Information for SEA Screening Report Important This reporting function has been developed to aid in accessing information contained in the Integrated Appraisal Toolkit (IAT) to be inserted into the SEA Screening Report. This report must not be construed as a completed SEA Screening Report. The information contained in this report is to be used in conjunction with the SEA Screening Report. The relevant sections from the IAT have been laid out below to reflect the relevant section of the SEA Screening Report. Please copy and paste into the correct section of SEA Screening Report and edit where necessary to ensure that you have correctly answered the question contained on the SEA Screening Report. Section 2: Contact details Contact Name: Job Title: Address: Telephone Number: Email: Section 3: Key Facts Responsible Authority: Title of PPS: Section 4: Description of PPS A brief background to what the PPS is and what it is supposed to accomplish. Clearly state the outcomes and what the PPS will not do: 4.3 Perth and Kinross Council's Integrated Appraisal Toolkit (IAT) has been used to carry out an initial screening exercise. The relevant sections will be referred to in this screening report. The IAT will be also be referred to and updated throughout the development of the plan/programme/strategy. The IAT has been developed to ensure that policies and projects developed in our area integrate fully any economic, social and environmental objectives to ensure we contribute to sustainable development. The IAT is available at www.sdtoolkit-perthandkinross.org.uk 4.4 Below is a summary of the proposed mitigation and justification of answers given under the relevant sections of the IAT. 1 Built Environment Statement: Town and village centres, residential streets and country roads, parks and playgrounds, paths and pavements, buildings and car parks, together with the backdrop of landscape, are vital to creating a quality built environment. They are part of our everyday lives, supporting transport, tourism and business.Perth and Kinross is home to both natural and built heritages of international importance which contribute to the unique fabric and character of the area. The historic environment is a particular asset to Perth and Kinross which plays a central role in the area`s character and image.Other important aspects of the built environment include the need for quality and affordable housing, creating and maintaining open spaces within our built environments and maintaining distinctive and well-designed buildings. Answer: Proposed Mitigation: Justification of Answer: 2 Climate Change Statement: There is strong evidence to suggest that the Earth`s temperature increase (caused by global warming) is a result of greenhouse gases produced from human activities. This increase in temperature, together with changes in wind patterns and precipitation, triggers a change in climate. Records show that temperatures around the world have risen by about 0.6degreesC since 1900. The ten hottest years have all occurred in the last decade and half. This trend is expected to continue and accelerate. Dramatic changes in climates around the world have led to increased disruption in weather patterns, causing severe drought, floods, storms and rising sea levels. This has devastating consequences for communities through the loss of land, homes, crops, habitats and species. Answer: Proposed Mitigation: Justification of Answer: 3 Community Statement: Sustainable communities are places where people want to live and work, now and in the future. They meet the diverse needs of existing and future residents, are sensitive to their environment, and contribute to a high quality of life. They are safe and inclusive, well planned, built and run, and offer equality of opportunity and good services for all. Sustainable communities should be:Active, inclusive and safe Well runEnvironmentally sensitive Well designed and built Well connected Economically ThrivingWell served Fair for everyone (Communities and Local Government 2009) Answer: Proposed Mitigation: Justification of Answer: 4 Consumption & Production Statement: Consumption refers to `all the ways we use the planet`s resources in our everyday lives; from the food, clothes and electronics we consume to our central heating, how we get about and where and how we take our holidays. These products and services all have social and environmental impacts, whether in their production and distribution, when in `use` or when they are thrown away as waste`. (DEFRA 2006)`Sustainable consumption and production is about achieving more with less. This includes reducing the inefficient use of resources, looking at the impact of products and materials across their whole lifecycle and encouraging people to think about the social and environmental consequences of their purchasing choices`. (Scottish Executive 2005) Answer: Proposed Mitigation: Justification of Answer: 5 Culture & Recreation Statement: Culture and Recreation play an important part in developing a places` identity and character. In Perth and Kinross `We believe that culture defines what and who we are. Cultural activities contribute significantly to personal and economic well-being. A positive cultural environment enhances quality of life, promotes individual and social development and attracts interest and investment` (PKC Cultural Strategy, 2005).Perth & Kinross is home to a wealth of cultural and recreational attractions. These attractions include our built environment, our magnificent landscapes, our monuments and sites of historic importance as well as our people and traditions. Together these factors create a rich cultural character, enhancing recreation for those visiting and living in the area. This supports the region`s thriving tourist industry as well as promoting culture and recreation for local people too. The range of cultural and recreational activities are substantial, ranging from visiting castles, to outdoor pursuits such as white water rafting to visiting the theatre, each of which display the regions cultural, recreational, historic and natural assets. Answer: Proposed Mitigation: Justification of Answer: 6 Economy Statement: A strong business environment, improved learning and skills and employment opportunities are all vital in creating a stable economy and promoting sustainable economic growth within Perth and Kinross. The Perth and Kinross economy has witnessed growth in recent years, with higher than average rates of employment (particularly for those self-employed), low unemployment, higher than national increases for VAT business registration and increased earnings. Tourism revenue has also grown, with tourism related employment accounting for a large proportion of the total workforce, particularly during seasonal periods. Answer: Proposed Mitigation: Justification of Answer: 7 Equality & Diversity Statement: The Equality Act 2010 has been introduced to simplify, harmonise, modernise and improve the effectiveness. The Act includes nine protected characteristics gender, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity and religion and belief. This Act introduces a new public sector equality duty, sets out the `general duty` which requires public authorities to pay `Due Regard` to the need to:i) Eliminate discrimination, harassment, victimisation or any other prohibited conduct under the Equality Act 2010ii) Advancing equality of opportunity by: removing or minimising disadvantage, meeting the needs of others, and encouraging participation in public lifeiii) Foster good relations between people who share a relevant protected characteristic and those who do notThe Scottish Parliament introduces specific duties which set out particular steps that authorities in Scotland should take to help meet the `general duty` and other equality duties.One of these specific duties requires the Council to carry out and publish equality impact assessments for new `policies` and put in place arrangements to ensure that existing policies are compliant with all the statutory duties. Answer: Proposed Mitigation: Justification of Answer: 8 Health & Well-Being Statement: Our health as individuals, and as a nation, is a complex interaction of many different factors. Personal choices and behaviour (smoking, diet, alcohol consumption, physical activity), the environment in which we live (housing, air quality, workplace, etc.), the social environment and access to resources (poverty/wealth), education, employment, all inter-relate and impact on our health and well-being (Scottish Executive 2003).People who experience material disadvantage, poor housing, lower educational attainment, insecure employment or homelessness are among those more likely to suffer poorer health outcomes and an earlier death compared with the rest of the population (UK Department of Health 2007). Answer: Proposed Mitigation: Justification of Answer: 9 Lifelong Learning Statement: Lifelong learning is learning open to everyone at any age. `Lifelong learning is about personal fulfilment and enterprise; employability and adaptability; active citizenship and social inclusion. Lifelong learning encompasses the whole range of learning: formal and informal learning, workplace learning, and the skills, knowledge, attitudes and behaviours that people acquire in day to day experiences` (Scottish Executive 2003).Lifelong learning benefits the individual, the economy and wider society by improving opportunities for knowledge and skills development, leading to wider job opportunities and increased productivity and earnings. It also contributes to the development of society through the achievement of social goals such as civic participation, sustainable development, improved health and wellbeing, reduced crime and greater social cohesion. Answer: Proposed Mitigation: Justification of Answer: 10 Natural Environment Statement: `The (natural) environment is an integral part of the quality of life enjoyed in Perth and Kinross and is of tremendous value in its own right. The area is renowned for its stunning landscapes and wealth of habitats and species, some extremely rare. It is also recognised that these environmental qualities contribute significantly to local social and economic wellbeing, through providing, among other things, health benefits, employment, recreation and access opportunities for residents and visitors alike`. (Perth and Kinross Joint Environmental Strategy and Action Plan 2004-2008). Answer: Proposed Mitigation: Justification of Answer: 11 Transport & Connectivity Statement: Transport is an important tool connecting people with health care, education, jobs, and services. In addition `Transport is an essential part of economic activity. Infrastructure, roads, rail, airports and ports - and the businesses that use these assets - are all vital components of Scotland`s economy.` (National Transport Strategy, 2006).In rural areas, transport and communication play a vital role in keeping people and communities connected. Whether it`s for residents to travel to services or for incoming visitors, local transport is a vital mode of keeping remote communities linked and involved, providing equal access to services and avoiding any form of exclusion. Technology (such as internet access, mobile and communications technology) also plays a vital role in keeping people connected. Answer: Proposed Mitigation: Justification of Answer: 4.5 Air, Water and Land Quality Air Quality (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2002 Air Quality in Scotland Contaminated Land (Scotland) Regulations 2005 Control of Pollution Act 1974 Environment Act 1995 Environmental Protection Act 1990 (EPA 90) EU Water Framework Directive (200/60/EC) European Commission Flood Directive European Freshwater Fish Directive European Union Soils Thematic Strategy Groundwater Regulations 1998 PAN 33 Development of Contaminated Land Perth and Kinross Council Contaminated Land Strategy Perth and Kinross Updating and Screening Assessment of Air Quality 2006 Pollution Prevention and Control (Scotland) Regulations 2000 Pollution Prevention and Control Act 1999 Scottish Government - Water Scottish Government – Pollution Prevention and Control SPP 7 Planning and Flooding UK Air Quality Archive Water Environment (Controlled Activities) Regulations 2005 Water Environment and Water Services (Scotland) Act 2003 Water Framework Directive (Groundwater Quality) Directions 2005 Biodiversity Biodiversity Scotland Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Amendment (Scotland) Regulations 2004 Control of Trade in Endangered Species (Enforcement) Regulations 1994 (CITES) Deer (Scotland) Act 1996 Destructive Imported Animals Act (1932 and as amended) EC Birds Directive 1979 EC Habitats Directive (Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the Conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora) Environmental Protection Act 1990 Explanatory Notes to Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 Import of Live Fish (Scotland) Act 1978 Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 Protection of Badgers Act 1992 as modified by Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 Protection of Wild Mammals (Scotland) Act 2002 Scottish Natural Heritage - Further reading The Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994 The Conservation of Native Fish Stocks: The Prohibition of Keeping or Release of Live Fish (Specified Species) (Scotland) Order 2003 The Habitats (Scotland) Regulations 1994 The Tayside Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP) Wild Mammals (Protection) Act 1996 Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 as modified by Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 Historic Environment Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979 Civic Amenities Act 1967 Historic Buildings and Ancient Monuments Act 1953 NPPG 14 Natural Heritage NPPG 18 Planning and the Historic Environment NPPG 5 Archaeology and Planning Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) (Scotland) Act 1997 Scottish Historic Environment Policy 2008 Landscape and Geology Circular No. 18/1987 Development Involving Agricultural Land Contaminated Land (Scotland) Regulations 2005 Environment Act 1995 Environmental Impact Assessment (Scotland) Regulations 1999 Environmental Impact Assessment (Scotland) Regulations 1999 Environmental Protection Act 1990 EU Soils Thematic Strategy Natural Heritage (Scotland) Act 1991 Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 NPPG 4 (Amended May 2001) Land for Mineral Working Organic Aid Scheme (Scotland) Regulations 2004 PAN 33 Development of Contaminated Land Pollution Prevention and Control (Scotland) Act 1999 Radioactive Substances Act 1993 SEPA's Land Protection Policy, Environmental Policy Number 54 The Countryside (Scotland) Act 1967 The National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 The Natural Heritage (Scotland) Act 1991 The Rural Stewardship Scheme (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2005 The Scottish Planning Policy 2010 The Scottish Soil Framework The Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1972 Waste Management Licensing Regulations (1994) Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 4.9 Health & Well-Being Statement: Our health as individuals, and as a nation, is a complex interaction of many different factors. Personal choices and behaviour (smoking, diet, alcohol consumption, physical activity), the environment in which we live (housing, air quality, workplace, etc.), the social environment and access to resources (poverty/wealth), education, employment, all inter-relate and impact on our health and well-being (Scottish Executive 2003).People who experience material disadvantage, poor housing, lower educational attainment, insecure employment or homelessness are among those more likely to suffer poorer health outcomes and an earlier death compared with the rest of the population (UK Department of Health 2007). Answer: Proposed Mitigation: Justification of Answer: Lifestyle Statement: A variety of lifestyle or health related habits (behavioural factors), material factors (such as the environment and living standards), and psychosocial factors (for example, stress and risk taking) can have a major impact on a person`s health. Behavioural and social issues that impact on health include smoking, diet, nutrition and alcohol (which together account for many Coronary Heart Disease and cancer deaths), poor diet leading to obesity (reducing life expectancy) or alternatively malnutrition, lack of physical exercise, sexual behaviour (for example, leading to infection or teenage pregnancy), and problems resulting from drug taking. (North West Public Health Observatory) Answer: Proposed Mitigation: Justification of Answer: Physical Environment Statement: The environment in which people live and work can influence health both directly (through toxic, allergenic, or infectious agents) and indirectly through influencing behaviours (for example, availability of a local environment in which to walk or cycle) and through affecting mental health and well being (which in turn may affect physical health). Its influence therefore covers both traditional environmental issues (such as air, water, pollution) and those related to the social sphere (housing, neighbourhoods, safe areas and so on). Answer: Proposed Mitigation: Justification of Answer: Social Environment Statement: A person`s social environment includes their living and working conditions, income level, educational background and the communities they are part of. Poor social and economic circumstances can affect health throughout a person`s lifetime. Such circumstances may include having few family assets, having insecure employment, becoming stuck in a hazardous or dead-end job, trying to bring up a family in difficult circumstances or living on an inadequate retirement pension.People who are relatively socially or economically deprived are more likely to be exposed to health hazards in the physical environment, experience stress, and continue unhealthy lifestyles and behaviours, including smoking, poor diet, excessive alcohol consumption and lack of physical exercise. The longer people live in stressful economic and social circumstances, the less likely they are to enjoy a healthy old age and more likely they are to suffer from a range of health problems These inequalities in health can be reduced by improving the life situations of people with lower levels of education, occupation or income. (World Health Organization 2003). Answer: Proposed Mitigation: Justification of Answer: 4.10 Biodiversity Statement: Biodiversity means all living things (species). All species are interdependent on each other and their surroundings (where they live - known as habitats). The state of our environment, and the biodiversity it contains, underpins much of our local economy and employment, from agriculture to tourism. It is central to our health, and social and economic wellbeing. Perth and Kinross is exceptionally rich in biodiversity. For example, Tayside provides winter quarters for half of the world population of pink-footed geese, and contains one third of the UK`s breeding ospreys, many in Perth and Kinross. It is also famous as `Big Tree Country` for its historic trees and beautiful woodlands. The diverse wildlife and habitats of Perth and Kinross are highly valued locally, nationally and internationally and are resources that need to be conserved and protected. Answer: Proposed Mitigation: Justification of Answer: Historic Built Environment Statement: The historic built environment covers scheduled monuments, archaeological structures and sites, historic buildings, townscapes, parks, gardens and designed landscapes. It contributes greatly to the character of Perth and Kinross, providing both a sense of place and an important cultural link with the past.The educational, tourist, recreational, social and economic value of the existing historic built environment is important in contributing to improved quality of life in Perth and Kinross. It also provides the context for new development in towns and villages, ensuring development reflects local character and heritage. Protecting, conserving and enhancing the historic built environment is key to preserving the area`s built heritage. It is important that historical assets such as ancient buildings and monuments are carefully protected, and new developments compliment and enhance them. Answer: Proposed Mitigation: Justification of Answer: Cultural Heritage Statement: Cultural heritage incorporates the historical buildings, monuments, landscapes and local practices which shape and influence the way places develop both physically and socially over generations. `The historic environment is part of our everyday lives. It helps provide a sense of place, well-being and cultural identity. It enhances the local distinctiveness and forges links between residents and visitors to Perth and Kinross and the places where they live and visit`. (Historic Scotland 2007). Perth and Kinross` cultural heritage has played a central role in shaping the region`s identity today. The area`s historical assets and traditions which have been carefully preserved in the past must be protected and enhanced for future generations to enjoy. Answer: Proposed Mitigation: Justification of Answer: Historic Environment Statement: The `historic environment` includes all of the material remains in the landscapes of town and countryside created by our ancestors. It includes all human activity from the largest - towns or motorways, to the very smallest - signposts or flint tools. The historic environment is part of our everyday lives. It helps provide a sense of place, well-being and cultural identity. It enhances local distinctiveness and forges links between residents and visitors to Perth and Kinross and the places where they live and visit. The historic character of the environment is important to quality of life and sense of identity, and it is a vital contributor to the economy through the attraction of visitors.Perth & Kinross has a rich historic, archaeological and architectural heritage which contributes to the character and quality of our built environment (see section 1.2) and landscapes. The area contains a wealth of historic sites, monuments, buildings and areas, many of which are designated of national significance. Answer: Proposed Mitigation: Justification of Answer: 4.11 Landscape and Geology Statement: Landscape incorporates both the environmental and cultural features present in an area. Perth and Kinross covers an area of 2,200 square miles and possesses a landscape of exceptional beauty and diverse character ranging from Highland Summits, Glens and Lochs to the river corridors in broader lowland landscapes. This landscape of mountain, water, farmland and forest is renowned as a clean and green environment which attracts many visitors. Preservation and enhancement of the distinctive landscape of Perth and Kinross is important in maintaining community well-being, biodiversity and in supporting the local economy, through tourism. The geology in Perth and Kinross also contributes significantly to the economy, through the provision of mineral resources, landscape and cultural heritage. Geology supports healthy soils which are important locally for agricultural and forestry industries, valued and rare habitats, biodiversity, protecting from pollution and as a foundation for buildings and roads. Answer: Proposed Mitigation: Justification of Answer: 4.12 Historic Built Environment Statement: The historic built environment covers scheduled monuments, archaeological structures and sites, historic buildings, townscapes, parks, gardens and designed landscapes. It contributes greatly to the character of Perth and Kinross, providing both a sense of place and an important cultural link with the past.The educational, tourist, recreational, social and economic value of the existing historic built environment is important in contributing to improved quality of life in Perth and Kinross. It also provides the context for new development in towns and villages, ensuring development reflects local character and heritage. Protecting, conserving and enhancing the historic built environment is key to preserving the area`s built heritage. It is important that historical assets such as ancient buildings and monuments are carefully protected, and new developments compliment and enhance them. Answer: Proposed Mitigation: Justification of Answer: Cultural Heritage Statement: Cultural heritage incorporates the historical buildings, monuments, landscapes and local practices which shape and influence the way places develop both physically and socially over generations. `The historic environment is part of our everyday lives. It helps provide a sense of place, well-being and cultural identity. It enhances the local distinctiveness and forges links between residents and visitors to Perth and Kinross and the places where they live and visit`. (Historic Scotland 2007). Perth and Kinross` cultural heritage has played a central role in shaping the region`s identity today. The area`s historical assets and traditions which have been carefully preserved in the past must be protected and enhanced for future generations to enjoy. Answer: Proposed Mitigation: Justification of Answer: Historic Environment Statement: The `historic environment` includes all of the material remains in the landscapes of town and countryside created by our ancestors. It includes all human activity from the largest - towns or motorways, to the very smallest - signposts or flint tools. The historic environment is part of our everyday lives. It helps provide a sense of place, well-being and cultural identity. It enhances local distinctiveness and forges links between residents and visitors to Perth and Kinross and the places where they live and visit. The historic character of the environment is important to quality of life and sense of identity, and it is a vital contributor to the economy through the attraction of visitors.Perth & Kinross has a rich historic, archaeological and architectural heritage which contributes to the character and quality of our built environment (see section 1.2) and landscapes. The area contains a wealth of historic sites, monuments, buildings and areas, many of which are designated of national significance. Answer: Proposed Mitigation: Justification of Answer: 4.13 Air, Water and Land Quality Statement: Good air, water and land quality are critical for the health of residents and visitors to Perth and Kinross, as well as the condition of the area`s wildlife, habitats and built environment. Answer: Proposed Mitigation: Justification of Answer: 4.14 Built Environment Statement: Town and village centres, residential streets and country roads, parks and playgrounds, paths and pavements, buildings and car parks, together with the backdrop of landscape, are vital to creating a quality built environment. They are part of our everyday lives, supporting transport, tourism and business.Perth and Kinross is home to both natural and built heritages of international importance which contribute to the unique fabric and character of the area. The historic environment is a particular asset to Perth and Kinross which plays a central role in the area`s character and image.Other important aspects of the built environment include the need for quality and affordable housing, creating and maintaining open spaces within our built environments and maintaining distinctive and well-designed buildings. Answer: Proposed Mitigation: Justification of Answer: Landscape and Geology Statement: Landscape incorporates both the environmental and cultural features present in an area. Perth and Kinross covers an area of 2,200 square miles and possesses a landscape of exceptional beauty and diverse character ranging from Highland Summits, Glens and Lochs to the river corridors in broader lowland landscapes. This landscape of mountain, water, farmland and forest is renowned as a clean and green environment which attracts many visitors. Preservation and enhancement of the distinctive landscape of Perth and Kinross is important in maintaining community well-being, biodiversity and in supporting the local economy, through tourism. The geology in Perth and Kinross also contributes significantly to the economy, through the provision of mineral resources, landscape and cultural heritage. Geology supports healthy soils which are important locally for agricultural and forestry industries, valued and rare habitats, biodiversity, protecting from pollution and as a foundation for buildings and roads. Answer: Proposed Mitigation: Justification of Answer: Summary of Environmental Effects Summarise PKC's initial opinion as to why full SEA is or is not required. Discuss any significant effects, positive or negative, or lack of environmental effects, that may come about as a result of the PPS ****Attach IAT Screening Report****