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Landscape and mineral extraction

Landscape and visual impacts can be major issues in mineral workings.  At the planning application stage planning authorities and operators need to address the potential impact both on the local environmental setting and in the wider landscape to see whether the topography and vegetative cover of the area can reasonably absorb the proposed development without significantly reducing its perceived qualities.

Further guidance on good practice can be found in Planning Advice Note PAN 50 Controlling the environmental effects of surface mineral workings external site .

Other references: Scottish Natural Heritage Policy Summary - Opencast Coal Development and the Natural Heritage (2000)

Minerals and the Natural Heritage in Scotland's Midland Valley - SNH guidance which includes a section on landscape.