Ayrshire Joint Planning Steering Group
Flooding The threat of flooding at the coast and in river valleys due to climate change is recognised as a matter of impending and serious concern. It is anticipated that significant impacts from climate change will be felt within the next 50 years or so. For example, rises in sea level may put at risk low-lying coastal areas and the habitats and species found at the coast, and there may be increased flood events in river basins. For Ayrshire, sea level rise is likely to be small but is predicted to be accompanied by an increasing number of storms. This could affect tide levels that may give rise to more and higher floods and an increased risk of wind damage in coastal communities. By the end of the plan period at 2025 the first implications for communities and other forms of development at the coast and in the main river valleys could begin to be felt and it is prudent to consider early appropriate action to offset the worst effects of such a situation arising. It is also recognised that development can influence the rate of run-off to water courses and that increased flood risk can be brought about by development and catchment management practices. Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems can help reduce this risk and associated problems by minimising the quantity and improving the quality of runoff before it is discharged from a development. Accordingly, development proposals will require to be supported with drainage impact statements to address any potential drainage issues through the inclusion of appropriate mitigation measures. The detailed impact of these measures on the coast and in river valleys will need to be explored through both theWater Framework Directive and Integrated Coastal Zone Management. Water Quality The Water Framework Directive, implemented in Scotland through the Water Environment and Water Services (Scotland) Act 2003, establishes a framework for the management and protection of Scotland’s natural water environment. In line with the Directive, the key mechanism for ensuring integrated action is the river basin management planning system. A River Basin Management Plan has been developed for the whole of Scotland and includes rivers, lochs, estuaries and coastal waters out to three nautical miles. An Area Management Plan has been prepared for the Clyde Area and includes a plan summary, catchment profiles and an action plan. Targeted efforts are being directed toward the North Ayrshire streams Doon, Garnock, Ayr and Irvine river catchments. Useful Links: Water Framework Directive Air, Noise and Light Pollution Air, noise and light pollution can have serious impacts on health and well-being. Rather than attempting to mitigate these impacts after a development has taken place, it is considered more effective to avoid locating development in areas where these problems could occur. Consideration must be given both to the location of sources of pollution, which are likely to require Environmental Impact Assessments, and to the siting of new development close to existing sources of pollution such as a motorway or industrial site. In addition, it is important to recognise that there are areas where pollution problems already exist and which require to be addressed. The Environment Act of 1995 established the requirement for a national Air Quality Strategy as a framework for air quality. The strategy proposed standards for eight major pollutants comprising Benzene,1.3-Butadiene,Carbon Monoxide, Lead,Nitrogen Dioxide, PM10 (particulates) and Sulphur Dioxide. Part IV of the act also requires local authorities to assess the air quality of their area. The addendum to the Air Quality Strategy supplements the existing air quality objectives and sets new long-term objectives up to the year 2010. Each local authority is required to continue to work towards the achievement of objectives in their area. Councils undertake additional monitoring where necessary, for example of PM10 particulates and progress reports are published on a regular basis. There are no Air Quality Management Areas in Ayrshire. |
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Ayrshire Green Network
Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Proposed Biosphere
The Socio-Economic Potential of the Galloway and South Ayrshire Biosphere Reserve
