The functions of the Green Belt, as expressed in Scottish Executive guidance (Circular 24/1985), are to prevent urban sprawl and coalescence, maintain the visual setting of the City and provide for recreation. In addition, this Circular and other subsequent guidance acknowledges the importance of agriculture, nature conservation and landscape setting. The Joint Structure Plan requires greater emphasis to be placed upon urban renewal and regeneration and the protection of the environmental heritage of the area. The Joint Structure Plan requires local plans to identify the detailed boundary of the Green Belt (See policy DEV 12: Green Belt).

Certain developments, however, would be appropriate in the Green Belt and this policy outlines the circumstances and criteria that will apply.

While there is a presumption in favour of retaining the Green Belt, the Council does recognise that situations could arise where development may be acceptable. The Council will assess development proposals for sites in the Green Belt as follows:

1. Within the area designated Green Belt on the Development Policy Principles map there will be a presumption against:

(a) mineral (including peat) extraction, open cast coal mining, tipping and infilling with inert or domestic refuse, unless it can be shown that the substantive area of the proposals involves the restoration of derelict land, whilst not:

(i) having an adverse impact on the amenity of a residential area;

(ii) adversely affecting an important wildlife site, protected species or other environmental resource;

(iii) adversely affecting landscape character and local distinctiveness;

(iv) adversely affecting visual amenity; or

(v) adversely affecting the enjoyment and recreational use of the countryside.

Failure to satisfy only one of the 5 criteria (section 1(a) above) may be sufficient to justify refusal.

(b) all other development, with the exception of the following categories:

(i) development directly associated with and required for agriculture or forestry;

(ii) leisure or recreational development appropriate to a countryside location;

(iii) replacement of an occupied or recently vacated dwelling house for residential use;

(iv) the conversion or redevelopment of existing structures (including the foundations of former dwelling houses immediately adjacent to such structures) to residential use and/or other acceptable uses as identified in 1(b) (i) and (ii); and

(v) limited new development directly associated with telecommunications (see policy IB 8: Telecommunications and Cable Development ) and/or required for existing approved uses. These will be considered on the basis of individual merit.

2. Notwithstanding 1. above, and for the avoidance of doubt, there will be a presumption against any development that would adversely affect any area covered by an environmental policy designation (see Definition below).

3. In relation to 1(b), and where development is considered to be acceptable in principle, proposals for the conversion or redevelopment of existing structures for residential or other appropriate uses should accord with the following criteria:

(i) the completed building should be contained substantially within the shell of the original structure; and

 

(ii) the completed building should have the potential to make a positive contribution to the visual amenity of the area and be constructed of materials appropriate to the location.

4. Where the Council is disposed to grant planning permission for an appropriate development in accordance with 1(b) above, only designs of a high quality will be permitted. All new developments should complement their surroundings and integrate with the landscape without detriment to the visual amenity and adjoining uses of the area.

5. Where the Council is disposed to grant planning permission for a development in accordance with 1(a), appropriate conditions will be applied to ensure the proper restoration of the land and its visual amenity.

ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY DESIGNATION

See policy IB 8: Telecommunications and Cable Development.