Well-designed development can protect and enhance biodiversity, while poorly planned development can lead to habitat loss and fragmentation. The planning system seeks to ensure that new development protects, restores and enhances nature, contributing positively to biodiversity and nature networks.
In Fife, the following plans and guidance are key considerations when preparing development proposals:
- National Planning Framework 4: supports the protection, restoration and enhancement of biodiversity
- Fife's Local Development Plan: aims to maintain and enhance environmental assets and strengthen green networks
- Fife's Nature Networks: information on Fife’s nature networks, including interactive Green and Blue network maps
- Making Fife's Places Supplementary Guidance: provides advice on site appraisal, green infrastructure, natural heritage and biodiversity
Additional national planning guidance and advice includes:
- Scottish Government - Biodiversity: planning guidance
- NatureScot - Planning and Development Advice
- NatureScot - Developing with Nature: applies to planning applications classed as ‘local development’
Other useful sources of information to assist with site assessments
- Natural Heritage Map: this can help inform site assessments and identify natural heritage constraints
- Information on statutory designated sites
- Guidance on habitat networks
