. Fact File Investment Type Residential/leisure development/public realm Total investment value £100m Timeframes for development Estimated by 2040 Access to services and utilities Full fibre broadband and 5G mobile network services, Perth City public Wi-Fi, planned heat network for city centre (Anticipated) Portfolio of onsite organisations PKC has large number buildings in city centre, St John Shopping Centre, Culture PK manage Perth Museum and Art Gallery, Investor Benefits Potential for investors to realise strong returns through rising yields, and to support the catalysing of green developments in an exciting Cultural Quarter with existing public sector investment. Contacts Steve MacDonald stevenmacdonald@pkc.gov.uk Lower City Mills: New Project Opportunity South to North Methven Street: Streetscape Improvements with New Raingardens, Tree Planting, Parking and Designated Bus Stops Expose Existing Lade for New Blue Infrastructure Public Space Towards Mill Quarter Area Infill / Gapsite Development: with New Residential Upper Floors and Ground Floor Retail Extension of Existing Mill Street Public Space into Murray/Mill Street Area. To include New Surface Treatments, Greenspace, Tree Planting Towards Existing Culture Quarter Area INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES Page 68 of 128
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28 29 8: Mill Quarter Opportunity Description The Mill Quarter will be home to a new £61m swimming pool and leisure centre, adding to Perth’s thriving culture and leisure attractions in the city centre and offering new opportunities for city residential developments. The Council is seeking a high-quality development for residential and other complementary uses that promotes city centre living, communal open and green spaces, active travel and that celebrates the area’s historic setting. Overall, the development will help contribute to a greener, more accessible and more pedestrian and cycle friendly area of the city. The Mill Quarter is close to the historic Lower City Mills area and the Old High Street, which connects the area towards the main High Street and central retail and cultural area. The existing Mill Quarter is characterised by the Thimblerow carparking area (the site for the proposed leisure centre) which are at the edge of the city centre but could form an ideal mixed residential and leisure development close to the attractions and facilities of the city centre. The leisure site is expected to be ready for development within 2 years, with the leisure centre set to open in 5 years. The development of the Mill Quarter will also unlock further land elsewhere including for residential and student living opportunities. A planned Perth City Heat Network is further being explored to enhance the sustainability of buildings on the site. This Quarter will benefit from significant public investment into the area, with the opportunity for developers to be involved in the project through residential opportunities, and through the leisure facilities and surrounding green infrastructure. Investment Type Leisure and residential developments Total investment value £60m+ Timeframes for development 2040 for Mill Quarter and 2030 for leisure centre development Access to services and utilities Full fibre broadband, 5G mobile network, Perth public WiFi; planned Perth City Heat Network (Anticipated) Portfolio of onsite organisations Many PKC buildings; Pullar House to become multi-agency public service hub; Perth Concert Hall and Perth Theatre run by Horsecross Arts. Investor Benefits Series of new residential developments with part mix-use, public and private amenity spaces, connections to active travel routes and low/zero-carbon affordable heating. Contacts Kirsty Easton keaston@pkc.gov.uk Perth City Centre Development & Design Framework 41 01 Mill Quarter 40 New Public Park Space, to include: Greenspace, Tree Planting and Play Opportunities Inner Ring Road to include: New Cycle Infrastructure, Improved Pedestrian Crossings and Opportunity for Gateway Public Artwork Public Space Gateway to Leisure Site: Public Space with upper-storey connection between Leisure Developments New Leisure Development Opportunity 01, to include: Swimming Pool, Leisure Pool, and Gym New Leisure Development Opportunity 02, to include: Indoor Football and Racket Sports Courts Lower City Mills Area: Pedestrianised area and Improved link to Culture Quarter; with reuse of Lower City Mills Building Parking Areas: Car parking provision for Leisure Site, to include: EV charging points, cycle infrastructure and tree planting/rain gardens around edges of parking areas Old High Street: Pedestrianised area and Improved Streetscape with Seating and Tree-Planting; Connecting to St Paul’s Public Space and towards City Centre Fact File INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES Page 69 of 128
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3130 31 9: Station Quarter 10: Harbour Quarter The Station Quarter and the Harbour Quarter are complementary components of the vision for Perth city. These are longer term opportunities for investors that continue to develop, and we welcome any enquiries, requests for further information, or discussions with potential partners to progress these opportunities as they evolve. The Harbour Quarter is a significant leisure, tourism and food and drink opportunity. The existing Perth Harbour area has been identified as an additional key investment area within the city area. The harbour currently operates as a commercial port but has recently been the subject of an appraisal to consider the viability of the harbour continuing to operate in such a manner. The Station Quarter will create a new and improved gateway to Perth. Station and public realm improvements, and new housing and enterprise spaces will transform this Perth city site. Plans for redevelopment of the station have already been made by Network Rail under the Perth Station Masterplan linking with the nearby bus station. Opportunities in development include the former bus station site, to be developed to include a new centre for business enterprise and start-up accommodation, while there are also opportunities for a new residential neighbourhood. £15m of funds for a bus and rail interchange are committed for development from the Tay City Deal. Further opportunities will be unlocked as the nearby Mill Quarter is progressed. Although currently still operating as a commercial port, the Council is proposing a number of new commercial and leisure uses for the Harbour including: alternative marine, leisure and water-based activities and uses, and renewable energy production/storage. This can also be supported by the delivery of new infrastructure to improve access to the water and land within the harbour area and the adjacent Moncrieffe Island. New Entrance Building with Retail New and Improved Train Station Operational Areas Reinstate Original Train Station Building and Entrance with New Public Realm Area Development Opportunity: New Residential Site alongside retained Dewars Centre Sports Facilities Development Opportunity in Existing Bus Station Site, to include: New Business Start- Ups and Residential Area Improved ‘Green Corridor’ Connection to City Centre with Streetscape Improvements, Cycle Infrastructure and Public Artwork New Gateway Public Space with Greenspace, Seating, Active Travel Hub New and Improved West to East Pedestrian Connections for Pedestrians New Bus Station in Location Connecting to Public Realm of new Train Station Area Perth City Centre Development & Design Framework04 Harbour Quarter 82 New Landmark Cultural Building e.g. New Museum Celebrating the History of Salmon Fishing on the River Tay New Watchtower Structure For Views and Connections to Perth’s Natural Surroundings New Dock Side Marina for Recreational Use, to include: Swimming, Watersports, Seating Areas and Boat Area New Waterside Promenade Public Space with Seating, Tree Planting and Public Artwork New Boat House for Boat Building, Storage and to be used by Local Community Groups e.g. Perth Sailing Club. To include new Connections to Rover Tay New Container ‘Village’ for New Business Use, Food and Drink Retail and Local Community Groups New Development Opportunity for Business Use and Local Services. Adapt and Reuse of Existing Units for Manufacturing Use INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES Page 70 of 128
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32 3332 With roots in Perth dating back to the formation of General Accident in 1885, Aviva now proudly employs over 1,200 staff in our Perth office. As we look to the future, we are excited about continuing to expand our footprint in the city, with further growth in our General Insurance business planned in 2025 and beyond. Our operations are driven by a strong commitment to sustainability. As the first major insurer worldwide to aim for Net Zero by 2040, we have continuously invested in our Perth site. Recently, we installed a 77-meter wind turbine, which, combined with existing solar and battery technology, ensures that 100% of our electricity demand is met through renewable energy. We are also pleased to announce our investment in a new training facility at our Perth office, designed to accommodate a brand new leadership CASE STUDIES CASE STUDIES SSE plc is proud to be headquartered in Perth, positioning the city at the heart of Scotland’s transition to a low carbon future. As a leading UK energy company, we are investing £20 billion in green energy projects by 2027 through our Net Zero Acceleration Programme Plus, supporting innovation, resilience, and green careers. Perth and Kinross is an ideal place to lead the green transition, providing excellent access infrastructure, a skilled workforce, and a forward-thinking approach to sustainable development. From our HQ in Perth, we’re delivering the UK’s net zero future. One recent example is our partnership with Highland Spring, where we’re delivering a 7MW solar array on the Ochil Hills to power their Perthshire operations, demonstrating how bespoke renewable energy solutions can reduce carbon footprint, while also enhancing energy resilience for industry. SSE Energy Solutions: Powering net zero from Perth Aviva – Why Perth Above: Ross McLory, SSE, and Donald MacBrayne, Scottish Water Horizons discuss wastewater horizons plans. Credit: Iain Ferguson, The Write Image Left: Stuart Batty, SSE Energy Solutions; Simon Oldham, Highland Spring Group; councillor Liz Barrett, Perth and Kinross Council; and Jim Fairlie MSP at the site of the new 7MW Solar Array in the Ochil Hills. We’ve also announced a strategic partnership with Scottish Water Horizons to develop low-carbon district heat networks across Scotland, showing how businesses and local communities can benefit from innovative heat solutions. With deep roots in Perth and a national outlook across Scotland and the rest of the UK, SSE is proud to be a key player in the UK’s energy transition, bringing together world-class expertise, long- term investment, and a passion to power change. programme for all 4,500 leaders at Aviva. This long-term investment in leadership will create a consistent development framework, enhancing and expanding the capabilities needed now and into the future. Over the next two years, Aviva will invest over £2 million in the local economy through travel and accommodation, as leaders from across the UK and Ireland come to Perth for training. In the long term, the site will serve as a primary centre for training and development, supporting both leadership initiatives and the broader Aviva University curriculum. We continue to work closely with Perth and Kinross Council, the Scottish Government, local businesses, and the third sector to develop our place-based social action strategy. This collaborative effort aims to benefit the local communities we represent and drive economic growth for the region. The turbine will produce 3000 megawatt hours of clean energy per year Page 71 of 128
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34 Invest in Perth is the inward investment brand of Perth and Kinross Council. We are here to ensure your investment journey can achieve its full potential and to help you to realise your ambitions for growth. If any of the opportunities discussed in this brochure are of interest to you, please get in touch with Kirsty Easton: KEaston@pkc.gov.uk or visit our website for more information about the business support we offer, the opportunities we have and to stay up-to-date with the latest news and developments around Perth and Kinross. Page 72 of 128
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Our vision is a Perth and Kinross where everyone can live life well, free from poverty and inequality ___________________________________________________________________ Committee or Board: Economy and Infrastructure Date of Meeting: 27 August 2025 Report Title: Renewable and Low Carbon Energy Supplementary Guidance Report Number: 25/212 Report Author: Robert Wills, Planning Officer, Development plans team Organisational Lead: Serge Merone, Strategic Lead – Economy, Development and Planning ___________________________________________________________________ 1. Purpose 1.1 This report presents the most recent draft of the Renewable and Low Carbon Energy supplementary guidance for planning proposals (the draft Guidance). Planning guidance does not form part of the development plan. When relevant to a decision, the guidance will be a material consideration to be afforded such weight as determined by the decision maker. This report provides a summary of changes necessary since the previous draft due to the introduction of National Planning Framework 4 and current practice. The report seeks consent to proceed to public consultation. 1.2 Sections 1. Purpose 2. Recommendation 3. Background/Main Issues 4. Impact and Value Assessment 5. Appendices 2. Recommendation 2.1 It is recommended that the Committee: • Approve the draft Renewable and Low Carbon Energy supplementary Guidance and Strategic Environmental Assessment screening report to proceed to public consultation. 7 Page 73 of 128
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3. Background/Main Issues 3.1 Historic Information/Context 3.1.1 The Renewable and Low Carbon Energy supplementary guidance was first produced and consulted on in 2016 as statutory guidance. An updated draft was further consulted on in 2019. These drafts were not finalised due to concerns from key agencies with regards to landscape sensitivity mapping which did not provide for interrogation of the underlying layers. 3.1.2 National Planning Policy as set out in National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) superseded Scottish Planning Policy in February 2023. NPF4 also supersedes policies in LDP2 where they are incompatible. Some LDP2 policies, or parts of policies, remain in force where they are compatible with NPF4, for example by providing local detail or filling a policy gap. This means that both NPF4 Policy 11: Energy and parts of LDP2 Policy 33: Renewable & Low Carbon Energy are in force. 3.1.3 The Planning (Scotland) Act 2019 also removed planning guidance as part of the development plan. The draft Guidance can therefore not override National Planning Policy in NPF4, nor introduce new policy. The draft Guidance does however set out how policy will be interpreted and the information required by decision makers in Perth & Kinross to determine whether current policy is satisfied. 3.1.4 The draft Guidance is not an indication of future policy in the next Local Development Plan (LDP3). Any new policy will be introduced through LDP3. Further engagement will be carried out with members, stakeholders and communities as part of the LDP3 proposed plan preparation to inform future policy. 3.1.5 The draft Guidance therefore sets out the Council’s interpretation of current planning policy and the information expected to be submitted by applicants to allow a fully informed determination of applications. Need for Updated Guidance 3.1.6 The Guidance is based on established best practice and policy interpretation. Much of the best practice guidance and the intent of policies remains the same to previous drafts. However, there have also been substantive changes which require the draft guidance to be updated. 3.1.7 NPF4 introduced a more supportive approach to renewable energy. In summary these changes include: • The removal of a spatial framework for wind, • The significant weight to be given to the Climate emergency in NPF4 Policy 1, • The expectation of significant adverse landscape impacts from some forms of renewable energy, • Express provision for renewable energy installations on prime agricultural land, carbon rich soils, flood risk areas and the greenbelt. Page 74 of 128
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3.1.8 The draft Guidance sets out the Council’s expectations as to how these policies will be interpreted and the evidence required by proposals. 3.1.9 Some NPF4 policies also introduced complexity and uncertainty. Where relevant, the preferred policy interpretation of these policies is set out. This includes biodiversity enhancement in NPF4 Policy 3, the definition of renewable energy as “essential infrastructure” in several policies and the introduction of a requirement to “maximise net economic impact”. 3.1.10 The Guidance requires a statement of net economic impact to include those elements set out in Policy 25(a) Community Wealth Building. This addresses issues such as employment, training, business and utilising local supply chains. Opportunities should be explored with local communities and address local priorities such as those set out in Local Place Plans. 3.1.11 It should be noted that “community benefit” is a consideration separate from planning which typically involves a monetary payment to a community fund, but can also include community ownership of a scheme or discounted power. Community benefit cannot be taken into account in planning decisions. A separate members’ briefing note distributed on 6 July 2025 discusses community benefit in more detail. 3.1.12 Since the previous draft, and with the introduction of NPF4, there has been an increase in applications of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). Experience of these applications and additional guidance with regards to fire safety has informed the guidance for these applications. 3.1.13 In addition the land use requirements of solar and BESS installations has required an increased focus on cumulative impacts. The draft Guidance ensures that applicants provide decision makers with information describing cumulative impacts on soils, landscape and noise. 3.1.14 The draft Guidance emphasises that the cumulative loss of prime agricultural land must be addressed in planning applications and requires demonstration of specific locational needs, no other non-prime site being available and consideration of alternative sites. Applicants are asked to quantify the loss of prime land from their application. This is intended to provide greater certainty for decision making. As noted above, policy changes such as how much loss of prime land is acceptable cannot be introduced by the draft Guidance but can be considered through the preparation of LDP3. 3.1.15 Engagement to Date 3.1.16 The previous draft guidance on which this guidance is based was a result of extensive engagement with key agencies, internal consultees and a public consultation. 3.1.17 NatureScot and SEPA have been engaged with to assist in clarifying specific areas of concern leading to improved clarity in interpretation. 3.1.18 Engagement with elected members has been carried out leading to additional information being introduced in this report on cumulative impacts, net Page 75 of 128
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economic impact and community benefit. At a members briefing for LDP3 these topics were also discussed and a briefing note distributed on 6 July. 3.1.19 Consultations have also been carried out on specific areas of interest with: • Biodiversity/Tree Officer • Flood Team • Development Management • Environmental Heath • Development Plans Team • Transport Planning • Community Greenspace • Conservation Team • Elected Members • NatureScot • Highland Council and South Lanarkshire Council (due to a shared interest in BESS applications). 3.1.20 NatureScot, Historic Environment Scotland and SEPA were also consulted on the screening assessment resulting in the Strategic Environmental Assessment screening report. 3.2 Rationale for Recommendations made in Section 2 3.2.1 By approving the draft Guidance for public consultation, the Committee will ensure that wider input can be made to the interpretation and information requirements set out in the Guidance from the expertise and experience of communities, renewable energy providers, NGOs and key agencies. This will help to provide a robust framework to ensure complete, consistent information for fully informed decision-making. Members may provide further input during this public consultation period if desired and the resultant amended Guidance will be further subject to committee approval and adoption. 4. Impact and Value Assessment https://www.pkc.gov.uk/media/53970/Renewable-and-Low-Carbon-Energy- Supplementary- Guidance/pdf/Renewable_and_Low_Carbon_Energy_Supplementary_Guidan ce.pdf?m=1745935591020 5. Appendices 5.1 Draft Renewables Guidance (2025) 5.2 SEA Screening Report Page 76 of 128
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Renewable and Low Carbon Energy Planning Guidance Consultation Draft 2025 Appendix 1 7 Page 77 of 128
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Contents 1. Introduction .............................................................................. 1 1.1 Background ...................................................................... 1 1.2 Addressing NPF4 and LDP2 Policy Criteria ......................... 1 1.3 Preparing Submissions ..................................................... 1 1.4 Submitting Applications .................................................... 3 2 Renewable, Low Carbon and Zero Emissions Technologies ......... 4 2.1 Wind ................................................................................ 4 2.2 Hydropower...................................................................... 4 2.3 Enabling works including grid infrastructure ....................... 5 2.4 Energy storage .................................................................. 5 2.5 Solar Arrays ...................................................................... 5 2.6 Bioenergy ......................................................................... 6 2.7 Negative emissions technologies and carbon capture ........ 6 2.8 Co-location ...................................................................... 7 3 Planning Considerations ........................................................... 7 3.1 Socio-Economic Impacts .................................................. 7 3.2 International and National Designations ............................ 8 3.3 Impacts on Communities and Individual Dwellings ............ 8 3.4 Landscape and Visual Impacts ....................................... 10 3.5 Public Access, Recreation and Scenic Routes .................. 21 3.6 Aviation and Defence Interests ....................................... 21 3.7 Telecommunications and Broadcasting Installations ....... 22 3.8 Roads and Transport ...................................................... 22 3.9 Historic Environment ...................................................... 23 3.10 Hydrology, Water Environment and Flood Risk ................. 24 3.11 Biodiversity .................................................................... 26 3.12 Trees, Woods and Forests ............................................... 32 3.13 Hazardous Installations .................................................. 33 3.14 Construction Impacts .................................................... 34 3.15 Soils .............................................................................. 34 3.16 Cross Boundary Applications .......................................... 37 3.17 Decommissioning & Restoration ..................................... 38 3.18 Renewable Energy Generation and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Targets .......................................... 39 3.19 Grid Capacity ................................................................. 40 3.20 Cumulative Impacts ....................................................... 40 3.21 Permission Lifetime and Extensions ................................ 41 4 Appendices ............................................................................ 43 4.1 NPF4 and [LDP2] Policies ............................................... 43 4.2 Construction Method Statement Template ...................... 45 Page 78 of 128
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Renewable and Low Carbon Energy Guidance 1 1. Introduction 1.1 Background This document sets out the key considerations in the Development Plan for renewable energy applications. The Development Plan includes National Planning Framework (NPF4) and Perth & Kinross Local Development Plan 2019 (LDP2). All policies in NPF4 apply. Policies in LDP2 apply where they are not incompatible with NPF4. This includes parts of Policy 33: Renewable and Low Carbon Energy as set out in Appendix 1. NPF4 Policy 11: Energy is strongly supportive of renewable and low carbon energy technologies, recognising – alongside other key NPF4 policies – the need to address the climate crisis through supporting the move to net zero. Significant upscaling in renewable energy technologies and infrastructure is needed to meet renewable energy generation and greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets. Guidance is provided here on policy interpretation, how impacts are expected to be avoided and minimised, and the information that is to be submitted with planning applications. The Guidance will be a material consideration in the determination of planning applications and will help inform any Perth & Kinross Council (PKC) consultations on Energy Consent Unit (ECU) applications. 1.2 Addressing NPF4 and LDP2 Policy Criteria The Guidance provides information in relation to each of the criteria in NPF4 Policy 11. Relevant additional criteria contained in LDP Policy 33 are also included for consideration and are set out in Appendix 1. Other relevant NPF4 and LDP2 policies and associated guidance are referenced and should be addressed in submissions as relevant. Each policy section in this guidance contains: • information relevant to all technologies • additional advice specific to each technology. Applicants should apply both the general and technology specific advice. Proposals must address NPF4 and LDP2 as a whole and all relevant policies. The applicability of policies and guidance will be relative to the scale, location and nature of the proposal. Spatial Guidance NPF4 Policy 11(b) reaffirms that wind farms will not be acceptable in National Parks and National Scenic Areas. LDP2 Policy 33D: Spatial Framework for Wind and the associated map no longer apply. 1.3 Preparing Submissions Applicants should refer to the Council’s website for information on the application process, fees and submission requirements including application checklists. A pre-application enquiry is strongly advised to help ensure appropriate and proportionate information. Information on existing renewable installations is available on the Renewable energy proposals map Small scale renewable energy generation technology Small scale renewable generation can provide clean energy for individual homes, businesses, and community-scale projects. Examples include ground and air source heat pumps, roof-mounted solar, domestic/small scale wind. Small scale schemes should consider key impacts on amenity, air quality, landscape and visual impact, and if there are any particular sensitivities or designations within the site/surrounding area including birds, protected species, protected areas, and heritage interests. Micro-renewables with an output less than 50kW electricity or 45kW thermal within the curtilage of a dwelling may be covered by permitted development rights (with limits and conditions), but proposals in a conservation area or where heritage assets are affected will need planning permission and/or listed building consent. Page 79 of 128
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Renewable and Low Carbon Energy Guidance 2 • Circular 1/2024 (Domestic) • Circular 2/2024 (Non Domestic) • Renewable | Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) • Micro-renewables | NatureScot • Managing Change in the Historic Environment: Micro-renewables | HES • What work needs a building warrant? | PKC Major Applications Major developments are subject to additional requirements including Pre- Application Consultation with relevant communities and affected parties. Major applications include all developments in Schedule 1 of the EIA (Scotland) Regulations 2017, and all electricity generating developments over 20MW, or extensions resulting in a development over 20MW. • Major Planning Applications (PKC) EIA Developments Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a process which identifies and helps address significant environmental effects. Applicants are strongly encouraged to request a screening opinion at an early stage to ascertain if an EIA will be required. • EIA Guidance (PKC) • EIA Guidance (Scottish Government) • Circular 1/2017 EIA Regulations (Scottish Government) • EIA Guidance | NatureScot • EIA Guidance | Historic Environment Scotland National Development Strategic Renewable Electricity Generation and Transmission Infrastructure is identified as National Development. This includes: • Electricity generation and storage from renewables exceeding 50MW capacity • Electricity transmission lines, cables and interconnectors of 132kv or more • Infrastructure supporting high voltage lines, cables and interconnectors including substations Pumped storage hydro infrastructure that would otherwise be a major application is identified as National Development. Applications for national developments and network projects are made to the Scottish Government Energy Consents Unit. This guidance is relevant as Perth & Kinross Council is a statutory consultee for Energy Consent applications within Perth & Kinross. • Energy Infrastructure |Scottish Government • Energy Consents Guidance | Scottish Government • Energy Consents Unit Website | Scottish Government • Applications to the Scottish Ministers under s37 of the Electricity Act 1989 without an EIA Report • Standard Onshore Wind Conditions (S36) | Scottish Government Applicants to the ECU are encouraged to engage with PKC as consultee at an early stage. Where necessary PKC will submit a tracked changes version of the standard conditions for Wind to Scottish Ministers with recommended and justified amended or additional conditions to ensure proposals accord with the Development Plan. New requirements for consultation may be introduced during the lifetime of this guidance. Additional Requirements Further permissions including building warrants, listed building consents or environmental licences are additional to planning permissions. Information to inform a Habitat Regulations Appraisal may be required for any application that may affect a European Site. Page 80 of 128
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Renewable and Low Carbon Energy Guidance 3 1.4 Submitting Applications Submissions should address: • The written advice in this Guidance • The policies in NPF4 • The policies in LDP2 and associated guidance where relevant. • The additional relevant assessments and surveys indicated throughout the Guidance. • Relevant information from assessments or licence applications required by external bodies All submissions should provide: • Capacity of renewable energy in kW / MW for all generation, transmission, distribution and storage proposals • Number, design, specifications and description of renewable energy technology and expected operational lifespan • Site photos and/or visual representation of the installation • Red line of the site including all areas of the development Submissions for applications except micro-renewables should provide a plan of the site, and surrounding area showing where relevant: • Proposed permanent and temporary infrastructure including all plant and buildings, cable and pipeline routes, tracks, compounds, excavations and abstractions. • Grid connection location and route; or route of heat network • Nearest receptors including buildings, dwellings, roads, and recreation areas and routes • Onsite, adjacent and connected environmental sensitivities including: watercourses; waterbodies; water supplies and abstractions; peatland, carbon rich soils, habitats; trees, woodlands and natural heritage designations; and historic environment assets. Page 81 of 128
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Renewable and Low Carbon Energy Guidance 4 2 Renewable, Low Carbon and Zero Emissions Technologies 2.1 Wind Wind plays a significant role in the renewable energy mix with potential contributions to producing clean energy through the siting of the right turbines in the right place including new sites, and repowering/extending existing sites. Height of turbines is measured by height to blade tip (hbt) or to hub. An EIA may be required for any turbine over 15m (hub height), more than two turbines of any height, or in a sensitive area. There are a range of different wind power proposals in terms of scale: • Fixed micro turbines: fixed on buildings. These are building-level solutions and may not be efficient, or suitable, in all locations. Limited permitted development available for detached dwellinghouses. • Free standing micro turbines: up to 15m hbt and <50kW are suitable for rural domestic/agricultural use and are potentially covered by permitted development rights (PDR) for domestic use. PDR is limited and subject to prior notification and approval. • Small turbines: 15m-30m hbt will require planning permission if over 50kW or not covered by PDR. Foundations and underground cabling may be required. • Medium turbines: 30m-50m hbt can have significant impacts if poorly sited and will require planning permission. • Large turbines: >50m hbt. Large turbines require deep foundations, turbine delivery, crane pad construction and electricity infrastructure including transformers. Individual turbines can be sized 200+m in height with larger blades and a greater energy generation capability and will require planning permission 1 Reservoir (Scotland) Act 2011 reduced this to 10,000m3 but is not yet in force • Wind farms: 3 or more turbines over 30m. Greater land take and infrastructure including substations and grid connections. Wind farms can vary in scale from a small number of turbines to proposals for a large array and will require planning permission. • Renewable | Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) • Onshore wind energy | NatureScot • Historic Environment Policy for Scotland | Historic Environment Scotland • Circular 1/2024 Permitted Development Rights (Domestic) • Circular 2/2024 Permitted Development Rights (Non Domestic) • Standard Onshore Wind Conditions (S36) | Scottish Government 2.2 Hydropower Hydropower has a high level of efficiency and predictability and even small- scale hydropower can provide a reliable source of electricity to support rural communities and business. All Hydropower installations require planning permission and include: • Impoundment: a dam holding back a large head of water allowing water flow, and energy production, to be regulated. Impoundment with capacity >25000m3 will need to be registered with SEPA as a reservoir.1 • Pumped Storage Hydroelectric (PSH): where water can be pumped back up to an impoundment dam for energy storage. These can be on an open waterbody or in closed artificial storage ponds. • Run of River: a proportion of water flow is diverted via a weir to pass through a penstock to a powerhouse and discharged back into the watercourse. The components of an installation will vary depending on location and vertical drop (head) and may require penstocks, lades, weirs, and water drawn from multiple sources. Note that proposals for PSH dams or associated infrastructure that would otherwise be considered major applications are national development. Page 82 of 128
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Renewable and Low Carbon Energy Guidance 5 An EIA may be required depending on the scale/location of the proposal, including in sensitive areas. All National Development applications will require an EIA (see Section 1.3 Preparing Submissions). A water use (CAR) licence under the Water Environment (Controlled Activities) Regulations 2011 will be required for all applications. This may include impoundment and abstraction licences. Engineering works including where penstock routes or tracks cross water courses will also require SEPA authorisation. Applicants should contact SEPA at an early stage to discuss requirements, check whether the scheme is licensable, and progress both applications concurrently. Proposals will need to meet SEPA criteria to be provisionally acceptable to SEPA. • Hydropower | SEPA • Hydroelectric power | NatureScot • Historic Environment Policy for Scotland | Historic Environment Scotland 2.3 Enabling works including grid infrastructure To facilitate new or extended generation capacity enabling works may also be required. This includes grid infrastructure such as transmission and/or distribution network upgrades. For the Perth and Kinross Council area, SSEN are both the transmission and distribution network operators. PKC will be consulted or notified on new transmission or distribution infrastructure and ECU applications are expected to demonstrate compliance with NPF4 and LDP2 policies and this guidance document. Grid infrastructure works may involve new and/or upgraded infrastructure including overhead and underground cables, overhead lines on wooden poles or steel towers, and electricity substations. There are currently several SSEN transmission upgrade ‘pathway to 2030’ projects within the PKC area. Connections to the grid may have adverse impacts such as habitat loss and fragmentation, impacts on the water environment, bird collision risk and significant visual impacts. NPF4 Policy 11e highlights that in the case of proposals for grid infrastructure, consideration should be given to underground connections where possible. This is subject to consideration of impacts on archaeology and the natural environment. NPF Policy 11(e) states that grid capacity will not constrain applications for renewable energy, however applicants connecting to the grid should discuss connection with the relevant network operator at an early stage. To enable the full implications of applications to be understood applicants should indicate the route and location of infrastructure to be used to connect to the grid within the site, including transformers, substations and associated fencing and access. The Council will need to agree the connection point and method of connecting to the grid before commencement. For section 37 applications provision of the above information will inform the Council’s consultation response. 2.4 Energy storage Energy storage enables energy generated from renewable sources to be stored and released when most needed. Energy storage can maximise efficiency of intermittent technologies such as wind and solar. Examples can include battery storage, pumped storage hydro and hydrogen generation from renewable energy. Large-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS) are being used to balance energy demand and supply across the UK energy network either as stand alone or in association with solar or wind installations. For the purposes of National Planning Policy, battery storage is considered to be generation. Battery Storage guidance is in preparation by Scottish Government. Storage proposals co-located with other renewable technologies are supported as they improve efficiency and reduce energy loss. Battery Energy Storage Systems | SEPA 2.5 Solar Arrays Electricity from solar photovoltaic panels (Solar PV) or hot water from solar heat collectors (Solar Thermal) provide or supplement energy needs with Page 83 of 128
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Renewable and Low Carbon Energy Guidance 6 low visual and environmental impacts and can utilise unused or underused roof-space or land. Solar Thermal: usually roof mounted, utilises heat from the sun through a heat exchanger to supplement hot water or central heating. Solar PV: produces electricity from photovoltaic panels and is useful for supporting domestic use, supporting or supplementing other low carbon technologies such heat pumps, and providing energy to the grid. Forms include: • Roof mounted PV: solar panels, PV roof tiles, flexible panels, and wall mounted PV. Permitted development rights exist for domestic and non-domestic microgeneration • Ground mounted PV: range from domestic scale to large solar farms and involve PV panels, mounting structures, fencing, lighting and CCTV, inverters, cabling, and transformers, and can take up a large amount of land. o Microgeneration <50kW arrays are useful for domestic or agricultural use with limited infrastructure. Limited PDR are possible for these schemes. o Solar Farms >50kW will require planning permission and can have a greater impact from land take and use of infrastructure including transformers, inverters and fencing. o Large scale solar farms over 0.5ha or in a sensitive area may require an EIA. Key information for solar arrays: • Renewable | Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) • Solar energy | NatureScot • Managing Change in the Historic Environment: Micro-renewables | HES 2.6 Bioenergy Bioenergy refers to the burning of organic matter (biomass) or breakdown of organic matter (anaerobic digestion - AD) to produce heat and energy. The most efficient use of bioenergy is to provide combined heat and power (CHP) for industrial or heat network use. AD can also produce synthetic gas for use in CHP or transport. Where demonstrated to be low carbon or zero emission or bioenergy “associated with negative emissions technology” (BECCS) such proposals are supported by NPF4 Policy 11. Bioenergy proposals must therefore comply with strict land and greenhouse gas criteria to be considered low carbon including harvesting, processing, storage and transport emissions of feedstock and the use of carbon capture technology where possible. To protect soils and woodland and to maximise GHG savings, bioenergy proposals must source UK feedstocks only from: • Primary waste sources such as brash, manure • FSC sustainable certified products • Short rotation coppice or energy crops on: o class 4.1 – 6.01 land on the land capability for agriculture 1:50,000 maps o Class 0 mineral soils on the Carbon and Peatland Map; or • Short rotation forestry in accordance with the Forest & Woodland Strategy • Bioenergy Policy Statement (draft) | Scottish Government 2.7 Negative emissions technologies and carbon capture NPF4 defines negative emissions technologies (NETs) as “an emerging field of technologies that remove greenhouse gases from the atmosphere and utilising carbon capture and storage sequester them permanently.” Examples of technologies include: • Carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) which captures carbon dioxide generated by large-scale energy intensive processes, and transports it for permanent storage underground • Forms of Direct Air Capture with Carbon Storage (DACCS), • Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS), or • Other more experimental means such as enhanced weathering or biochar. Page 84 of 128
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Renewable and Low Carbon Energy Guidance 7 2.8 Co-location Co-location of more than one renewable technology can provide benefits such as using energy storage to deliver energy to the grid when needed, and potentially reduce land-take and environmental impacts. Co-location is supported subject to policy considerations including landscape and land use compatibility. LDP2 Policy 33(i) requires all proposals to consider whether onsite energy storage is suitable for their site. All major and EIA proposals should set out the energy storage opportunities that have been explored and reasons for decisions taken on co-locating energy storage. 3 Planning Considerations The following considerations and guidance follow the requirements set out in NPF4 Policy 11 with additional considerations in LDP2 Policy 33. The list of considerations and their source are contained in Appendix 4.1. 3.1 Socio-Economic Impacts Key Policies: • NPF4 Policy 11(c) • NPF4 Policy 25: Community Wealth Building Key Guidance: • Big Place Conversation 2023 Results • Local Place Plan Register • Community Benefits Toolkit | Local Energy Scotland • Good practice principles for Community Benefits from Onshore Renewable Energy Developments (2019) | Scottish Government • Shared Ownership | Local Energy Scotland • Community Funds for Transmission Infrastructure | UK Government • Community Energy Generation Growth Fund | Local Energy Scotland All proposals “ Development proposals will only be supported where they maximise net economic impact, including local and community socio-economic benefits such as employment, associated business and supply chain opportunities.„ NPF4 Policy 11(c) All local proposals should demonstrate a commitment to maximising the net economic impact addressing the elements in Policy 11(c). All major and EIA proposals must provide a statement setting out measures taken or committed to, which maximise net economic benefit including local benefits and to the wider Perth and Kinross economy. Scottish Government guidance is expected to be released during lifetime of this guidance which should be adhered to. Page 85 of 128
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Renewable and Low Carbon Energy Guidance 8 NPF4 Policy 25: Community wealth building sets out the positive socio- economic impacts of proposals that will be supported. Discussions with community bodies and reference to local place plans and/or community action plans will help inform the development of socio-economic statements. NPF4 Policy 25 also states that development proposals linked to community ownership and management of land will be supported. All large wind and wind farm applications and all hydropower applications should consider their land use impacts on other commercial users. For example, wind farms can disrupt airflow on neighbouring wind farms, and hydropower developments may affect flows for other hydropower, agricultural or recreational business uses. Community Ownership and Community Benefits Community benefits are voluntary monetary or other benefits unrelated to the impacts of the project, provided by the developer. These offer opportunities to support community action plans such as through discounted supply of free electricity for local use, or share of ownership. However, monetary benefits are not material to planning and will not be taken into account in decisions on planning applications nor will community ownership justify environmentally damaging proposals. 3.2 International and National Designations International and National designations relate to National Parks, landscape, biodiversity and geodiversity designations. National Parks and landscape issues are addressed in chapter 3.4 on Landscape and Visual Impacts and biodiversity and geodiversity in chapter 3.11 on Biodiversity 3.3 Impacts on Communities and Individual Dwellings Key Policies: • NPF4 Policy 11(e)(i): Energy • NPF4 Policy 23(d): Health & Safety • LDP2 Policy 33: Renewable and Low Carbon Energy • LDP Policy 55: Nuisance from Artificial Light and Light Pollution • LDP Policy 56: Noise Pollution • LDP2 Policy 57: Air Quality Key Guidance • Guidance Biomass | SEPA • Supplementary Guidance Air Quality | PKC • Local air quality management policy guidance | Scottish Government • Wind Turbine Noise | Institute of Acoustics All proposals NPF4 11(e)(i) requires proposals to demonstrate through project design and mitigation how impacts on communities and individuals are considered including residential amenity, visual impact, noise, shadow flicker. LDP2 Policy 33 also requires air quality to be addressed. The operation and construction of most proposals can impact on amenity through dust, odour, lighting, and vibration, and should be addressed in addition to the main issues below. All Technologies should address the impacts of noise generating equipment early during site selection and siting, design and technical controls. Construction should be time- controlled to limit impacts. Noise assessments should address sensitive receptors and demonstrate that nearby residents’ enjoyment of their dwellings or gardens is not adversely affected. Receptors in a rural environment may be more sensitive to noise impacts. Cumulative assessments will be required where equipment including substations, storage and transformers are located in close proximity including from existing installations. All noise generated from equipment should be acoustically insulated where possible and where there is potential for a significant impact on receptors including priority species. Where construction or security lighting is required, sensitive siting, shielding and passive infrared technology should be used to minimise impacts on residents. Measures should be taken to reduce air borne emissions in construction, transport and operation including abatement, utilising methane, reducing Page 86 of 128
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Renewable and Low Carbon Energy Guidance 9 transport distances, dust mitigation, using sustainable fuel sources and adhering to the waste hierarchy. Wind Shadow flicker and strobe effects from moving blades can create distraction and have potential health effects on some individuals. Shadow flicker occurs when blades rotate and cast a shadow over neighbouring properties at certain times of day and year. Impacts should be avoided primarily through site selection, siting and separation distances, and design, with residual impacts mitigated through technical controls. Applicants for large turbines and wind farms should identify dwellings that may be significantly affected. This includes dwellings within 10 rotor diameters distance and within 130 degrees either side of North taking into account turbine height, topography and latitude. Impacts on affected dwellings should be for no more than 30minutes per day or 30 hours per year at any dwelling. Noise impact will depend on distance, turbine design, topography, prevailing wind direction and speed, and siting. Turbines may also have temporary impacts from amplitude modulation: a ‘thump’ caused by the movement of the blades through the air. Assessments should also be carried out for construction noise including blasting for foundations and borrow pits where relevant. A Noise Impact Assessment (NIA) for receptors within a 35db contour of turbines may be required and should be updated following any material change in the proposed design. The Environmental Health team will help identify requirements and the appropriate receptors and should be engaged early in preparing submissions. Submissions for medium turbines and above should show that noise will not exceed 35dB at noise sensitive premises (LA90, 10min of 35dB, <=10m/s wind speed, at 10m height) – with a 5dB penalty for any tonal noise generated. Assessments should be undertaken in accordance with standard ETSU-R-972 and guidance. 2 ETSU R 97 is due to be updated during 2025. Large wind farms and complex cumulative impacts will be considered by the Council. A cumulative assessment should demonstrate increases in noise levels are acceptable. These will be required for large turbines, wind farms, and for small turbines where there are other wind installations within 2km. Hydro Noise may be an issue from powerhouses. Providing the powerhouse location and manufacturer’s data will allow the Environmental Health team to advise potential impacts, noise limits and any Noise Impact Assessment (NIA) requirements. Vibration from powerhouse operation may also affect nearby dwellings. The design, construction and maintenance of powerhouses should ensure standards are not exceeded (see Table 1 of BS 6472-1:2008). Solar Noise may arise from poorly maintained tracking mechanisms and construction particularly from pile driven foundations, and potential operational noise from inverters and transformers. Proposals should ensure nearby dwellings are not adversely affected. An assessment and mitigation, such as limiting construction times, acoustic housing of transformers and maintenance plans may be required. Glint and Glare is a limited issue with modern PV panels, but submissions for solar farms should show no adverse impacts on sensitive receptors including residential dwellings and roads taking into account tracking movements and seasonal adjustments. Glint and Glare assessments will be required where properties within 1km to the east and west of the development have line of sight of the solar panels. Glint and glare can be mitigated through siting, screening and limiting the angle of panels. The visual impact of security lighting should also be minimised through sensitive siting, passive infra-red technology and shielding. Page 87 of 128
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Renewable and Low Carbon Energy Guidance 10 Energy Storage Noise impact from the operation of battery units including cooling systems, inverters and transformers will need to be considered, particularly where these are proposed close to residential properties. Providing the location of associated infrastructure and manufacturer’s data will allow the Environmental Health team to advise on potential impacts, noise limits and any Noise Impact Assessment (NIA) requirements. This will include cumulative assessments of sites situated near substations, solar farms or other energy storage sites. A condition to control noise will be applied. Sites should avoid impacts on sensitive receptors in the first instance. Acoustic fencing or bunding will be required to address residual impacts. Bioenergy Biomass installations can increase local concentrations of particulate matter (PM) and Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2). For applications over 50kW an Air Quality Assessment (AQA) may be required, and will be required within the Perth Air Quality Area. SEPA guidance should be referred to for installations over 20MW. All biomass applications should include: • boiler size (kW) • manufacturer’s brochure. • Stack height above ground level • Stack internal diameter • Height of nearby buildings within 5 times the stack height including the boiler building • Maximum emission rates for NO2 and PM10 in g/s When choosing a location for Biomass neighbouring properties, relative heights, window locations, topography and dispersion effects should be taken into account. Dispersion modelling may need to be mapped for large installations. Manufacturer’s recommendations must be adhered to with regards the fuel type and moisture content and covered fuel storage. Gases produced from anaerobic digestion and associated CHP can impact on air quality. Most proposals will need an AQA and to demonstrate exhaust emissions and flare operations adhere to SEPA Waste Guidance. AD plants should re-use their own low grade waste heat where possible 3.4 Landscape and Visual Impacts Key Policies: • NPF4 Policy 11: Energy • NPF4 Policy 4: Natural Places • NPF4 Policy 7: Historic Assets and Places • NPF4: Policy 8: Greenbelt • LDP2 Policy 39: Landscape Key Guidance: • Planning and development: landscapes | NatureScot • Planning and development: renewable energy | NatureScot • Wind farm impacts on landscape | NatureScot • PKC Supplementary Guidance - Landscape • Guidance on Aviation Lighting Impact Assessment | NatureScot Landscape Policies • LDP2 Policy 39 sets out locally important impacts to address in submissions including factors such as local distinctiveness and the experience of the night sky. • NPF4 Policy 4(a) states that unacceptable impacts on the natural environment will not be supported. This includes landscape impacts. • NPF4 Policy 11(b) bars wind farms from National Parks and National Scenic Areas. The relevant National Park should be referred to for guidance on other renewable development. • NPF4 Policy 11(d) refers applicants to Policy 4 for impacts on international and national designations, this includes landscape designations. • NPF4 Policy 11(e)(ii) states significant landscape and visual impacts from all forms of renewable energy proposals must be addressed. • NPF4 Policy 4(c) sets out requirements in relation to impacts on National Parks and National Scenic Areas • NPF4 Policy 4(d) addresses local landscape areas. • NPF4 Policy 4(g) addresses Wild Land Areas and wild land impact assessments. • NPF4 Policy 7 includes landscape protections of historic features Page 88 of 128
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Renewable and Low Carbon Energy Guidance 11 • NPF4 Policy 8 addresses applications in the Greenbelt Interpretation of Policy 11(e)(ii) “ Significant impacts… are to be expected from some forms of renewable energy. Where such impacts are localised and/or appropriate design mitigation has been applied, they will generally be considered to be acceptable„ NPF4 Policy 11(e)(ii) Some forms of renewable energy: refers to wind installations only. Localised: refers to the immediate neighbouring location only. Appropriate design mitigation: requires that all reasonable mitigation has been applied to reduce significant impacts taking into account the factors in LDP2 Policy 39 including the local importance and use of the landscape, and the qualities of landscape character types and designated landscapes. Generally be considered acceptable. Acceptability is subject to the tests in NPF4 Policy 4 including Policy 4(a) and consideration of matters addressed in other policies including greenbelt, heritage, and quality of place. Interpretation of Greenbelt Policy NPF4 Policy 8 Greenbelt sets out requirements to be met for proposals in the greenbelt informed by LDP2 Policy 43. These are additional to NPF4 Policy 11 and include the following: “reasons are provided as to why a green belt location is essential and why it cannot be located on an alternative site outwith the green belt;„ LDP2 requires a statement setting out reasons why a green belt location is essential and must identify the search area and the site options assessed “the purpose of the green belt at that location is not undermined; „ The purpose of the greenbelt in LDP2 is to protect and enhance the character, landscape setting and identity of settlements “the proposal is compatible with the surrounding established countryside and landscape character; the proposal has been designed to ensure it is of an appropriate scale, massing and external appearance, and uses materials that minimise visual impact on the green belt as far as possible; and there will be no significant long-term impacts on the environmental quality of the green belt„ Long-term impacts are less than permanent and those beyond short-term changes such as construction or as planted screening develops. This is regardless of whether the impacts are theoretically reversible. Wind proposals are assumed to be a permanent change. All Proposals Renewable energy installations can impact on the character of the landscape as a result of the design, size, and layout of the installation, and associated infrastructure against the landscape. Visual impacts also arise from people’s perception of installations as seen from homes and public locations (receptors). All submissions should consider whether the proposal will affect: • The landscape character taking into account scenic value, and areas sensitive due to historic and cultural or recreational value. • Impacts on the landscape of, and views from and to Local Landscape Areas, National Parks, National Scenic Areas, Wild Land Areas • Impacts on the setting of, and views to and from, scheduled monuments, historic battlefields and Gardens and Designed Landscapes • Views to iconic and locally important landmarks including the Highland Boundary Fault and iconic viewpoints • Views from important viewpoints including Munros, and viewpoints indicated on OS maps. • Views from neighbouring receptors including dwellings, core paths and other popular recreation routes, Principal Tourist and Amenity Routes and recreation areas • Landscape character of the greenbelt Page 89 of 128
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Renewable and Low Carbon Energy Guidance 12 Submissions should also address any cumulative impact on the issues above. See section 3.20 Landscape and Visual Impact Assessments (LVIA) The assessment required of the landscape and visual impact of the proposal will be proportional to the scale and nature of the development and the sensitivity of the location ranging from simple site photographs and design drawings, through Landscape and Visual Appraisals (LVA) and Landscape and Visual Impact Assessments (LVIA). The Planning Authority will help identify the extent of assessment required, the zone of theoretical visibility (ZTV) and relevant viewpoints and receptors. All appraisals and assessments must follow: • Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (3rd ed) | The Landscape Institute Small and medium wind turbines submissions will be assessed in accordance with: • Assessment of The Impact of Small Scale Wind Energy Proposals on the Natural Heritage | NatureScot Large Turbines and Wind Farm submissions must adhere to: • Visual Representation of Wind Farms | NatureScot • Siting and designing wind farms in the landscape | NatureScot The Landscape character of Perth and Kinross is described in: • Landscape Study to Inform Planning for Wind Energy| DTA • Landscape Character Type Descriptions | NatureScot. All assessments should take into account any changes in landscape capacity since the publication of these studies using professional judgement Assessment information required All proposals Site photographs, design details and technology specifications All photographs and visualisations should clearly demarcate the site boundary including access tracks. Micro wind Basic ZTV and photomontages in sensitive locations. Small & Medium turbines Detailed design and location information and visualisations. A 15km ZTV and LVA with visualisations from key viewpoints Large turbines & wind farms LVIA with a ZTV to a minimum of 20km. Visualisations from key viewpoints in proportion to proposal. Cumulative map of proposals within 20km Hydro Site photographs of watercourses and affected construction areas. LVA for local applications, LVIA for major, EIA or where sensitive landscape affected Solar Farms & Energy Storage Visualisations. LVA if affecting heritage or landscape designation; LVIA for major, EIA and cumulative assessment of both solar and energy proposals Enabling Infrastructure Visualisations. LVA if affecting a heritage interest or landscape. LVIA for major, EIA All proposals should demonstrate how landscape and visual impacts have been mitigated through: • Careful selection of site and route of tracks at design stage • Considering the siting and design of infrastructure at an early stage in consultation with communities and stakeholders • Using design, materials, and colour that best fit with the built, historic and natural environments • Using scale appropriate to nearby buildings, trees, pylons and landforms • Siting infrastructure near existing structures Page 90 of 128
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Renewable and Low Carbon Energy Guidance 13 • Siting all turbines and large installations to avoid significant adverse visual and landscape impacts as seen from Principal Tourist and Amenity Routes • Using existing topography, landscaping and natural screening to minimise impacts • Undergrounding of pipework, penstock and cabling where possible; and the use of landscaping and natural screening where undergrounding is not possible • Timely restoration of tracks, trenches, construction compounds, laydown areas and borrow pits to match the surrounding environment • Demonstration of effective mitigation through a Habitat Management Plan or Landscape Management Strategy. • Planted screening should be multilayered, and of sufficient height to screen impacts through all seasons. Iconic Viewpoints and the Highland Boundary Fault Major and EIA proposals including grid infrastructure visible from important viewpoints including Munros and iconic viewpoints should assess impacts on those views and provide visualisations The Highland Boundary Fault is a distinctive, topographical, cultural and geological feature running through Perth and Kinross which is sensitive to wind turbines on its top or, as seen from the Lowlands side, in front of or on the fault slope itself. Visual impact assessments will be required for large turbines and wind farm proposals within 2km of the northern edge, and 5km of the southern edge of this feature to demonstrate that views of the skyline or natural beauty of this feature are not significantly adversely affected. Page 91 of 128
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Renewable and Low Carbon Energy Guidance 14 Landmark Features and Iconic Viewpoints Dotted Line indicates potential visibility for wind turbines Source: David Tyldesley and Associates (2010) Landscape Study to Inform Planning for Wind Energy Page 92 of 128
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Renewable and Low Carbon Energy Guidance 15 National Scenic Areas and National Parks Under NPF4 Policy 11b wind farms proposed in National Scenic Areas (NSAs) and National Parks will not be supported. Any turbine >12 m in an NSA needs planning permission and consultation with NatureScot. Most turbines, hydro installations and hill tracks, and other large installations can have adverse landscape and visual impacts at a distance including across boundaries to both NSAs and National Parks. Where in or visible from NSAs and National Parks submissions should show they do not have a significant adverse impact on the special landscape qualities of the designation or their gateways with reference to the relevant guidance. Proposals will specifically be assessed in relation to NPF4 Policy 4c. See Guidance: • The Special Landscape Qualities of LL&TNP (NatureScot, 2010) • The Special Landscape Qualities of Cairngorms National Park (NatureScot, 2010) • The Special Qualities of National Scenic Areas (NatureScot, 2010) Wild Land Areas NPF4 Policy 4(g) sets out the requirements for assessment in relation to Wild Land Areas and the requirement for a Wild Land Impact Assessment to demonstrate minimisation of significant impacts. Policy 4(g) is subject to the qualification in policy 4(a). • Wild Land Area descriptions and assessment guidance | NatureScot. Local Landscape Areas Local Landscape Areas (LLAs) in Perth & Kinross and neighbouring authorities should be considered of regional importance in LVIA. Views both to and from these landscapes should be addressed. Significant impacts on these areas must be localised or appropriately mitigated with reference to Policy 4(a), 4(d) and PKC Supplementary Guidance on Landscape. Page 93 of 128
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Renewable and Low Carbon Energy Guidance 16 Page 94 of 128
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Renewable and Low Carbon Energy Guidance 17 Wind For the siting and design of all wind turbines above 15m in height and associated infrastructure, applicants will be assessed against: • Siting & Designing Wind Farms in the Landscape | NatureScot • Guidance on Aviation Lighting Impact Assessment | NatureScot This will help submissions to address: • The fit of turbines within the landscape depending on the number, scale, pattern and colour of turbines against the scale, form, complexity and cover of the landscape • The prominence of turbines including on ridge lines, on loch and river shores and in areas of wildness, remoteness or tranquillity • The siting of turbines on the site in relation to each other, other structures and site topography, as viewed from different receptors • The location and fit within the pattern of existing turbine(s) • The relation of turbine(s) in size, character and location in the context of nearby dwellings and other buildings, monuments, conservation interests and locally important natural features • The cumulative impact of all sizes of turbines with existing and proposed turbines and other infrastructure including pylons • The landscape and visual impact of foundations, transformers, cranes, crane pads, tracks, construction compounds, borrow pits, and grid connection infrastructure • The impacts of aviation lighting on the night sky. Cumulative impacts from new turbines that risk coalescence between existing wind farms or turbine clusters leading to a wind farm landscape should be avoided. Repowering applications may provide an opportunity to reduce existing cumulative impacts by removing or redesigning elements in the landscape. A Cumulative Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (CLVIA) will be required for large turbines and wind farms where there are existing, or proposed turbines within a cumulative zone agreed with the Planning Authority. CLVIAs should adhere to NatureScot guidance Assessing the Cumulative Impact of Onshore Wind Energy Developments (2021) and should address: • All existing, consented or submitted wind applications • Other large or tall industrial features including pylons • Structures outside the Council area, including for sequential impacts • Effects on landscape character; and the qualities of landscape designations including Local Landscape Areas and Wild Land • Combined and successive cumulative impacts • Sequential impacts on amenity, tourist and recreational routes • Impacts of infrastructure such as tracks, crane pads and borrow pits. Proposals for small and medium turbines should consider other existing turbines within 1km. Siting and design choice will help avoid creating confusion or clutter through different designs or heights. The siting and design of micro wind turbines should use scale, design, materials and colour that best fit with the surrounding environment and any other turbines. Micro wind is best sited in association with existing buildings or structures and can be located carefully or screened to avoid visual impacts. Hydro Impacts from hydro schemes will depend on the sensitivity of the location and the extent of infrastructure. National Parks, NSAs, LLAs, and WLAs should be avoided if impacts cannot be sufficiently mitigated. The contrast of hill tracks and penstock routes with the existing landscape during and post construction should be minimised through siting, such as using natural features like narrow valleys to reduce the extent of construction required and using existing tracks or alternative delivery methods. Impacts of artificial materials in semi-natural and rural environments should be minimised by: • ensuring a low profile of in-river structures • choosing appropriate materials and finishes of buildings, railings, fencing and pipework • reusing or restoring historic weirs. Page 95 of 128
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Renewable and Low Carbon Energy Guidance 18 Any visible pipework including pressure release valves can be aligned with land use patterns and vegetation, and transformers and associated fencing can be screened. Powerhouses should be placed underground, in existing buildings, or in new buildings in keeping with local character. Cumulative impact assessments may be required where the proposal is affecting a landscape designation, and/or other hydro installations or proposals are in the ZTV. • Hydro Schemes and Natural Heritage | NatureScot • Guide to Hydro Construction Good Practice | NatureScot Solar Micro-generation solar installations will have minimal impacts but should demonstrate they do not have a detrimental impact on heritage features. Solar farm impacts may include the visual impacts of the panels and frames themselves although due to the sunlight absorbing nature of panels and their low profile, from a distance they can seem like water or a ploughed field. The size and layout of the solar farm should be commensurate with the surrounding landscape to reduce significant effects. Contours and enclosure patterns of the landscape created by topography, field patterns, paths, woodland, walls and hedges should be reflected and reinforced through layout and landscaping. Local impacts including that of inverters and transformers, other electricity infrastructure, and security fencing can be softened by use of topography or planting as screening. Proposals must be set back from recreational routes and intervening native vegetation introduced to ensure the experience of the wider countryside is maintained. Screening landscaping should be selected and maintained to ensure views on wider landscapes are not blocked. Any security lighting must be on an infrared trigger only. Except on brownfield land, hardstanding should be avoided wherever possible. • General pre-application and scoping advice for solar farms | NatureScot Cumulative impact assessments are required where there are other existing or proposed solar or energy storage installations within the agreed ZTV. This must also address sequential impacts along recreational or tourist routes. Energy Storage Proposals should address landscape and visual impacts arising from the battery storage/container units, transformers, inverters, switchrooms, welfare units, fencing, substations, access tracks, water towers, and security fencing. Due to the industrialised nature of battery storage proposals are best sited immediately next to substations or associated renewable energy developments. Industrial sites in the countryside and greenbelt risk having an unacceptable landscape and visual impact. Impacts on the setting of landscape and historic designations, recreational routes and settlement character must be addressed. Local impacts can be softened by use of topography, bunds or planting as screening but may need to be well set back from roads or recreation routes in countryside settings. The existence of vertical infrastructure such as pylons in the landscape do not necessarily result in a lesser impact of an installation on the horizontal character of a setting or landscape, particularly where situated at a distance. Proposals must be set back from recreational routes and intervening native vegetation introduced to ensure the experience of the wider countryside is maintained. Screening landscaping should be selected and maintained to ensure views on wider landscapes are not blocked. Cumulative impact assessments are required where there are other existing or proposed solar or energy storage installations within the agreed ZTV. This must also address sequential impacts along recreational or tourist routes. Page 96 of 128
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Renewable and Low Carbon Energy Guidance 19 Enabling Infrastructure Proposals for substations should be associated with other industrial infrastructure as far as possible, and screened with materials and landscaping appropriate to the location. Refer to energy storage above. Routing options of new/extended/upgraded transmission or connection lines should address impacts on landscape character types, local landscape areas, settlement visibility and recreational and tourist routes. Early engagement with PKC and NatureScot is essential. Page 97 of 128
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Renewable and Low Carbon Energy Guidance 20 Source: David Tyldesley and Associates (2010) Landscape Study to Inform Planning for Wind Energy Page 98 of 128
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Renewable and Low Carbon Energy Guidance 21 3.5 Public Access, Recreation and Scenic Routes Key Policies: • NPF4 Policy 11e (iii) • LDP2 Policy 14: Open Space Retention and Provision • LDP2 Policy 15: Public Access • LDP2 Policy 33: Renewable and Low Carbon Energy • LDP2 Policy 40: Green Infrastructure Key Guidance • Green & Blue Infrastructure Guidance | PKC • Core Paths Plan | PKC All Proposals Large scale applications can impact on recreation through land take and applicants should engage with recreational organisations to help identify users and evaluate recreational value. LDP2 Policy 14A: Existing Areas requires protection of areas of land with value to the community including for recreational or amenity purposes including outside settlement boundaries subject to limited exceptions. LDP2 Policy 15: protects all designated and well-used routes. Recreational routes or access to recreational activities should be identified and adverse impacts addressed including through provision of alternative routes. An access management plan will help ensure safety. Infrastructure should be sited and designed to minimise impacts on views from key locations for public access and recreation, as well as scenic routes. Enhancement to recreational access or facilities should be considered. See Section 3.4 on Landscape and Visual Impact for more information. Wind Wind farms can have substantial visual impacts on recreational and tourism use. Proposals should avoid having significant visual impacts on views from the A9 corridor and iconic viewpoints. Submissions should address impacts on views to National Park gateways, the Highland Boundary Fault and local landmarks. Hydro Hydropower can impact through visual impacts and access restrictions during construction. Weirs should be designed and sited to address impacts on, or enhance, recreational experience and consider enhancements such as public access across weirs. Changes in water flow may also affect water-based tourism and recreation. Submissions should provide a notification plan for water releases affecting users. Solar Large solar farms may impact recreation through land take and disruption to recreation routes. In addition to access considerations, submissions should address views of and from local tourist landmarks and principal tourist routes. Energy Storage, Bioenergy and Enabling Infrastructure In addition to any access considerations, submissions should address views of and from local tourist landmarks and principal tourist routes. 3.6 Aviation and Defence Interests Key Policies: • NPF4 Policy 11(e)(iv) • LDP2 Policy 61: Airfield Safeguarding Key Guidance • Airfield Safeguarding Guidance | PKC All Proposals All tall structures, including construction cranes, turbines, flues and flarestacks, can present a hazard to air navigation. Consultation is required for applications within the safeguarding zone of Perth, Fife and Dundee airports, or any Perth and Kinross airfield as shown on the Aviation and Defence Safeguarding Map. Any proposed technical mitigation measures will need to be agreed by the relevant authorities. Page 99 of 128
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Renewable and Low Carbon Energy Guidance 22 Wind Wind turbines can disrupt communication and navigation, and along with cranes and anemometers can interfere directly with aviation. Applicants are encouraged to engage with the planning team and relevant aviation bodies before committing to a site or design. Applicants should consult the airport or airfield operator where wind proposals are located within the safeguarding zones of airfields and Perth, Fife, Dundee or Edinburgh airports shown on the Aviation and Defence Safeguarding Map. CAA and NATS will be consulted for all turbines. The Ministry of Defence (MOD) will also be consulted on all applications over 11m or with a rotor diameter of 2m and all wind applications within the Munduff Hill weather radar safeguarding zone. Mitigation measures such as lighting, siting and technical features will need to be agreed by the relevant authorities and included in visual impact assessments. Solar Large arrays have limited potential for impacts on navigation from reflection, glare and security lighting. The relevant aerodrome or airfield operator should be contacted for any ground mounted Solar PV application within the airfield safeguarding zones. Applications proposing solar tracking systems will also require consultation with Ministry of Defence (MOD), Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and National Air Traffic Services (NATS). 3.7 Telecommunications and Broadcasting Installations Key Policies: • NPF4 Policy 11e (v) Wind Interference with radio communication and local television and radio reception should be assessed prior to development. Ofcom can provide advice on relevant operators and the Joint Radio Company can undertake screening for telemetry used by energy utilities. Developers will be expected to resolve any potential issue with the relevant operators or, in the case of interference with TV and radio signals, with individual occupiers. 3.8 Roads and Transport Key Policies: • NPF4 Policy 11(e)(vi) • NPF4 Policy 13: Sustainable Transport • LDP2 Policy 33A(g) • LDP2 Policy 60: Transport Standards and Accessibility Requirements Key Guidance • National Roads Development Guide | SCOTS • Transport Planning Guidance | PKC All Proposals Construction vehicles, delivery of infrastructure and materials, and ongoing fuel deliveries can cause significant disruption to transport routes, rural roads, and safety, amenity and air quality in towns and villages. Road alignment or widening, and physical impacts on the road surface condition will also need to be addressed. In consultation with the relevant road authorities, a Transport Assessment, covering impacts on the road network, and a Construction Traffic Management Plan (CTMP), are likely to be required for large proposals. Transport assessments and associated CTMP should show adverse impacts are avoided, mitigated or minimised including: • Routes, timing, and number of vehicles for construction and ongoing fuel, feedstock or digestate movements are designed to minimise disruption • Consideration of the cumulative impacts of fuel delivery where routes are affected by existing HGV deliveries Page 100 of 128
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Renewable and Low Carbon Energy Guidance 23 • Sites are designed for safe access and operation including in emergency situations • Works and final installations are designed, sited and screened to prevent distraction to passing drivers. 3.9 Historic Environment Key Policies: • NPF4 Policy 11(e)(vii) • NPF4 Policy 7 (Historic Assets and Places) • LDP2 Policy 33 (Renewable and Low Carbon Energy) • LDP2 Policies 26-31 (Historic Environment Policies) Key Guidance • Historic Environment Policy for Scotland | Historic Environment Scotland (HES) • Managing Change: Setting | HES • Managing Change: Micro-Renewables | HES • Planning Advice Note 2/2011 Planning and Archaeology • Interactive Heritage Map | PKC • Listed Building Consent and Conservation Area Checklists | PKC All proposals Installation can affect the fabric and setting of historic interests and underlying archaeology. Reducing energy consumption and improving energy efficiency must be addressed before considering more intrusive measures that installations that may have an adverse impact on the historic character and interest. While some permitted development rights apply for the installation of renewable energy measures in listed buildings or conservation areas, listed building consent and/or planning permission will likely be required. Roof mounted technology and flues may impact on the historic fabric and special interest of listed buildings, and must be carefully considered on a case by case basis. In conservation areas they should be carefully installed and discretely sited to protect the historic character or and appearance of the area. The visual impact on heritage assets including historic battlefields, gardens and designed landscapes, listed buildings, and conservation areas and their settings must be taken into account in the development of renewable energy projects. Large installations may affect the setting of or views to/from heritage assets and will not be acceptable where they have significant adverse effects, as assessed against NPF4 Policy 7. Landscape and visual appraisals should clearly address potential adverse effects and appropriate mitigation. All installations requiring ground disturbance should identify known archaeology and the potential for archaeology across construction sites through discussions with the Perth and Kinross Heritage Trust (PKHT). Where known or potential archaeological resources may be affected, a mitigation plan should be developed in association with PKHT. Mitigation may include recording finds or providing enhancement for acceptable proposals such as interpretative signage. Proposals with significant transport requirements for construction or ongoing fuel delivery should also ensure historic structures are protected from vibration, ground disturbance or overly heavy loads. There may be potential to incorporate existing historic buildings and structures into proposals. Hydro proposals, for example, could include sensitivity repair and reuse of historic weirs, waterwheels and mill lades. The use of existing ancillary buildings for heat pump plant rooms and bioenergy could ensure new renewable proposals are more sensitive to historic settings, where it is ensured that new pipework or vibrations will not damage historic fabric. Page 101 of 128
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Renewable and Low Carbon Energy Guidance 24 3.10 Hydrology, Water Environment and Flood Risk Key Policies: • NPF4 Policy 2(b): Climate Mitigation and Adaptation • NPF4 Policy 11(e) (viii) • NPF4 Policy 20: Blue and Green infrastructure • NPF4 Policy 22: Flood Risk and Water Management • LDP2 Policy 45: Lunan Lochs Catchment Area • LDP2 Policy 47: River Tay Catchment Area • LDP2 Policy 52: New Development and Flooding • LDP2 Policy 53: Water Environment and Drainage Key Guidance • Guidance and advice notes | SEPA • Flood Risk Standing Advice | SEPA • Vulnerability Guidance | SEPA • Diffuse pollution in the urban environment | SEPA • Guidance on assessing the impacts of development proposals on groundwater abstractions | SEPA • Abstractions Guidance | SEPA • Flood Risk and Flood Risk Assessments | PKC • Flood Risk Management Plans | PKC • SUDS manual C753F | CIRIA • Engineering in the Water Environment Guidance | SEPA All proposals: Hydrology and Water Environment Activities affecting the water environment may require a Controlled Activities Licence (CAR) licence from SEPA including in river engineering work; this includes all hydropower applications and water source heat pumps; and drainage. Authorisation may also be required for abstraction of water for construction, water storage or to de-water excavations, and surface water and construction run-off. The planning team will consult closely with SEPA to assess applications, identify conditions and co- ordinate with CAR applications. SEPA guidance contains checklists to assess whether proposals will be able to obtain a water use licence. See: CAR A Practical Guide | SEPA Any large installation or excavation works may impact on the water environment through changes to hydrology, water supplies and water quality through construction excavation, drainage, and de-watering while compacted areas, tracks and hardstandings may lead to increased runoff. These changes may lead to impacts on private water supplies, aquatic and terrestrial habitats and species including Ground Water Dependent Terrestrial Ecosystems (GWDTEs). Assessments and Evidence Required: • Where required Construction Method Statements should map construction areas and storage compounds and identify all onsite, and connected, watercourses, lochs, water supplies, and wetlands; and appropriate buffers For all major and EIA proposals, and all hydropower proposals: • A draft CEMP • Identify all private and public water supplies in the site catchment, assess impacts and identify mitigation for water supplies • Consult Scottish Water for advice on precautions where development may affect a Protected Water Area • Consult NatureScot on any proposals that may affect a Protected Area or Protected Species • Surveys should extend beyond the site boundary to recommended distances taking micro-siting into account • A Phase 1 habitat survey can identify wetlands. A National Vegetation Classification (NVC) of each wetland will identify GWDTEs and other habitats dependent on surface and ground water. • Identify and avoid impacts on groundwater abstractions and GWDTEs within a minimum of 10m from all development, 100m of excavations < 1m and 250m from excavations >1m. Early consideration of site and route selection is the best way to avoid sensitive habitats including wetlands and water supplies, abstractions and drinking water supply. Impacts are best managed by adherence to best practice construction per NatureScot and SEPA Guidance. Page 102 of 128
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Renewable and Low Carbon Energy Guidance 25 Roads, tracks and trenches (excavations <1m depth) should be sited/routed 100m from abstractions and GWDTES; and excavations and buildings (>1m) 250m away. A site-specific assessment will be required if these buffers cannot be achieved. Any effects on GWDTEs should be assessed, avoided and mitigated in line with SEPA guidelines. Water crossings should be avoided where possible and where unavoidable address SEPA and PKC Guidance mitigation requirements. Minimising vegetation removal and timeous post construction remediation can reduce sedimentation. SUDS are required for construction and operation to treat and control run-off. Drainage to SUDS must be in place before any excavation with construction drainage and SUDS separated from clean water flows. Natural waterflows must be maintained across habitats. This can be helped by minimising the use of impermeable surfaces and using permeable access tracks. Drainage must be designed in line with PKC and SEPA Guidance. All Proposals: Flood Risk NPF4 Policy 22(a) provides an exception for essential infrastructure in a flood risk area (as defined in NPF4 glossary) “where the location is required for operational reasons” provided it will: “ (i) not increase the risk of surface water flooding to others, or itself be at risk (ii) manage all rain and surface water through [SUDS]… (iii) seek to minimise the area of impermeable surface„ Policy 22(c) SEPA and PKC Guidance on flood risk and Flood Risk Assessment, and drainage impact and Drainage Impact Assessment must be adhered to. Roads and tracks should avoid the functional floodplain. Secondary egress for safety reasons may be considered. Buildings and structures will depend on adherence to flood risk guidance in line with SEPA vulnerability guidance. If development in a flood risk area as defined in NPF4 is required, proposals must demonstrate why this is the case for operational reasons including reasons why alternative areas outwith flood risk areas are not suitable. Operational reasons will be assessed in terms of the criticality of having the proposal within a flood risk area, for it to be able to operate, and not financial reasons. Mitigation must be in place to ensure the requirements of policy 22(c) are addressed. Local Flood Risk Management Plans must be referenced and proposals should contribute to and must not adversely affect the mitigation actions contained within. Drainage management of the site must avoid any increase in flooding downstream, particularly on Potentially Vulnerable Areas identified in Local Flood Risk Management Plans. Inappropriately designed weirs, tracks and river crossings can introduce an increase in flood risk. • A Drainage Impact Assessment may be required where there are new tracks or hardstandings, or where the proposal may affect a sensitive area as set out in PKC Guidance on flood risk and Flood Risk Assessment. • A Flood Risk Assessment will be required if a development is proposed within a flood risk area as defined in the NPF4 glossary. Wind Large Turbines and Wind Farms are likely to have significant impacts due to construction de-watering, excavations, tracks and crane pads. Following careful site selection, siting of turbines and design of tracks and hardstandings must take into account existing ground cover, waterlogging and slope, the proximity and connection of the water environment. Submissions must show how potential run-off and pollution are addressed through SUDS and drainage and a drainage impact assessment is likely to be required. Drainage proposals must be designed to allow maintenance per the SuDS Manual requirements. Mitigation as recommended by Ecological Clerk of Works must be followed and further measures may be required including: • a water quality management plan to ensure water protection measures are monitored and maintained Page 103 of 128
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Renewable and Low Carbon Energy Guidance 26 • Monitoring of identified water sensitivities and GWDTEs; with plans for remedial action. See: Good Practice During Windfarm Construction | NatureScot Hydro Given the in-stream nature of hydro construction and operation particular care must be taken for both site selection, construction and operation. See SEPA guidance for in stream works. Water quality and hydrology can be affected by construction run off and scouring, sedimentation, and submerged vegetation. Areas sensitive to changes in hydrology and morphology must be avoided. Submissions must address how water quality, hydrology and morphology of both construction and operation will be mitigated with best practice construction shown through the CMS and CEMP. A water quality management plan may be required to ensure water quality protection measures are monitored and maintained. Changes to water flow from flow diversion, transfers from other catchments, engineering works, weirs, intakes and outfalls may also change morphology and hydrology with impacts on fish passage, recreation and tourism and water supplies. Inflow and outflow must be carefully designed and sited and transfers between otherwise unconnected watercourses avoided. Impacts on areas sensitive due to water abstraction, and agricultural abstraction and groundwater quality must be avoided or impacts mitigated. Information on flow including compensation flow, must be provided along with an assessment of downstream effects. All weirs will give rise to some degree of local water level change and potentially temperature change and should be taken into account in assessing aquatic ecology. All submissions must demonstrate that watercourse crossings and in-river engineering can cope with extreme rainfall, and powerhouses and other dry land infrastructure is designed and sited in accordance with NPF4 Policy 22. A cumulative impact assessment will be required where there are existing hydropower structures or proposals on the tributary particularly where there are agricultural abstractions or good groundwater quality. Guidance: • Hydroelectric power | NatureScot • Hydropower | SEPA Solar, Energy Storage & Enabling Infrastructure Impacts on the water environment from surface run-off from panels, non- permeable foundations, areas of hard-standing, erection of buildings, compaction and tracks must be considered. Vegetation around and under solar arrays should be retained for wildlife or grazing, and permeable access tracks used along with localised SUDS for any run-off (per NPF4 Policy 22(c)(ii). Site selection should take into account electricity infrastructure vulnerability to flood risk, with careful siting and design of inverters and transformers to reduce flood risk in line with NPF4 Policy 22. Battery storage is unlikely to be suitable in flood risk areas. Run-off from battery storage firewater is not covered by SEPA authorisation and must be contained to prevent pollution of the water environment (See section 3.13). Containment ponds/impoundments for firewater from an authorised abstraction will not need SEPA approval but should be filled during winter months. 3.11 Biodiversity Key Policies: • NPF4 Policy 3: Biodiversity • NPF4 Policy 4: Natural Places • NPF4 Policy 11(d): Energy • LDP2 Policy 42: Green Infrastructure • LDP2 Policy 33: Renewable & Low Carbon Energy • LDP2 Policy 45: Lunan Lochs Catchment Area • LDP2 Policy 47: River Tay Catchment Area Page 104 of 128
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Renewable and Low Carbon Energy Guidance 27 Key Guidance: • Renewable energy | NatureScot • Planning and development advice | NatureScot • Biodiversity | SEPA • Planning for Nature Guidance | PKC • NPF4 Policy 3 Interim Guidance Note | PKC • Perth & Kinross Nature Networks | PKC • Tayside LBAP | Tayside Biodiversity Partnership (TBP) • TBP Development Guidance | TBP • Local Nature Conservation Sites | PKC • Planning and development: protected areas | NatureScot • Site Link for Protected Areas | NatureScot • Bats and onshore wind turbines survey assessment and mitigation | NatureScot • Guidance on SACs and SPAs | PKC • Habitats Regulations Appraisal (HRA) | NatureScot • Planning and development: protected species | NatureScot Natural Places NPF4 Policy 4 sets out the requirements for new developments in relation to natural places. This includes a general statement in policy 4(a): “ Development proposals which by virtue of type, location or scale will have an unacceptable impact on the natural environment, will not be supported„ NPF4 Policy 4(a) NPF4 Policy 4 sets out tests for protected areas, local designations and protected species. These cover national parks, landscape, biodiversity, and protected species. Note Landscape and Visual impacts are addressed in section 3.4. The following guidance and supporting information should be referred to in preparing submissions: Biodiversity NPF4 Policy 3 sets out the requirements for new developments in relation to biodiversity including significant biodiversity enhancement for national, major and EIA developments, and enhancement for local proposals. The mitigation hierarchy and nature networks are key to all proposals. For the avoidance of doubt all submissions should demonstrate that the mitigation hierarchy has been addressed in the order as set out in the NPF4 Glossary. Major and EIA proposals should refer to Scottish Government guidance, and local proposals must be in accordance with NatureScot’s Developing with Nature guidance. The Council Planning & Biodiversity webpage provides our Planning for Nature Guidance including minimum mitigation requirements, an Interim Guidance Note on information required to support NPF4 Policy 3, and information on nature networks and local biodiversity sites. Geodiversity NPF4 Policy 4(c) and 4(d) includes impacts on nationally significant SSSIs and candidate Local Nature Conservation Sites which are designated for their geological value. Geological Review Sites (GCRs) are generally covered by one of these designations but are of national or international significance requiring notification to NatureScot. Impacts on GCRs fall within the scope of NPF4 Policy 4(a). Mitigation of impacts on geodiversity should be based on the qualities for which sites are designated. In general proposals should not impede the access, visibility or experience of these sites. Relevant habitat and species records • Scottish Biodiversity List • Tayside Local Biodiversity Action Plan • NBN Atlas • Tayside Raptor Study Group • Scottish Badgers • NatureScot (FWPM) • Tay District Salmon Fisheries Board • BSBI • Fife Nature (Kinross area only) Page 105 of 128
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Renewable and Low Carbon Energy Guidance 30 All Proposals All proposals should show how impacts on natural heritage have been avoided, mitigated and compensated for, and how biodiversity will be enhanced, in line with the above policies and associated guidance. Surveys will be relative to the size, location and sensitivity of the site and surrounding habitat and can be identified during pre-application enquiries or EIA scoping discussions. All proposals except small scale renewables must be accompanied and informed by an Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) in accordance with CIEEM Guidelines and include an assessment of the level of biodiversity enhancement in accordance with our Interim Guidance on NPF Policy 3. EcIA are expected to be proportionate and for small scale proposals may be based on a Preliminary Environmental Assessment Report (PEAR). However, a PEAR alone will not normally be considered sufficient. Submissions without EcIA, biodiversity enhancement assessments, recommended surveys, or with surveys outwith the correct season will result in applications being delayed or refused. Annex 4 of the PKC Planning for Nature guidance provides a helpful checklist of information required to inform a planning application regarding biodiversity. Information should be submitted in accordance with the checklist to reduce future information requests and delays. Biodiversity, green infrastructure and nature network protection and enhancement should be implemented throughout the design of the project from initial design to construction, compensation, restoration, operation and decommissioning. Submitted designs and landscaping plans should clearly show where protections, mitigation and enhancement recommended in the EcIA is being applied. Site selection and development design is expected to demonstrate adherence to the mitigation hierarchy in order. Compensation will not be accepted in place of an impact that could have been avoided by design. Any unavoidable loss must be compensated in accordance with guidance before positive measures can be considered enhancement. Renewable installations can avoid direct loss and fragmentation of habitats, woodland and green infrastructure through carefully sited infrastructure and access tracks. Considered early, indirect damage to plants and habitats from changes to soils and hydrology can also be avoided. Infrastructure may also disrupt or displace wildlife from their foraging, roosting, breeding and commuting habitats. This may include displacement of birds, badgers, reptiles and amphibians from breeding and foraging/ hunting grounds; disruption to bat roosts in woodland, or disturbance/fragmentation of bat foraging habitats in and near woodland, woodland edges, watercourses, wetlands, lochs and hedgerows. Even small domestic installations will need to address impacts on bat roosts and breeding birds in buildings and trees. Best practice construction includes working in the correct season for relevant species, and providing a safe site for wildlife particularly where there are open trenches or pipework. Measures must be taken on site to minimise risks of transfer of invasive non-native species. Restoration, compensation, landscaping and/or enhancement should be carried out as early as possible and promote biodiversity, climate resilience, flood protection, and recreation in line with the Council’s Forest and Woodland Strategy, LBAP and Green Infrastructure guidance. A landscape plan or habitat management plan should detail mitigation, restoration, enhancement and monitoring. For Major and EIA proposals, conclusions from the EcIA and the requirements detailed in PKC’s Planning for Nature Guidance should be used to create a Site Biodiversity Action Plan. This will contain quantity, locations, techniques, timescales, and monitoring arrangements. Priority species are available in the Tayside Biodiversity Action Plan and Scottish Biodiversity List. Wind All wind turbines larger than micro turbines can provide a collision risk to birds’ commuting, hunting or migration flight paths as well as loss or displacement of birds from breeding, foraging and hunting habitat. Turbines also pose a collision and barotrauma risk to bats. Page 108 of 128
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Renewable and Low Carbon Energy Guidance 31 Desktop search areas for protected sites and species must consider ecological connectivity. For example: • 20km search area for geese and goose SPAs and SSSIs • 10km search for bats and bat SACs Additional surveys required include detailed surveys and collision risk modelling of wintering, breeding, foraging and migrating birds for all EIA developments. For non-EIA development the level of assessment will be relative to the risk and connectivity to sensitive areas and populations. Cumulative impact assessments on birds and bat populations will be required for EIA developments in line with NatureScot guidance. Site location, layout and choice of turbines should be shown to avoid adverse impacts. Additional mitigation expected will include a buffer between turbines and hedges or woodland edges appropriate to bird and bat species present. A monitoring, shut down or slow turbine plan will provide further precautionary mitigation. Enhancement opportunities for wind include bog and peatland restoration, woodland restoration to create alternative corridors and contribute to Nature Networks. • Onshore wind energy | NatureScot • Renewable | SEPA Hydro Hydropower development can have significant impacts through the installation of tracks and penstocks, but also operational impacts on the water environment. Changes to water quality, quantity, flow, depth, sediment and temperature can affect the habitat, food availability, spawning and migration of a wide range of species. Information on the impacts of hydrological changes on relevant species should be provided. Species include fish surveys as required by SEPA, aquatic invertebrates, aquatic birds, otters, beavers and bryophytes. Impacts on species throughout their lifecycle including migration should be considered and addressed in site selection and design. Negative impacts can be avoided or mitigated by using degraded watercourses with poor ecological status, sites upstream of existing fish barriers, avoiding sites with poor hydrology, and ensuring the design and location of intakes and tailraces does not detrimentally affect habitat through changes to morphology and hydrology. Cumulative impacts on protected species should be addressed where there are other installations in the local catchment. Weir location and design should demonstrate that they do not prevent fish, lamprey and eel access to feeding, breeding and spawning areas. Fish and mammals can be injured by poorly designed or inadequately screened intake structures, weirs, tailraces, outfalls and fish passes. Intakes and outfalls must be screened to protect wildlife. Use of existing weirs will prevent new fish barriers, or can be upgraded to restore fish passage where NatureScot advise this is appropriate. Other enhancement opportunities include natural flood management and riparian planting to provide shading, water quality improvements and erosion control. • Hydroelectric power | NatureScot • Renewable | SEPA Solar Roof mounted PV or solar thermal should not disturb or block access to bat roosts and bird nests in or on roofs. Solar farms, even on arable land, have potential to displace breeding and wintering birds, mammals, amphibians and reptiles from foraging and breeding areas. Surveys should assess the existing resource and consider the location and design of the site and fencing. Siting the solar farm on land with low biodiversity value with a view to enhancement is encouraged with a substantive buffer between the site and existing trees or waterbodies. The remaining habitat can continue to have value with wildflower meadows or grasslands under arrays that can support pollinators and ground-nesting Page 109 of 128
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Renewable and Low Carbon Energy Guidance 32 birds. Vegetation should be cut manually in accordance with the plan or by low intensity grazing. Native hedges around the site in addition or substitution to fences can provide security, screening and habitat. Where fences are used badger gates and low level gaps for amphibians and hedgehogs will allow continued use of the site, while passive infrared lighting will reduce impacts on birds and bats. • Solar energy | NatureScot • Renewable | SEPA Energy Storage and Enabling Infrastructure Battery storage and enabling infrastructure have potential to displace breeding and wintering birds, mammals, amphibians and reptiles from foraging and breeding areas. Surveys should assess the existing resource and consider the location and design of the site and fencing. Siting the scheme on land with low biodiversity value with a view to enhancement is encouraged with a substantive buffer between the site and existing trees or waterbodies. Proposals for enabling infrastructure that involve a corridor of development e.g. transmission lines, will need to consider impacts across the length of the site and the impacts on commuting species. Bird surveys in accordance with NatureScot guidance may be required. Native hedges around the site rather than fences can provide security, screening and habitat. Where appropriate badger gates and low level gaps for wildlife in fencing will allow continued use of the site, while passive infrared lighting will reduce impacts on birds and bats. 3.12 Trees, Woods and Forests Key Policies: • NPF4 Policy 11(e)(x) • NPF4 Policy 6: Forestry, Woodland and Trees • LDP2 Policy 40: Forestry, Woodland and Trees Key Guidance • Forest & Woodland Strategy | PKC • Planning for Nature | PKC • Interim Guidance on NPF4 Policy 3 | PKC • Management of Forestry Waste | SEPA • Use of trees cleared to facilitate development on afforested land | SEPA • Control of Woodland Removal Policy| Scottish Forestry • CWRP Implementation Guidance | Scottish Forestry • Woodfuel Advice Note | Ofgem All proposals Tree surveys are required for all developments where there are trees on site, to inform design and mitigation taking into account the protection of trees and avoidance of impacts on their ecological condition, through both NPF4 and LDP2. This includes: • Ancient and veteran trees • Individual trees of high biodiversity interest • Trees of high natural, historic and cultural heritage value, including orchards • Trees or groups of trees of high amenity value • Trees in conservation areas Woodland surveys may be required where identified through Preliminary Ecological Appraisals or for potentially affected ancient woodland categories including LEPO. See PKC’s Planning for Nature Annex 1 for advice on tree and woodland surveys. Proposals must then demonstrate how construction of installations and tracks will avoid adverse impacts, fragmentation and loss of hedgerows, woodland and trees in accordance with the mitigation hierarchy. LDP2 sets out that tree removal is only permitted where unavoidable. NPF4 sets out that woodland loss is only supported in accordance with the policy on woodland removal. All loss must be restored or compensated in line with PKC and national guidance. Proposals should also seek to expand and enhance connectivity between areas of natural and ancient woodland. Proposals affecting forestry should Page 110 of 128
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Renewable and Low Carbon Energy Guidance 33 adhere to SEPA and Scottish Forestry standards and guidance, and the Council’s Forest and Woodland Strategy. Wind In non-native plantation forestry, restructuring for wind optimisation may be supported if SEPA guidelines are followed subject to impacts on soil, biodiversity and timber production. Keyholing is preferred, except on peat where clear felling and peat restoration should be pursued. Hydro Particular care should be taken with hydro schemes to avoid loss of, and to enhance, riparian woodland. Impacts on land capable for timber production should be minimised. Solar Sites for solar farms are expected to avoid trees, hedges and woodland, and an appropriate buffer should be applied between site fencing and surrounding woodland to protect roots and provide a maintenance corridor. Native hedges with hedge trees are encouraged as enhancement. Bioenergy Unsustainable biomass fuel can impact GHG emission savings and habitats. See section 2.7 for guidance on sustainable fuel sources. Fuel sustainability can be demonstrated by providing a management plan, long term forestry plan, or meeting Ofgem sustainability criteria. 3.13 Hazardous Installations Key Policies: • LDP Policy 33A(a): Renewable Energy • NPF4 Policy 23: Health and Safety Key Guidance: • Developers’ planning application advice | HSE • Grid Scale BESS planning Guidance for FRS | NFCC • Guidance for Pollution Prevention: major spillages and firewater | NIEA / SEPA All Proposals Site searches should address pipeline and HSE consultation zones set out in LDP2 and where applicable set out mitigation as required to accord with NPF4 Policy 23. Energy Storage Applicants must address the associated risks with battery storage. Fires are rare but may produce toxic gases and chemical run-off into soils and waterways. Applicants should carry out a site specific risk assessment and develop a robust risk management plan and emergency response plan. Proposals must address matters contained in NFCC guidance including: • Fault, fire and gas detection and monitoring • Water based fire suppression systems. • Deflagration venting and explosion protection • Two access points and tracks suitable for fire service vehicles including passing places with no overhead obstructions • 6 metres between units unless tests demonstrate a safe smaller gap • 30m separation to occupied buildings subject to mitigation • 10m separation from combustible material • Suitable water provision within 90m of the site or tanks that can provide 1500L/min for 2 hours (180,000L). • Impervious surface • Sufficient storage e.g. tanks, bunded lagoons, for run off from firewater as demonstrated in a firewater management plan. This may need to be for a greater volume than the water provision. 10m separation between BESS units and water tanks. Submissions should provide a plan showing sensitive receptors within 1km of the site. Page 111 of 128
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Renewable and Low Carbon Energy Guidance 34 3.14 Construction Impacts Key Policies: • NPF4 Policy 11: Energy • LDP2 Policy 33A(e): Renewable and Low Carbon Energy Key Guidance • Good practice guide for contractors | NatureScot • Good Practice during windfarm construction | NatureScot • Hydropower | SEPA • Guide to hydropower construction good practice | SEPA • Appendix 2: CMS Template All Proposals Construction best practice must be followed and consideration given to all temporary and permanent infrastructure including hill tracks and borrow pits, staff and storage compounds, crane pads, weirs, penstock and cable/pipework routes, excavations and bunding. Guidance on best practice construction methods and approaches is also included under separate chapters, where relevant. A draft Construction Method Statement (CMS) will be required as part of a submission or an EIA Report: • Where there is potential for impacts on the water environment, good quality soils, carbon rich soils, priority habitats, or archaeology • Where there is potential for impacts on a site designated for its natural heritage such as SSSIs, SPAs and SACs. • For all large turbines and wind farms • For all hydropower • For all major and EIA proposals Most renewable energy projects will require a Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) by condition. A draft CEMP may also be requested at the planning stage to inform proposals in sensitive environments. A full CEMP will be required before construction, and the advice of an independent Ecological Clerk of Works (ECOW) as agreed by the Council, in consultation with NatureScot and SEPA where relevant. 3.15 Soils Key Policies: • NPF4 Policy 5: Soils • LDP2 Policy 33: Renewable and Low Carbon Energy • LDP2 Policy 51: Soils Key Guidance • Soil | SEPA • SEPA Position Statement on Planning and Soils • Soil carbon management | NatureScot 3.15.1 All Soils Soils provide a wide range of services from carbon storage to food growing. Erosion, compaction, disturbance and loss can impact habitats and waterways and negate Greenhouse Gas (GHG) reductions. Many of these effects can be avoided, minimised and mitigated through good practice construction and management. NPF4 Policy 5(a) only supports proposals where they are designed and constructed in accordance with the mitigation hierarchy and in a manner that protects soil from damage including from compaction and erosion, and that minimises soil sealing. Soils stripped onsite should be minimised and stored for post-construction restoration which should be appropriate to the surrounding environment. Restoration should take place as soon as tracks or areas are completed or no longer required and aim to enhance soils and vegetation and prevent further erosion. Impacts on soils and peatland considered should include all aspects of the development including any borrow pits, tracks, and areas required during construction. Construction of tracks, cable and pipeline routes particularly on the steep ground typical of hydropower, can lead to erosion which can be exacerbated by changes in drainage patterns. Drainage strategies should demonstrate that erosion is not exacerbated by changes in hydrology Page 112 of 128
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Renewable and Low Carbon Energy Guidance 35 through direct erosion or drying out. In areas likely to be prone to erosion, applications should avoid disturbance of trees and vegetation. Where unavoidable, measures to safeguard soils during construction, and planting of natural protection during restoration should be provided. Solar applications can minimise erosion through careful site selection, avoiding steep slopes and maintaining vegetation. Using driven, screw or floating mounts can minimise soil impacts. See section 2.7 for guidance on bioenergy feedstocks to protect soils. 3.15.2 Prime Agricultural Land and Good Quality Soils NPF4 Glossary defines prime agricultural land as that identified as being Class 1, 2 or 3.1 in the land capability classification for agriculture developed by Macaulay Land Use Research Institute (now James Hutton Institute). LDP2 Policy 51 includes this land and classes 1-3.2 as Good Quality Soils Submissions must refer to the 1:50K Scale Land Capability Map in the first instance and only the National Scale Land Capability map where 1:50k is not available. NPF4 Policy 5(b) sets out three qualifications for renewable energy which will be supported on these soil types; all of which must be demonstrated in submissions: • there is a specific locational need and there is no other suitable site • there is secure provision for restoration; and • the layout and design of the proposal minimises the amount of protected land that is available. Submissions should set out the operational reasons why a site is required over sites of a lower grade classification within a site search appropriate to the technology. Site searches must set out each area investigated, and the reasons why the alternative site was not considered suitable. Submissions should ensure designs demonstrate that restoration of land to its previous use is feasible following decommissioning. Note that the temporary nature of an installation is expected except for wind energy where proposals must be suitable in perpetuity. Submissions should clearly set out how the design minimises the use of prime agricultural land, in accordance with the mitigation hierarchy including decisions taken to reduce the footprint. LDP2 Policy 51: Soils requires development on all Good Quality Soils to: • Minimise impacts • Implement appropriate soil management • Adopt best practice when moving, storing and reinstating soils • Consider opportunities to re-use soils necessarily excavated This information should be set out in a draft Soil Management Plan with submissions. The cumulative loss of prime agricultural land is an important consideration. Major and EIA proposals must set out the cumulative loss of prime agricultural land including consented and submitted proposals under consideration. This should show: • The loss of land in hectares • The loss of prime land as a % of each affected soil class of prime agricultural land within: o the local area and o Perth and Kinross as a whole Wind The loss of any prime agricultural land will be appraised as a permanent loss of land so should be minimised through careful layout and design and continued use as productive land as far as possible. Solar Large solar farms can require a large land area and are often proposed in lowland areas where prime agricultural land is typically located. Proposals must not lead to an unacceptable cumulative loss of prime land and proposals should maximise continued productive use of the land beneath panels. Energy Storage & Enabling Infrastructure Battery storage and substation developments typically have specific locational requirements in terms of proximity to existing/planned Page 113 of 128
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Renewable and Low Carbon Energy Guidance 36 infrastructure. Site searches for Energy Storage must extend at least 3km from the substation where need is identified. 3.15.3 Carbon Rich Soils, Peatland and Priority Peatland Habitat • Carbon and Peatland Map | NatureScot • Restoring Scotland's Peatlands | NatureScot • Advising on peatland, carbon-rich soils and priority peatland habitats in development management | NatureScot • Waste position statement for developments on peat | SEPA • Development on peatland guidance – waste | SEPA • Assessment the impact on peatland and carbon rich soils (forthcoming) | SEPA • Developments on peatland: Site surveys | Scottish Government • Floating roads on peat | SNH & FCS • Guidance on the assessment of peat volumes, reuse of excavated peat and minimisation of waste NPF4 Glossary sets out the definition of: • Peatland • Carbon rich soils • Priority peatland habitat Note that developments on peatland and priority peatland must also comply with policy 3(b) and 3(c) Biodiversity. NPF4 Policy 5(c) sets out two qualifications for renewable energy which will be supported on these soil types; both must be demonstrated in submissions: • Essential infrastructure must demonstrate a specific locational need and that there is no other suitable site. • Renewable energy must optimise the contribution of the area to GHG emissions targets. Development on these soils types must be accompanied by: • a site specific assessment as set out in NPF Policy 5(d); • a peat management plan setting out how the assessment has informed the projects application of the mitigation hierarchy • plans for restoration and enhancement and associated studies and plans. Proposals on peatland are expected to provide compensatory restoration for damaged peatland in line with NatureScot guidance which requires a 1:10 ratio. The mitigation hierarchy requires: • Avoidance and minimisation of impacts through site selection, route and design with buffers between infrastructure and carbon soils. • Minimising unavoidable impacts by minimising the footprint of compounds and tracks and using floating roads or alternative delivery mechanisms. • Restoring disturbed peatland and restoring and enhancing peatland in the wider area as compensation. Wind Turbine foundation excavations and the large footprint of wind farms can impact across a large area of peatland, carbon rich soils, and priority peatland habitat, through direct loss as well as indirect impacts on drainage and water flows. Information required for developments on peat is included in SEPA windfarm guidance. Hydro Changes to water flows and drainage, and construction of track and penstock routes, can disturb or drain peatland and carbon rich soils, leading to impacts on the water environment, the loss of rare habitats and any GHG emission savings. Submissions should ensure changes to watercourses do not impact on peatland viability, directly or indirectly. Solar Solar farms may impact these soils through changes to water flow from panels, trenches, drainage and tracks and they should be avoided through site selection unless impacts can be avoided through design. Battery Storage, Bioenergy & Enabling Infrastructure Page 114 of 128
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Renewable and Low Carbon Energy Guidance 37 Large-scale battery storage, substations and bioenergy proposals can have sizeable footprints leading to direct loss as well as indirect impacts of hardstanding and tracks on drainage and water flows. Proposals are expected to minimise hardstanding on these soils. Cross-boundary Impacts Key Policies • NPF4 Policy 11e • LDP2 Policy 33 Key Guidance: • Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park - Planning • Cairngorms National Park - Planning 3.16 Cross Boundary Applications Proposals may have effects across neighbouring planning authority boundaries particularly with regards to Roads and Transport, Landscape and Visual Impacts, and Biodiversity. Applicants should consider the plans and policies of these authorities, and they will be consulted where there may be an effect. Cumulative assessments should include applications and installations within other planning authorities’ boundaries where there is a landscape/visual, transport, or ecological connection. National Parks Part of Perth and Kinross is in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. Proposals here are made to the National Park Authority (NPA) in line with their LDP. In the Cairngorms National Park, proposals are made in line with the Cairngorms LDP and submitted to Perth & Kinross Council for determination. The Cairngorms NPA may then opt to ‘call in’ and determine the application. Page 115 of 128
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Renewable and Low Carbon Energy Guidance 38 3.17 Decommissioning & Restoration Key Policies • NPF4 Policy 11(e) • LDP2 Policy 33 Key Guidance • Life Extension and Decommissioning of onshore wind farms | SEPA • Decommissioning and Restoration Plans for wind farms | NatureScot • Batteries | SEPA • Waste Batteries and Accumulators Regulations 2009 All proposals NPF4 Policy 11(e) paragraphs (xi) and (xii) require all proposals to show how the following considerations are addressed: • proposals for the decommissioning of developments, including ancillary infrastructure, and site restoration • the quality of site restoration plans including the measures in place to safeguard or guarantee availability of finances to effectively implement those plans Decommissioning should be considered when designing and choosing components of all renewable developments. Electronics should be recycled in accordance with the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulations 2013. Restoration can involve works both post-construction as well as post- operation of the development. Restoration requirements are relevant across a range of planning considerations and have been included under the relevant section. In line with NPF4 Policy 11(e), the Council will seek appropriate measures, including restoration bonds or other appropriate financial mechanism, are included as part of any permission, where relevant. Submissions for all EIA and major installations, or proposals potentially affecting sensitive environments including peatland and the water environment should include a draft Decommissioning and Restoration Plan (DRP). A full updated DRP will need to be agreed with the Planning Authority and consultees prior to decommissioning. A draft DRP should contain: • Proposed timing, options, associated impacts and mitigation particularly regarding impacts on habitats, peat, the water environment and transport • Reuse and recycling options • Proposals for restoration of borrow pits and tracks • Proposals for habitat, agricultural land, peatland and/or recreation enhancement • Provisional, index linked, costs for restoration A Decommissioning Method Statement demonstrates how decommissioning will take place while protecting the environment and should include: • Proposed timing, options, associated impacts and mitigation associated with removal of in-ground and in-water infrastructure. • How materials will be reused or recycled in compliance with the waste regulatory framework • How potential contaminants will be safely disposed of including heat pump units and heat transfer fluid, AD waste • Measures to ensure no contamination of soils or the water environment • Timing and method of restoration and enhancement, particularly of habitat and agricultural land, waterways and riparian habitat. • Proposed restoration monitoring and aftercare Wind As noted under NPF4 Policy 11(f), wind farms are expected to be suitable for use in perpetuity. Decommissioning will be required at the end of the permission period or where operation ceases and should be considered at design stage. Removal of all infrastructure will be required unless the adverse impacts of removal are shown to outweigh the benefits, such as wind turbine bases below ground. Page 116 of 128
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Renewable and Low Carbon Energy Guidance 39 Hydro Hydropower schemes will need to be decommissioned once they are deemed to have ceased operation. Decommissioning of above ground and in-water infrastructure and associated restoration must be considered at design stage. Solar Decommissioning will be required as a condition for all installations at the end of the permission period, based on the expected life of the technology, or once operation has ceased. Removal of all infrastructure will be required unless outweighed by adverse impacts. The design of roof mounted, and small ground-mounted installations should ensure decommissioning can be carried out with minimal impacts particularly in historic environments. Energy Storage, Bioenergy, Enabling Infrastructure Decommissioning will be required as a condition for energy storage at the end of the permission period, based on the expected life of the technology, and for all installations once operation has ceased. Removal of all infrastructure will be required unless outweighed by adverse impacts. Batteries must be sent for recycling to an approved battery treatment operator or exporter. A financial mechanism may be required by legal agreement to ensure decommissioning and restoration can be undertaken. 3.18 Renewable Energy Generation and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Targets Key Policies: • NPF4 Policy 1: Tackling the climate and nature crises • NPF4 Policy 2: Climate mitigation and adaption • NPF4 Policy 11(e): Energy • NPF4 Policy 5(d)(iii): Soils • LDP2 Policy 33A (b): Renewable and Low Carbon Energy Key Guidance • Draft Bioenergy Policy Statement | Scottish Government • Assessing Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Evaluating Their Significance | IEMA • Carbon Calculator for Wind Farms on Scottish Peatlands | ClimateXChange All proposals In considering the assessment of proposals against NPF4 Policy 11(e), significant weight will be placed on the contribution towards: • renewable energy generation targets, and • greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) reduction targets Proposals should include information detailing the contribution(s) of the proposed development towards UK and Scottish Government targets for renewable energy generation and GHG reductions. The contribution of proposals to renewable energy targets should be presented using the following information, where relevant: • Electrical or heat generation capacity (kWh/MW) • Expected annual generation (kWh/MWh) • Equivalent number of homes powered or heated • Fuel used and source (where relevant) • Fuel and/or generation technology being replaced or displaced LDP2 Policy 2(a) requires that: “ Development proposals will be sited and designed to minimise lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions as far as possible„ EIA Development must provide a Greenhouse Gas Emissions Assessment in accordance with IEMA guidance. Major proposals must present a proportionate assessment of lifetime carbon emissions including embedded carbon, transport and soil loss and describe the steps taken to minimise emissions. This will be taken into account alongside GHG reductions of the technology. Page 117 of 128
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Renewable and Low Carbon Energy Guidance 40 All proposals on peatland and carbon rich soils must carry out an assessment of the likely net effects of the development on climate emissions and loss of carbon. Bioenergy proposals must demonstrate adherence to greenhouse gas and land sustainability criteria for feedstocks to be considered low carbon as set out in Section 2.7. 3.19 Grid Capacity Key Policies: • NPF4 Policy 11e • LDP2 Policy 33 (Renewable and Low Carbon Energy) • LDP2 Policy 35 (Electricity Transmission Infrastructure) Key Guidance • Network Capacity Information - SSEN • SSEN Network Maps All proposals NPF4 Policy 11e states that grid capacity should not constrain renewable energy development and it is for developers to agree connections to the grid with the relevant network operator. For the PKC area, this is SSEN. For proposals involving grid infrastructure, underground connections should be considered where possible. This will be informed by wider considerations including landscape and visual impact, and potential impact on, for example, natural heritage, biodiversity, peatland/carbon rich soils/priority peatland habitat, prime land, and the historic environment. Proposals for grid infrastructure including reconfigured, extended and/or new substation infrastructure, should involve early engagement with relevant stakeholders including the planning authority, key agencies, and affected communities. 3.20 Cumulative Impacts Key Policies • NPF4 Policy 11e • LDP2 Policy 33 Key Guidance • Assessing the cumulative landscape and visual impact of onshore wind energy developments| NatureScot • Renewable Map | PKC All Proposals The impact of a technology may be exacerbated by existing, consented or proposed installations in the area with a similar effect. An assessment of the cumulative effects may be required for large applications and even small applications in sensitive locations. NPF4 Policy 11(e) requires proposals to demonstrate cumulative impacts are addressed. The scale of infrastructure required to help meet the national targets for renewable energy generation and GHG emissions reduction is such that cumulative impacts will need to be carefully considered to ensure developments are steered to the right locations and of an appropriate design and scale. Cumulative impacts are particularly relevant to: • landscape/visual amenity, • natural places • biodiversity • peatland/carbon rich soils/priority peatland habitat • prime agricultural land • roads and transport Proposals should address: • Existing installations • Submitted proposals • Proposals with permission not yet implemented • Proposals and installations in neighbouring planning authorities. • Impacts from all industrial installations including energy storage, substations and other grid infrastructure. The cumulative search area will be defined by the nature and scale of the proposal and impacts and is best discussed with PKC through pre- application enquiries. Page 118 of 128
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Renewable and Low Carbon Energy Guidance 41 See the relevant section for policy specific information. 3.21 Permission Lifetime and Extensions Key Policies • NPF4 Policy 11(f) • LDP2 Policy 33B Key Guidance • Life extension and decommissioning onshore windfarms | SEPA 3.21.1 Permission lifetime NPF4 Policy 11(f) advises that consents for development proposals may be time-limited. This includes wind farms, but wind power sites are expected to be suitable for use in perpetuity. Solar farms and most wind turbines will be time limited. Other proposals will be required to carry out decommissioning once they cease operating. Submissions should nevertheless identify the expected life-time of the development. 3.21.2 Life Extensions and Repowering Both upgrading existing technology (repowering) and extending the life of an existing installation planning permission (life extension) can maximise resource availability. Repowering and extension applications will be treated as new applications subject to the contemporary legal and policy framework, but applications in suitable sites where impacts have been shown to be capable of mitigation are encouraged, where submitted well before the existing permission expires. The impacts of the existing installation will be a material consideration including environmental or operational issues, and results of monitoring. New environmental studies may be required if monitoring is insufficient, and applicants are encouraged to improve upon the existing site and review community benefits and shared ownership. Wind Repowering can involve full or partial replacement of turbines at any time during the life of the installation, and may involve fewer, larger turbines on a larger footprint with potential for a significant change to landscape, visual and other impacts. Additional considerations include: • Changes to renewable target contribution and GHG payback • Changes to and history of community support • Effects on soils and the water environment through revised height, footprint and layout • Revised landscape and visual impacts due to changes in height, rotor size and layout. • Revised cumulative impacts • Impacts on natural heritage and biodiversity including on successful restoration and changes to habitats and wildlife • Impacts from changes to, retention of or decommissioning of infrastructure including tracks, crane pads and foundations • Innovation that provides future flexibility, reuse and recycling • Reuse of materials, tracks and cables • Recycling of materials that cannot be reused • Changes to restoration plans Hydro Hydropower permissions including PSH will not normally be time limited. Any material alteration to hydropower installations is likely to require a fresh application for planning permission particularly if an increase of the size or height of the weir or dam is proposed. Alterations to a hydro scheme are also likely to require authorisation under CAR so applicants should contact SEPA at an early stage. Solar Solar farms will be time-limited but life extension or repowering can maximise resource availability. Proposals for repowering with material change involving more or larger panels, trenching or cabling - will require a new application. New permissions may include an option for life extension, subject to approval and identified limitations including the presence/availability of prime agricultural land. Page 119 of 128
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Renewable and Low Carbon Energy Guidance 42 3.21.3 Geographical Extensions Wind Adding additional turbines to an existing wind farm will be treated as a new application taking into account the existing wind farm and cumulative impacts on the environment. Extensions should fit naturally with existing turbines and layout. If the proposed extension is intended to outlast the existing turbines, additional visualisations and impact assessments will be required to address the impact of the extension on its own. Solar Adding additional panels to an existing solar installation may make the best use of the available resource dependent upon the scale, nature and layout of the existing/proposed scheme. Geographical extensions will be treated as new applications taking into account the existing installation and cumulative environment particularly with regard to soils and landscape and visual effects. Extensions should aim to fit with, or improve on, the existing panels and layout, and use as much of the existing infrastructure as possible. Page 120 of 128
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Renewable and Low Carbon Energy Guidance 43 4 Appendices 4.1 NPF4 and [LDP2] Policies The following shows NPF4 Policy 11 alongside additional requirements in [LDP2 Policy 33]. References to directly relevant (NPF4 Policies) and extant [LDP2 Policies] are also highlighted. Policy 11 a) Development proposals for all forms of renewable, low-carbon and zero emissions technologies will be supported. These include: i. wind farms including repowering, extending, expanding and extending the life of existing wind farms; ii. enabling works, such as grid transmission and distribution infrastructure; iii. energy storage, such as battery storage and pumped storage hydro; iv. small scale renewable energy generation technology; v. solar arrays; vi. proposals associated with negative emissions technologies and carbon capture; and vii. proposals including co-location of these technologies. [33A… taking into account…(i) Opportunities for energy storage] b) Development proposals for wind farms in National Parks and National Scenic Areas will not be supported. c) Development proposals will only be supported where they maximise net economic impact, including local and community socio-economic benefits such as employment, associated business and supply chain opportunities. d) Development proposals that impact on international or national designations will be assessed in relation to Policy 4. (NPF4 Policy 4: Natural Places) e) In addition, project design and mitigation will demonstrate how the following impacts are addressed: i. impacts on communities and individual dwellings, including, residential amenity, visual impact, noise and shadow flicker;[air quality…including impacts from construction] ii. significant landscape and visual impacts, recognising that such impacts are to be expected for some forms of renewable energy. Where impacts are localised and/or appropriate design mitigation has been applied, they will generally be considered to be acceptable. [taking into account landscape character, Local Landscape Areas, Wild Land Areas and other considerations in LDP2 Policy 39 ] (NPF4 Policy 4: Natural Places) (NPF4 Policy 8: Greenbelt) iii. public access, [recreation and tourism interests] including impact on [core paths,] long distance walking and cycling routes and scenic routes [including the A9 trunk road; and other established routes for public walking, riding or cycling.] iv. impacts on aviation and defence interests including seismological recording; v. impacts on telecommunications and broadcasting installations, particularly ensuring that transmission links are not compromised; vi. impacts on road traffic and on adjacent trunk roads, including during construction; vii. impacts on historic environment; viii. effects on hydrology, the water environment and flood risk; ix. biodiversity including impacts on birds [and natural heritage]; (NPF4 Policy 3; NPF4 Policy 4) x. impacts on trees, woods and forests; [LDP2 Policy 40](NPF4 Policy 6) [33A: Proposals… will be supported subject to the following factors being taken into account…] • [(a)…hazardous installations (including pipelines)][and [(e) Construction and service tracks and borrow pits associated with any development] [(f) Effects on soils including: Page 121 of 128
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Renewable and Low Carbon Energy Guidance 44 • Carbon rich soils, deep peat and priority peatland habitats; or • Prime agricultural land] (NPF4 Policy 5) [(j) Cross-boundary impacts including any impacts on the qualities of the Cairngorms and Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Parks] xi. proposals for the decommissioning of developments, including ancillary infrastructure, and site restoration; [Decommissioning including any conditions/bonds considered necessary for site restoration] [Policy 33C: Decommissioning and Restoration of Existing Facilities: In cases where the permission expires or the project ceases to operate for a specific period, the removal of the development and associated equipment and the restoration of the site will be required to a standard agreed with the Council…] xii. the quality of site restoration plans including the measures in place to safeguard or guarantee availability of finances to effectively implement those plans; [Appropriate financial bonds or other financial mechanism(s) for site restoration may be required]; and xiii. cumulative impacts.[and…] In considering these impacts, significant weight will be placed on the contribution of the proposal to renewable energy generation targets and on greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets. Grid capacity should not constrain renewable energy development. It is for developers to agree connections to the grid with the relevant network operator. In the case of proposals for grid infrastructure, consideration should be given to underground connections where possible. f) Consents for development proposals may be time-limited. Areas identified for wind farms are, however, expected to be suitable for use in perpetuity. [Policy 33B: Repowering and Extending Existing Facilities] [As a result of the potential to make the best use of existing sites and through the continued use of established infrastructure such as grid connections, proposals for the repowering (including life extensions) of existing renewable and low-carbon energy facilities will be encouraged, subject to detailed assessment against the same factors and material considerations as apply to proposals for new facilities. The current use of the site will be a material consideration in any such proposals. Geographical extension of existing facilities will also be assessed against criteria (a) to (j) above and any other material considerations [including NPF4 Policy 11], with particular emphasis on any potential cumulative impacts arising as a result of the proposed development. Further guidance on the key considerations when dealing with proposals for repowering and extending existing facilities will be provided in Supplementary Guidance to this Policy.] Page 122 of 128
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Renewable and Low Carbon Energy Guidance 45 4.2 Construction Method Statement Template What are the environmental/ecological risks and where are they? All areas of risk to ecology, the water and built environment must be considered. • Provide a plan of the site, clearly showing the areas of potential pollution. These should be highlighted and numbered, with a simple key. An example of this is provided, for guidance. • All sensitive habitat should be considered and mitigated. Who is aware of these risks? All on-site staff must be made aware that pollution has to be prevented and ecological impact mitigated. • Indicate how everyone is made aware of this requirement e.g. in induction, clearly displayed CMS, as part of daily monitoring checks, signed information sheet and site diary. What can be done to prevent pollution/harm? Mitigation measures appropriate to prevent pollution have to be considered and must be routinely monitored and replaced where required. • Using individual numbers from the site map above, indicate exactly what mitigation measures will be used to prevent siltation, run-off and oil spills etc. • Clearly defined, robust Construction Exclusion Zones. What will you do if the mitigation fails? There will be circumstances where mitigation measures e.g. overloaded silt curtains are in need of repair and replacement. A thorough monitoring regime and adequate replacement kits must be in place. • Detail what spill kits etc. will be available and where these will be located. These should be marked on the map. Who will you contact? The appropriate authorities and water users will have to be made aware of environmental incidents as they occur. • List the names and contact numbers of the interested parties who you will contact in the case of emergency. Page 123 of 128
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Housing & Environment Executive Director (Housing & Environment) Barbara Renton SEA Gateway team 2-J (South) Victoria Quay Edinburgh EH6 6QQ Economy, Development & Planning Head of Service Serge Merone Pullar House, 35 Kinnoull Street, Perth, PH1 5GD Tel 01738 475300 Contact Robert Wills Direct Dial 01738 475315 Email: AFinlayson@pkc.gov.uk www.pkc.gov.uk Our ref LDP2 SG Date 08 May 2025 Dear Sir or Madam Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005 Screening Determination Perth and Kinross Local Development Plan: Renewable and Low Carbon Energy Supplementary Guidance This statement sets out the Council’s determination under Section 8(1) of the Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005 on whether or not a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) is required for the above Supplementary Guidance. SEA Screening Procedure The screening process involved consulting the following Consultation Authorities on whether the Supplementary Guidance is likely to have significant environmental effects: • Historic Environment Scotland • Scottish Environment Protection Agency • Scottish Natural Heritage As well as consulting the above bodies, responsible authorities are required to take into account the criteria set out in Schedule 2 of the Act when determining whether or not the Supplementary Guidance is likely to have significant environmental effects. In this instance, the Council wrote to the Consultation Authorities on 2 May 2025and the responses are summarised in the following table: Delayed Office Opening for Employee Training This office will be closed from 8.45 am - 11.00 am on the first Thursday of each month. Appendix 2 7 Page 125 of 128
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Consultation Authority Comment Likely to have significant environmental effects Historic Environment Scotland We understand that this guidance will support the relevant renewable and low carbon energy policies within NPF4 and the PKC LDP 2. As these policies have been subject to environmental assessment through the SEA’s of those plans we note that you consider that significant environmental effects resulting from the guidance itself is unlikely. We are content to agree with the view that significant effects on the historic environment are unlikely. No Scottish Environment Protection Agency In accordance with Section 9(3) of the Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005 we have reviewed the screening report using the criteria set out in Schedule 2 of the Act. In regard to our main areas of interest (air, water, soil, human health, material assets and climatic factors) we agree with the conclusions of the screening report that the proposed supplementary guidance is unlikely to have significant environmental effects. No NatureScot In terms of our interests, we agree that the above guidance is not likely to have significant environmental effects. We understand that the supplementary guidance will provide support, further information for renewable and low carbon submissions, and clarify interpretation of policy. We also note that the supplementary guidance will not introduce new criteria or policy. No The Council has also considered the Supplementary Guidance against the criteria set out in Schedule 2 of the Act, an analysis of which is attached. Reasons for Determination Having consulted the three consultation authorities, and having considered the criteria set out in the Act, the Council considers that the Renewable and Low Carbon Supplementary Guidance is unlikely to have significant environmental effects. The relevant policies have been subject to assessment through the SEA of LDP2 and National Planning Framework 4, and the guidance does not introduce any new policy. Therefore, significant environmental effects as a result of the guidance that have not already been assessed elsewhere are unlikely. The Council has therefore determined that SEA is not required. Page 126 of 128
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Yours faithfully Robert Wills Planning Officer Enc. Renewable and Low Carbon Energy Supplementary Guidance: Screening Report. Page 127 of 128
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