Latest News
Basic Introduction to Strategic Environmental Assessment Published by Scottish Government
The Basic Introduction to Strategic Environmental Assessment is aimed at those with no or limited knowledge of SEA and offers a simple explanation of the key elements of the SEA process and procedures. Natural Capital worked in partnership with the Scottish Givernment by facilitating a series of focus group workshop sessions with SEA practitioners from local authorities and agencies across Scotland to test the Scottish Government's draft SEA guidance. As a result of the valuable information gained at the workshops, Natural Capital made a series of recommendations to the SEA Gateway team at the Scottish Government on how to improve the 'Simple Guide to SEA'. This experience not only helped to shape this important guidance document but has in turn deepened our own understanding of the specific issues faced by SEA practitioners across Scotland. A PDF of the document can be downloaded here.
Workshops to inform the Shetland Islands Council Local Development Plan Main Issues Report
The first two workshops to inform the Shetland Islands Local Development Plan Main Issues Report took place in July and August 2009 and were facilitated by Natural Capital. The workshops were attended by representatives from Shetland Islands Council, Local Councillors, Scottish Natural Heritage, National Health Service, Highlands and Islands Enterprise etc.
New Commission: Sustainability Appraisal and SEA of the Joint Core Strategy for NewcastleGateshead
Natural Capital is just starting work with Newcastle City and Gateshead Councils who have decided to join forces and produce a joint Core Strategy as part of a combined Local Development Framework. This exciting new development sees the two Councils integrating their work to date and forging ahead with a new 'City Region' that will put the North East firmly back on the map. Natural Capital will undertake the SA/SEA work and will integrate Health Impact Assessment (HIA) and Equality Impact and Needs Assessment (EINA) into the overall approach.
Crianlarich Bypass Environmental Statement Published
Natural Capital has been working with Grontmij (consulting engineers) for Transport Scotland on the Environmental Impact Assessment for the Crianlarich Bypass and the Environmental Statement has now been published. The Environmental Statement is available to read and download by clicking here.
A90 Dualling: Balmedie to Tipperty Public Inquiry
Environmental work by Natural Capital on the A90 Upgrade has been ongoing since 2004. Recently the team helped prepare for, and gave evidence at, the Public Local Inquiry which took place at the end of August 2009.
SEA of the SESplan Strategic Development Plan
Natural Capital is providing support and SEA expertise to SESplan (the Strategic Development Planning Authority for Edinburgh and South East Scotland) during the early stages of generating the Strategic Development Plan (SDP). Work so far has involved completing the SEA scoping report, assisting with consultation on the scoping report and helping to prepare the baseline environment report. SESplan will continue its work on the SDP with the development of the Main Issues Report.
Combined SA/SEA of the One NewcastleGateshead (1NG) Economic Masterplan
Natural Capital has been commissioned by 1NG to undertake the SA/SEA of the Strategic Economic Masterplan for NewcastleGateshead. This is a masterplan that aims to put this new city region into the forefront of sustainable economic development within the UK. The 1PLAN recognises the importance of climate change and associated issues such as promoting renewable energy and sustainable transport and the SA/SEA is further strengthening the sustainability and environmental aspcets of the plan so that future growth and development can be undertaken in a more sustainable way.
EIA Training for Shetland Islands Council
Natural Capital has been running training and support on EIA of the proposed Shetland Windfarm for Shetland Islands Council since 2007. The workshop programme was initiated to ensure that SIC Planning Service (together with SEPA and SNH representatives) has a good undertsanding of the EIA processprior to the application for the Viking windfarm. Workshops have addressed the EIA process and in particular scoping and potential impacts, landscape and visual appraisal and recognised best practice in relation to development, construction and 'mitigation' primariliy in the context of the EIA process. The workshops explored experiences and examples of good practice for a better understanding of how robust mitigation should be built into any development proposals. Natural heritage issues including impacts on geodiversity and landscape were a prmoinent feature of the discussions.
Lismore STAG Study
In partnership with MVA, Natural Capital undertook the environmental aspects of the Lismore Access Priorities STAG study. For further information on this please access MVA's Case Study by clicking here.
Coriolis Energy
Natural Capital was commisisoned to provide environmental expertise for Coriolis Energy LLP for the development of a windfarm in Central scotland. Natural Capital is leading a team of specialist consultants on this project and completing an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of the proposed development. Submission of a planning application is planned for early 2010. For more information click here.
Selected Older News (January 2009)
Forth Managed Crossing
Natural Capital has been working as part of the Jacobs/Arup Team to undertake sustainability appraisal work on the Forth Managed Crossing Project. Transport Scotland is keen to make sure that sustainability objectives and carbon reduction measures are considered at the key stages in the life-cycle of the project including design, procurement, construction and operation. Natural Capital has undertaken high-level carbon footprinting work and this is progressing through into the on-going design stage.
Strategic Guidance on SEA for Development Planning
In partnership with WSP Consultants we are currently developing guidance to assist local authorities in undertaking SEA of the new Local Development Plans. The guidance will inform the whole process and deal with how to approach SEA for the Main Issues Report (MIR), the Strategic Development Plan (for City Regions), the Local Development Plan and Supplementary Planning Guidance.
Lochore Meadows Country Park
The team has just completed a ten year Development Plan for the Country Park together with a full SEA of the plan. The planning process involved extensive engagement with all stakeholders, local land managers, user groups and local communities through facilitated workshops. The plan presents a clear vision and objectives and a series of action plans that aim to build on the many assets of the Country Park and to create a centre for conservation, education and recreation for the people, based on sound sustainability principles.
Bressay Link STAG 2 Report
Bressay Link STAG 2 Report was recently completed (May 2008) by Natural Capital in partnership with Shetland Islands Council, ZetTrans and Donaldson Associates. For a copy of this report or further information please see www.zettrans.org.uk. Natural Capital continues to support the Council in developing initial proposals for the preferred option, a drill and blast tunnel
Work for the Energy Industry
Natural Capital continues to support Scottish and Southern Energy and ScottishPower developing the construction procedures handbook for the Beauly Denny 400kv line (for use if the application is consented). Natural Capital is also supporting ScottishPower on screening for maintenance projects in European sites and on developing a best practice tool kit for use by site staff to guide environmental practices on site.