Three wetland areas at River South Esk Restoration Areas Glen, Clova

“The site comprises three areas adjacent to the River South Esk in Glen Clova (described as Adielinn, Wheen and Laird’s Haugh). The three areas measure around 21 hectares and are currently used for agricultural grazing, with existing wetland features, drainage channels, and tributaries to the River South Esk contained within the three areas. The site is bounded by agricultural land and the River South Esk. The B955 public road is located to the north and east of the site.”

“RELEVANT PLANNING HISTORY 4.1 A screening opinion has been adopted under the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Scotland) Regulations 2017 which confirmed that the creation of three wetland habitats at this location would not require environmental impact assessment (ref: 24/00688/EIASCR).”

“A proposal of application notice (ref: 25/00118/PAN) in respect of the creation of three wetland areas within the wider floodplain on the north side of the River South Esk in Glen Clova was circulated to members of the Development Standards Committee in a briefing paper on 20 March 2025. Members did not identify any further matters to raise with the applicant over and above those identified in the briefing paper. APPLICANT’S CASE”

“The proposal involves engineering operations adjacent to the River South Esk and its tributaries to create wetland habitat which would improve connectivity between the river and its floodplain, supporting natural flood management. The supporting information indicates that the proposal would create high quality breeding and foraging habitat for wading birds.”

“Development plan policy promotes good design and requires consideration of landscape and visual impact. ALDP Policy PV6 indicates that capacity to accept new development will be considered in the context of relevant landscape capacity studies, any formal designations and special landscape areas.”

“The proposed works would have localised impacts on the landscape character of the site and valley bottom. The most prominent aspects of the proposal would be the installation of bunds and the cut and fill works, but these would be sensitively sited to blend in with existing topography. Following the completion of works, the site would be left to recolonise naturally with local vegetation assemblages.”

“Angus Council – Roads – no objection. Angus Council – Environmental Health – no objection.”

“NatureScot – no objection. The proposal would not adversely affect the integrity of the River South Esk Special Area of Conservation provided that adequate mitigation measures would be put in place.”

“No letters of representation were received in relation to the application.”

“Slides were shown following which the applicant responded to a member’s question regarding landowner engagement in the area surrounding the proposal.”

“Following comments from a number of members, and having regard to all submissions, the Committee agreed that the application be approved for the reason and subject to the conditions, as detailed in Section 10 of the Report.”