Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) are notified, in Scotland, by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) under Section 28 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended).

SSSIs are areas of land or water that contain plants, animals, geological features or landforms of special importance. They are identified by SNH after careful scientific study and represent the best examples of their kind found in Scotland. National Planning Policy Guideline 14: Natural Heritage (NPPG 14), makes it clear that SNH has a statutory duty to notify and seek protection for such sites as they are the core of national and international arrangements for the protection of species, habitats and geological or geo-morphological features. NPPG 14 further reminds Planning Authorities that sites can be affected by developments some distance away.

Scottish Natural Heritage has produced a Register of Sites in Glasgow, in terms of Section 28(12) of the Act, that provides information on what constitutes a SSSI and the implications for owners and occupiers of such sites. This Register is available for inspection at the Council’s Development and Regeneration Services.

There are currently five SSSIs in the City, shown on the Environmental Policy Designations Maps (see Definition) and in the Table below.

There will be a presumption against development in, or having an adverse effect on, land or water designated as a SSSI, including the level or quality of water supply within the catchment area of wetland sites.

ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY DESIGNATION 

Environmental policy designations cover the built and natural heritage of Glasgow. These areas are important because of their environmental quality, biological diversity and/or their historic, architectural or archaeological significance, and contribute positively to the quality of the environment, image and diversity of the City.

Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSIs)