Consultation Portal

Natura 2000 Sites Policy

Development likely to have a significant effect on a Natura 2000 site will be subject to an appropriate assessment. Where an assessment is unable to conclude that a development will not adversely affect the integrity of the site, development will only be permitted where:-

1. there are no alternative solutions; and

2. there are imperative reasons of overriding public interest. These can be of a social or economic nature except where the site has been designated for a European priority habitat or species. Consent can only be issued in such cases where the reasons for overriding public interest relate to human health, public safety, beneficial consequences of primary importance for the environment or other reasons subject to the opinion of the European Commission (via Scottish Ministers).

European Protected Species

The Council will support the management and maintenance of areas supporting the habitats and species protected by EC Habitats and Birds Directives.  Development proposals that may affect them should give full consideration to the likely impacts on the habitat and species, development will only be permitted where:-

1. the overall integrity of the conservation interest is unaffected; or

2. impacts can be mitigated and positive management of the remainder of the habitat can assure its long term conservation value

New Lanark Development Assessment Policy

In determining planning, conservation area and listed building consent applications within the World Heritage Site and its setting (buffer zone), the Council will not permit development that adversely affects the:

• historical and topographical character and landscape quality;

• skylines and views to and from the Site;

• area’s natural diversity and ecology; and

• landscape and ecological links with the surrounding areas.

The following criteria will be applied when assessing proposals:

• Development must preserve, protect and enhance the character, integrity and quality of the New Lanark World Heritage Site and its setting (buffer zone);

• Development shall be of a design and form which respects the visual envelope of the area and reinforces the essential character of the World Heritage Site and its setting (buffer zone) in its topographical and wider landscape setting;

• Development shall be of a design quality to reflect and compliment  the character, townscape and form of that part of the World Heritage Site to which it relates and shall respect historic plot patterns, street patterns, layout, building frontages, key views, landmarks and skyline.

• Design of buildings shall reflect the scale, form, massing, proportions, roofscape, features and details of their context and materials will need to be of an appropriate size, colour and texture to the World Heritage Site and its setting.

• Development will not be permitted where it will result in the loss of important built or landscape features such as walls, traditional boundary treatments, ancillary buildings, trees or hedgerows.

• Development shall take full account of the archaeology of the site.

• Development will not be permitted on open spaces which make a positive contribution to the character of the World Heritage Site and its setting (buffer zone), or which provide important settings for existing buildings and features.

• Development will not be permitted which leads to the coalescence of the World Heritage Site and the settlement of Lanark.

Proposals must also conform to Policy ENV 23 – Listed Buildings Policy and ENV 24 – Conservation Areas Policy.