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Green Belt, Scenic Areas and Sustainable Development policies in the Clydebank Local Plan

as expected after modifications made following the Public Inquiry in November 2003

Policy GB1 - Green Belt

Within the area of Green Belt shown on the Proposals Map there will be a presumption against development - unless

Proposals for new buildings, extensions or the change of use of existing buildings within the Green Belt will have to pay particular regard to design, siting, landscaping, nature conservation and protection of habitats.

Reasoned Justification

3.11 This policy seeks to restrict development within the identified Green Belt, prohibiting general development, but providing for a series of exceptions that would not be considered as being contrary to the provisions of the policy. The policy reflects both national and strategic advice.

3.12 Advice contained within SDD Circular 24/1985, states that policies relating to development in the countryside are founded on two main principles:

3.13 The directing of development to the urban area in the first instance, in addition to complementing other key policies within the Plan (e.g. UR1), is an important factor in preserving the Green Belt, particularly having regard to the three main purposes of the Green Belt:

3.14 These principles together with the three main purposes of Green Belts, underline the importance of Green Belt preservation and thus the need to strictly control development within them. There are however instances when development within the Green Belt is considered appropriate and the policies of the Development Plan sets these out.

Policy SA1 - Scenic Areas

The Council will conserve the natural character of the Kilpatrick Hills outwith the Green Belt as an important Scenic Area. There will be a general presumption against proposals for prominent or sporadic development, which would have an adverse impact on the landscape quality, character or nature conservation value of the area.

Reasoned Justification

3.15 This policy seeks to preserve the natural character of the Kilpatrick Hills beyond the Green Belt. The policy aims to resist development proposals that would result in an adverse impact upon the landscape. The nature conservation value of the Kilpatrick Hills is also recognised, and this similarly is to be conserved.

3.16 The Strathclyde Structure Plan 1995 identifies the Kilpatrick Hills as a Regional Scenic Area, and as a result its landscape quality, nature conservation value and ecological diversity require protection. The replacement Structure Plan identifies the Kilpatrick Hills as a strategic environmental resource to be safeguarded and there is a presumption against development that would have an adverse affect upon such a resource. The Local Plan policy seeks to complement the strategic guidance offered by the Structure Plan, by confirming a resistance to sporadic and prominent developments within this area. SDD Circular 24/1985 indicates that isolated development should be discouraged in the open countryside other than when there are either circumstances that are identified in Development Plans, or if there are specific locational requirements. The Local Plan therefore provides consistency in the policy framework by seeking to conserve the natural character of this important area.

Policy SUS1 - Sustainable Development

The Council will pursue a sustainable approach to development and transportation issues by seeking to maintain and enhance the quality of the environment within the Plan area and integrating transportation and land-use planning matters. Development proposals will therefore be considered against the social and economic needs of the area in a manner that does not compromise its future well being and environmental quality. Within the Plan area all development should therefore seek to conserve the environmental capital, protect environmental resources and ensure environmental impact is minimised.

Reasoned Justification

3.17 There is an acceptance of the need to integrate economic growth with environmental responsibility by pursuing a sustainable approach to development, this being an Objective of the Plan. The longer-term success of the area's well being is therefore linked to the condition of its environment. In recognising that development has an impact on the environment, the policy framework of the Plan seeks to direct development to appropriate locations, particularly where substantial benefits may accrue. By protecting and enhancing those resources that cannot be reproduced, it ensures that the needs of future generations will not be compromised, resulting in a positive legacy.

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