The Scottish countryside will receive extra protection from hilltracks through new planning controls, Local Government and Planning Minister Derek Mackay has announced.

Through the introduction of a prior notification and approval process, planning authorities will be able to consider how proposed tracks will impact on the environment and intervene to ensure that design, siting and appearance are acceptable.

Hilltracks for any other purpose will continue to require full planning consent.

The requirements will be introduced across the country later in the year, and will be an extension of existing prior notifications under Class 18 agriculture and Class 22 forestry which currently apply to tracks in natural scenic areas.

Mr Mackay said:

“Without proper controls and effective enforcement measures, the construction of hilltracks can damage our environment.

“Some hilltracks can undercut the hillside and lead to side banks collapsing and hilltracks can cause damage to wild animal habitat.

“In contrast well-constructed tracks can minimise negative impacts on the environment, and in the moorlands can often prevent damage to ground nesting birds and their eggs.

“That’s why it’s important that planning policy strikes the right balance between meeting the needs of rural businesses but also it protects Scotland’s environment, amenity and heritage.

“These new controls will ask planning authorities to weigh up proposals and consider all aspects of where the hilltracks will be built, while at the same time allowing work that does not have an adverse impact to proceed with minimal delay or costs.”

NFU Scotland Legal and Technical Policy Manager, Gemma Thomson commented: “NFU Scotland welcomes the decision by the Minister to adopt a Prior Notification process for hill tracks, as opposed to seeking full planning permission. Prior Notification already applies to agricultural buildings, and appears to function well.

“The Union has always been strongly opposed to application of planning constraints for hill tracks. Prior Notification is a much more sensible and proportionate approach. NFU Scotland will continue to engage with Scottish Government whilst it develops the detail of this new legislation.”