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Appendix H - Site Assessment and SEA Checklist

Perth and Kinross Council · 5 March 2025
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LOCAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN: SITE ASSESSMENT AND SEA CHECKLIST 
Site Name:  Source of site suggestion: All
landowners/interested parties
identified/aware? 
Current site reference Site History/Previous planning applications,
existing local plan policies and proposals,
historic reference numbers: 
Settlement:  GIS Site Ref:  Outside settlement boundary? 
Previous ref:   
OS Grid Ref:  Site Size (ha):  Is the site an allocation in the adopted
LDP; sites proposed through call for
ideas or any other sites with potential? 
No
Yes ref.
Yes but different boundary
Summary Description (topography, features,
boundaries, neighbouring issues, access,
exposure, aspect etc. 
Site visit/GIS observations: 
Current Use e.g. is the site
brownfield, vacant and derelict
land, greenfield, agricultural? 
Proposed Use:  Relevant policies/proposals from LDP
or NPF4: 
Insert Location Plan:  Insert Photographs if available:

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Topic – water
Related SEA topics –
population and human
health, material assets,
climatic factors
NPF4 Policy Topic Scoring
pre-
mitigation
Mitigation Enhancement Scoring
post-
mitigation
Comments/conclusions
Could the proposal
affect the condition of
the water environment
(water quality, physical
condition, water
resources, and the
migration of wild fish)?
See RBMPs for further
detail on water
condition. 
Flood risk and
water
management
Coastal
development
Blue and green
infrastructure     
Could the proposal have
a direct impact on the
water environment (for
example, result in the
need for watercourse
crossings or a large-scale
abstraction or allow the
de-culverting of a
watercourse? or impinge
on the riparian corridor,
or future channel
adjustment?
Flood risk and
water
management 
Coastal
development 
Blue and green
infrastructure     
Can the proposal
connect to the public
foul sewer?
Infrastructure
first     
Can the proposal
connect to the public
water mains? If not, is
there a sustainable
water source that is
resilient to the periods
of water scarcity?
Flood risk and
water
management 
Infrastructure
first

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Are there wetlands or
boggy areas on the site?
Flood risk and
water
management     
For large scale
developments, are there
any private or public
water supplies within
250m of the site which
may be affected?
Infrastructure
first     
Flood Risk
Relative to the
floodplain, as defined in
NPF4 could the proposal
be at risk of flooding
(from any source) or
result in additional flood
risk elsewhere? If flood
risk is not fully
understood, a Flood Risk
Assessment (FRA) should
be undertaken.
Specify which of the
following flood sources
are applicable: fluvial,
pluvial, sewer,
groundwater or coastal.
Flood Risk and
Water
Management 
Coastal
development     
Could the development
of the site help alleviate
any existing flooding
problems in the area?
Flood risk and
Water
management

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Topic – Biodiversity, Flora
and Fauna
Related SEA topics – soils,
water, climatic factors…
NPF4 Policy
Topic
Scoring
pre-
mitigation
Mitigation Enhancement Scoring
post-
mitigation
Comments/conclusions
To what extent will                                    
the proposal conserve,
restore and enhance
biodiversity?
Biodiversity
Natural Places     
To what extent will the
proposal facilitate the
creation of nature
networks and improve
ecological connectivity?
Natural places
Biodiversity     
International Designations
- SAC/SPA, Ramsar, World
Heritage Sites.
To what extent will the
proposal affect these sites
including via connectivity?
Natural places
Biodiversity 
National Designations To
what extent will the
proposal affect national
designations – e.g. SSSI,
NNR
Natural places
biodiversity     
To what extent will the
proposal affect other
designations -
and locally important
designations such as LNRs.
Natural places
Biodiversity 
To what extent will the
proposal affect Non
designated – e.g. trees,
TPOs, hedges, woodland,
(including woodlands in
the Ancient , Semi Natural
and Long Established
Plantation Woodlands),
species rich grasslands
Natural places
Biodiversity

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Protected Species–e.g.
bats, otters, etc - can it be
ascertained if protected
species will be affected
and will a site survey be
required?
Natural places
Biodiversity 
To what extent will local
geodiversity sites or wider
geodiversity interests that
could be affected by the
proposal?
Soils
Natural place
Biodiversity 
How will habitat
connectivity or wildlife
corridors be affected by
the proposal – will it result
in habitat fragmentation
or greater connectivity?
Biodiversity
Tackling the
climate and
nature crisis
Forestry, trees
and woodland.

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Topic – Climatic Factors
Related SEA topics –
population, human health,
water, biodiversity,
material assets, soils, air,
cultural heritage,
landscape
NPF4 Policy
Topic
Scoring
pre-
mitigation
Mitigation Enhancement Scoring
post-
mitigation
Comments/conclusions
To what extent will the
proposal involve sediment
extraction/reclamation or
changes in coastal
processes that could result
in coastal flooding?
Climate
mitigation and
adaptation 
Coastal
development     
To what extent will the
proposal promote and
enable adaptation to
climate change?
Climate
mitigation and
adaptation     
To what extent does the
proposal use nature based
solutions for climate
change mitigation and
adaptation?
Climate
mitigation and
adaptation
Infrastructure
First
Blue and Green
infrastructure     
To what extent does the
proposal maintain and
enhance resilience of
existing and planned grey
and green infrastructure?
Climate
mitigation and
adaptation
Infrastructure
first
Blue and Green
infrastructure     
To what extent does the
proposal have good
proximity to services and
good access to existing or
proposed public transport
and active travel network?
Climate
mitigation and
adaptation
Infrastructure
First.

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Topic – Air Quality
Related SEA topics –
climatic factors, soils,
population and human
health
NPF4 Policy
Topic
Scoring
pre-
mitigation
Mitigation Enhancement Scoring
post-
mitigation
Comments/conclusions
Could the proposal lead to
Local Air Quality
Management thresholds
being breached in an
existing Air Quality
Management Area? 
Climate
mitigation and
adaptation
Health and
Safety     
Could the proposal lead to
the designation of a new
Air Quality Management
Area (AQMA)
Health and
safety     
Does the proposal
introduce a new
potentially significant air
emission to the area (e.g.
combined heat and
power, an industrial
process, large scale quarry
etc.)?
Health and
safety 
Will the proposal lead to a
sensitive use being located
close to a site with
noise/odour issues or a
site regulated for
emissions to air by SEPA
(e.g. new housing adjacent
to a large manufacturing
factory)
Health and
safety

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Topic – population and
human health
Related SEA topics –
climatic factors, air, water,
soils, material assets 
NPF4 Policy
Topic
Scoring
pre-
mitigation
Mitigation Enhancement Scoring
post-
mitigation
Comments/conclusions
Is the proposal within the
vicinity of a major accident
hazard site or major
accident hazard pipeline? 
Health and
safety     
Will the proposal affect
service infrastructure:
Education capacity -
Secondary School
Catchment Area/
Primary school catchment
area
Health provision/GP
capacity      
To what extent will the
proposal affect the quality
and quantity of open
space and connectivity
and accessibility to open
space or result in a loss of
open space?
Design, Quality
and place
local living and
20 min
neighbourhoods
Blue and green
infrastructure
Play, recreation
and sport     
To what extent will the
proposal affect core path
links or other key access
networks such as cycle
paths, coastal paths and
rights of way?
Sustainable
Transport
Design, quality
and place
Local living and
20 minute
neighbourhoods
Infrastructure
first??

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Will the proposal have the
opportunity to incorporate
new or enhance existing
blue and/or green
infrastructure providing
multiple benefits such as
enhanced biodiversity,
management of surface
water? 
Blue and Green
infrastructure 
Infrastructure
First

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Topic – Soils
Related SEA topics –
landscape, cultural
heritage, water,
biodiversity, flora and
fauna, material assets.
NPF4 Policy
Topic
Scoring
pre-
mitigation
Mitigation Enhancement Scoring
post-
mitigation
Comments/conclusions
Does the proposal make
use of a brownfield site or
contaminated and vacant
and derelict land? If on
brownfield, is the site
naturalised?
Soils
Brownfield,
vacant and
derelict land     
Are there any
contaminated soils issues
on the site and if so, will
the option employ
remedial actions to ensure
the site is suitable for use
(as defined in PAN 33)?
Soils 
Is the proposal on peat or
carbon rich soils and could
the development of the
site lead to a loss of peat
or carbon rich soils?
Soils
Climate
mitigation and
adaptation     
Does the proposal result in
the loss of prime
agricultural land or land
that is culturally or locally
important for primary use
as identified by the LDP?
Soils

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Topic – Landscape 
Related SEA topics –
climatic factors, air, water,
soils, material assets,
biodiversity, population
and human health
NPF4 Policy
Topic
Scoring
pre-
mitigation
Mitigation Enhancement Scoring
post-
mitigation
Comments/conclusions
National landscape
designated sites
To what extent will any
designated sites be
affected – including NSAs,
Regional Scenic Areas, and
local landscape
designations?
Natural Places     
Regional and local
landscape designated sites 
To what extent will any
designated sites be
affected – Regional Scenic
Areas, and local landscape
designations?
Natural Places     
Non designated landscape
features and key
landscape interests
Does the proposal ensure
that development does
not exceed the capacity of
the landscape to
accommodate it? Such as
current settlement
boundaries, existing
townscape and character
of surrounding area and
its visual qualities?
Natural Places     
To what extent will the
proposal affect features of
landscape interest,
including the distinctive
character of the landscape
Natural places

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Topic – Landscape 
Related SEA topics –
climatic factors, air, water,
soils, material assets,
biodiversity, population
and human health
NPF4 Policy
Topic
Scoring
pre-
mitigation
Mitigation Enhancement Scoring
post-
mitigation
Comments/conclusions
National landscape
designated sites
To what extent will any
designated sites be
affected – including NSAs,
Regional Scenic Areas, and
local landscape
designations?
Natural Places     
Regional and local
landscape designated sites 
To what extent will any
designated sites be
affected – Regional Scenic
Areas, and local landscape
designations?
Natural Places     
Non designated landscape
features and key
landscape interests
Does the proposal ensure
that development does
not exceed the capacity of
the landscape to
accommodate it? Such as
current settlement
boundaries, existing
townscape and character
of surrounding area and
its visual qualities?
Natural Places     
and the qualities of wild
land?

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Topic – Cultural Heritage 
Related SEA topics – 
Climatic factors, air, water,
soils, material assets,
biodiversity, landscape 
NPF4 Policy
Topic
Scoring
pre-
mitigation
Mitigation Enhancement Scoring
post-
mitigation
Comments/conclusions
Does the proposal protect
or enhance the site or
setting of: 
 World Heritage Sites*
 Scheduled
Monuments
 Listed buildings
 Inventory battlefields
 Inventory gardens and
designed landscapes
 Conservation Areas
 Undesignated historic
environment assets
 Streetscapes and
settlement patterns
monuments 
Historic assets
and places 
Natural Places

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Does the proposal
promote or enable the
retention, maintenance
and sustainable use or re-
use of historic buildings
and infrastructure?
Historic assets
and places 
Zero waste 
Infrastructure
first 
Brownfield,
vacant and
derelict land
and empty
buildings 
City, town, local
and commercial
centres 
Rural
development

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Does the proposal: 
Support the repair and
appropriate retrofit of
historic buildings? 
Support the transition to
green energy supply in
historic buildings? 
Include adaptation
measures to make the
historic environment
assets and places more
resilient to the effects of
climate change (e.g.
coastal erosion, flooding
etc)?
Historic assets
and places 
Tackling the
climate and
nature crises 
Climate
mitigation and
adaptation 
Design, quality
and place 
Infrastructure
first 
Quality homes 
Flood risk and
water
management 
Rural homes

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Does the proposal: 
Enable the historic
environment to support
creation of high-quality
places and spaces? 
Promote sustainable,
responsible tourism,
recreation and cultural
activity? 
Tourism 
Culture and
creativity 
Design, quality
and place 
Play, recreation
and sport 
Local Living and
20 minute
neighbourhoods

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Topic – Material Assets
– Deliverability/
sustainability
constraints
Related SEA topics –
climatic factors, air,
water, soils, population
and human health.
NPF4 Policy Topic Scoring
pre-
mitigation
Mitigation Enhancement Scoring
post-
mitigation
Comments/conclusions
Will the site be
delivered within the LDP
timeframe?
Other site servicing
constraints, e.g.
electricity pylons,
underground gas
pipelines etc.      
Site aspect – does the
site make best use of
solar gain? Is the site
protected from
prevailing winds?
Design Quality
and place
Climate Mitigation
and Adaptation
Heat and Cooling     
Is the site in an area of
heat network potential
or a designated Heat
Network Zone (HNZ)?
Climate Mitigation
and adaptation
Heat and cooling     
Vehicular Access
constraints or
opportunities - 
Is the network capable
of accommodating
active travel, public
transport, other shared
modes, and private
vehicle traffic
generated?
local living and 20
min
neighbourhoods
Sustainable
transport

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Is the site close to a
range of facilities? Can
these be accessed by
public transport or
active travel?
local living and 20
min
neighbourhoods
Sustainable
transport 
City, town, local
and commercial
centres     
Does the proposal
minimise demand for
primary resources by
reusing an existing
building?
Zero waste     
For waste infrastructure
and facilities (except
landfill and EFW) does
the proposal comply
with the criteria listed in
NPF4 policy 12 d)?
Zero waste

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Other Considerations
Please note any other issues which may be relevant to the assessment of the candidate site. For example: 
• Any restrictive covenants relating to the use of the land/ buildings contained within the proposed candidate site?
• Is the candidate site on Common Good Land? 
• Is there a requirement to prepare place-based development briefs or masterplans? 
Scoring – two columns have been added in the event that is it useful for planning authorities to quickly identify environmental effects from a proposal on a
site. Where adverse effects have been identified, it may then also be useful to consider any obvious mitigation measures that might reduce these adverse
effects. The second scoring column then allows at a quick glance to see what residual effects might remain following mitigation. There are many scoring
techniques currently in use and an example of one option could be: 
++ + 0 - --
Significantly positive positive neutral adverse Significantly adverse

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Explanation of the key SEA topics (please note the SEA objectives are suggested examples only) 
Water 
SEA objective – To protect and enhance the ecological status of the water environment 
Water Drainage Constraints
The Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) has the overall objective of ensuring that all inland and coastal waters within defined river basin districts reach at least good
status by 2027. Achieving this requires measures to be put in place and action to be taken to i) prevent deterioration and ii) promote improvements in the water
environment. 
Information on the current status of a water body, pressures affecting it, measures required to address those pressures, and deadlines for achieving those measures can be
extracted from SEPA’s water environment hub. This tool should be used to identify existing pressures on water bodies and the site assessment should identify whether or
not policies and proposals are likely to exacerbate existing pressures, create new problems and offer opportunities for enhancement. For example, if there are already
morphological pressures on a water body then further engineering could trigger a further downgrade. Control of non-native invasive bank-side / in-stream plant species is
an example of enhancement where an invasive non-native species pressure has been identified for a water body. 
Back to Table 
Groundwater Dependent Terrestrial Ecosystems (GWDTEs)
GWDTEs are types of wetland which are specifically protected under the Water Framework Directive. SEPA holds a list of GWDTEs within all designated sites (SSSIs, SPAs,
and SACs). To identify non-designated GWDTEs a habitat survey (Phase 1) would be required. At the site assessment stage we do not require a Phase 1 Habitat Survey, but
we do require information on location of wetlands and boggy areas. This information can be collected by looking for the boggy ground symbol on GIS and / or a site visit.
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Flood Risk 
Development plan preparation should be informed by a Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA). Scottish Government’s Development Planning Guidance states that SFRAs
are designed to inform the development planning process, primarily to avoid increasing overall flood risk by avoiding areas of flood hazard. The SFRA can be used as a
screening tool to identify whether flood risk is fully understood at site assessment stage, and therefore whether further detailed site-level Flood Risk Assessment is
required prior to a site being included in the Proposed Plan, to ensure that only sites that are in accordance with NPF4 are allocated SEPA has produced Strategic Flood Risk
Assessment Guidance which explains how this assessment can be carried out. 
For SEA purposes if flood risk is found to be an issue, mitigation could be the removal of the site (or part thereof found to be at risk) from allocation. 
Back to Table 
SEA guidance on water provides advice on how to take water into account in SEA.

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Biodiversity, Flora and Fauna 
SEA objective – Protect and enhance designated wildlife sites, wider biodiversity interests, valuable habitats and protected species, avoiding irreversible losses  
International Designations 
If there is a likely significant effect then it is important to state why and what site may be affected (including Ramsar sites). The information gathered for this Site
Assessment will help inform the ‘screening’ stage of the HRA – i.e. identify likely significant effects on a Natura site. Policies or proposals likely to affect a Natura site
should be flagged up for assessment in terms of the Habitats Regulations Appraisal. Guidance on where designated sites are and what their qualifying interests relate to
can be found on NatureScot’s website Sitelink - https://sitelink.nature.scot/home. In addition, the majority of Natura sites are underpinned by Sites of Special Scientific
Interest (SSSIs). SSSIs all have a site management statement which provides useful information on site condition and management pressures and will help to establish what
is important and why and therefore help identify likely significant effects. 
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National designated sites
Again, see the above comments regarding site management statements for Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs). National Nature Reserves (NNRs) are examples of the
best wildlife sites in Scotland. These are managed for wildlife but also allowing for enjoyment by public. Guidance on NNRs can be found at: www.nature.scot/professional-
advice/protected-areas-and-species/protected-areas/national-designations/national-nature-reserves 
Other Designated Sites
Local Nature Reserves (LNR) are locally important for natural heritage, designated and managed by local authorities to give people better opportunities to learn about
and enjoy nature close to where they live. Similarly Local Nature Conservation Areas flag-up to planners and developers where there are natural feature of some merit. In
this way it gives planners and developers early indication of sensitive sites and opportunities for enhancing the local environment. The local Biodiversity Officer should be
able to provide advice here. 
Non designated features and key wildlife habitats
• trees and woodland, including ancient and semi- natural inventory sites
• species rich grassland, moorland, heathland, wetlands and watercourses including burns  
Links to Ancient Woodland Inventory (within SNHi) and the Forestry Commission’s Native Woodland Survey of Scotland are detailed below. 
www.nature.scot/doc/guide-understanding-scottish-ancient-woodland-inventory-awi  
http://scotland.forestry.gov.uk/supporting/strategy-policy-guidance/native-woodland-survey-of-scotland-nwss  
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Protected Species
Although protected areas can safeguard species within their boundaries, some animals and plants are so threatened or vulnerable that they need legal
protection wherever they occur. For further information on Protected species click here. 
Local Geodiversity sites
These sites provide examples of geology and geomorphology of regional and local importance, where the geodiversity resource can be conserved, so that people can enjoy
and find out more about it. These sites can contribute to the quality of local environments and provide opportunities for recreation and informal education.  
Geological Conservation Review sites come from an assessment of nationally and internationally important sites for geology and geomorphology. The site boundaries for
these and un-notified GCR sites are available through SNHi: www.nature.scot/professional-advice/protected-areas-and-species/protected-areas/local-
designations/geological-conservation-review-sites  
Local geodiversity sites are selected by voluntary geoconservation bodies such as local Geodiversity groups and Regionally Important Geological / Geomorphological Sites
(RIGS) groups. Geology and other natural history enthusiasts, wildlife trusts, museums, geological societies, teachers, planners and site owner, participate in the running of
RIGS groups. More information on RIGS.  
Nature Networks
A Nature Network connects nature-rich sites, restoration areas, and other environmental projects through a series of areas of suitable habitat, habitat corridors and
stepping-stones. As well as supporting regional and national approaches to protect and restore nature, they provide local benefits to wildlife and people.
Connectivity is an essential part of nature. It is necessary for functioning and healthy ecosystems, key for the survival of animal and plant species, and is crucial to ensuring
genetic diversity and adaptation to pressures such as climate change. 
To ensure Scotland's nature can thrive, nature-rich areas must be connected through a series of networks linking them all together. 
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Air Quality
SEA objective – To improve or avoid adverse impacts to air quality and reduce emissions of key pollutants. 
The impact of allocations on local Air Quality Management thresholds should be considered. For example, where an area is already close to exceeding air quality objectives,
where an area is at risk of becoming an AQMA, or where sensitive development such as a hospital or residential use is proposed close to a busy road or a site regulated for
emissions to air by SEPA. Such allocations may lead to an increase in the exposure of people to poor air quality. 
SEA guidance on air provides advice on how to take air into account in SEA. 
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Population and Human Health
SEA Objective – To protect and enhance quality of life including maintaining and improving opportunities to access public open space and the natural and historic
environment 
Our surroundings are a key factor in determining our health and sense of well-being. Development plans set the context for clear development management decisions
which will help deliver high quality green networks and protect and enhance natural heritage assets. Green Networks in Development Planning explains the background to
green networks, their multi-functionality and provides development planning advice in respect of green networks. Planning authorities should also seek to prevent further
fragmentation or isolation of habitats and identify opportunities to restore links which have been broken; Integrated Habitat Networks can be used here alongside green
networks to ensure local biodiversity is maintained and enhanced 
Human health can be affected by environmental factors which include pollution (e.g. emissions to air, soil or water from industrial processes including energy and waste
management), flooding and climate change. Consideration of these issues, particularly in relation to location of sensitive development types, in site assessment will help to
ensure that human health and wellbeing are integral to the plan. 
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Soil 
SEA objective – To maintain or improve soil quality, quantity and function and prevent any further degradation of soils
To protect carbon rich soils and restore peatlands 
Soils provide the following seven key functions:
 providing the basis for food and biomass production
 controlling and regulating environmental interactions (regulating water flow & quality)
 storing carbon and maintaining the balance of gases in the air
 providing valued habitats and sustaining biodiversity
 providing a platform for buildings and roads
 providing raw material
 preserving cultural and archaeological heritage 
The assessment should consider the impacts of development on the relevant soil functions for the site. SEPA provides information on regulations that apply to soil and
good practice guidance which is available at www.sepa.org.uk/environment/land/soil. 
The Scottish Soil Framework provides a general framework to promote the sustainable, management and protection of soil consistent with the economic, social and
environmental needs of Scotland. SEA guidance on soil  provides advice on how to take soil into account in SEA. 
The James Hutton Institute (formerly Macaulay) provides information on soil maps which are available from Scotland’s Soils website. 
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Landscape
SEA objective – conserve and enhance landscape character and scenic value of the area and protect and enhance designated landscape areas 
Designated Landscapes
Our fine scenery provides an inspiring backdrop for all who live in Scotland. Images of our unspoilt landscape also helps to market our tourism and film industries and
world-renowned products such as whisky.
Our finest landscapes have been designated as either National Scenic Areas or National Parks. These include some of Scotland’s most famous areas, from the Cuillin Hills to
the Cairngorms. 
Non-Designated Landscapes
High quality landscapes encourage us to venture into the outdoors. Having greenspace in our towns and cities, and easy access to our surrounding landscapes, brings vital
benefits to our health and well-being.
Each part of Scotland has a distinctive character, which helps to build our sense of place – both in our own localities and as a nation. Together, our diverse landscapes and
townscapes provide a living canvas of Scotland’s history, reflecting ways of life and traditions deeply engrained in our culture. Some landscapes are valued for their wild
land quality.
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Climatic Factors – Climate Change Mitigation
SEA objective – To reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase resilience to the consequences of climate change 
The Scottish Government’s guidance Consideration of Climatic Factors within Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) provides useful guidance on how to determine
whether a PPS is likely to have significant environmental effects. 
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Material Assets – Waste
SEA objective – To reduce waste and promote the sustainable use of resources 
The Scottish Government’s Zero Waste Plan sets out a vision of a zero waste Scotland where waste is treated as a valuable resource and not as a burden. 
For allocations for the location of waste management facilities consideration should be given to the potential for adverse impacts which may arise from locating other new
development in the vicinity of proposed / existing waste sites and on the potential risk the proposal would pose to people or property. The local authority Environmental
Health department is best placed to advise on site specific considerations. 
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Cultural Heritage (including the historic environment) 
SEA Objective – To protect and promote the historic environment 
SEA Sub Objectives:
• To protect and enhance historic environment assets and their settings
• To promote and enable the retention of historic environment assets
• To make the historic environment more climate resilient and to reduce emissions from the historic environment
• To promote and enable access, understanding and enjoyment of the historic environment 
Settlement level: 
Consideration should be given to the likely implications and opportunities for the historic environment arising from the spatial strategy. This will involve considering the
likely significant effects for historic environment assets (and their settings), and places. 
Strategic considerations: 
Our historic environment is not only a finite resource that requires protection but one that also delivers the places and spaces that are key to our everyday lives, cultural
identity and sense of place. Our historic built environment provides us with much of our housing stock, offices, infrastructure, public buildings and parks and gardens and
therefore our use, maintenance and adaption of these assets is key to a sustainable future and our health and wellbeing. 
Scotland’s new strategy for the historic environment Our Past, Our Future (OPOF) was published in April 2023. The strategy sets the direction of travel for the historic
environment sector and identifies the priority areas of action to focus work to support this mission. The 3 priorities are Delivering the transition to net zero, Empowering
resilient and inclusive communities and places and Building a wellbeing economy. The importance of the contribution that the maintenance, reuse and adaptation of our
historic environment can make in preventing waste and reducing carbon emissions is recognised under the transition to net zero priority. 
Scotland’s current landscape is the product of natural processes and human activity operating over many centuries, and both natural and historic aspects should be
considered when developing policies and proposals at the landscape scale. Proposals should protect and promote the overarching importance of the historic environment
to a sense of place. They should take account of the capacity of settlements and surrounding areas to accommodate development without damage to their cultural and
historic significance. This reflects the policies contained within both the National Planning Framework and The Historic Environment Policy for Scotland (HEPS). HEPS is a
policy statement for decision making for the whole of the historic environment for use at all levels. All the policies and principles in HEPS are likely to be relevant to
strategic decisions around the allocation of land depending on context, with HEP2, HEP4 and HEP5 highlighting the importance of sustainable decision making and planning
for the future use of historic assets and places. 
Historic Environment Scotland’s Portal holds locational information on national designations (including downloadable datasets) including designation records, scheduled
monument consents and decisions. The relevant council area Historic Environment Records will also be a key resource for information on historic environment baseline
including for non-designated assets. 
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