Plans to extend Scotland’s marine planning zones have been put out to public consultation for a total of 12 weeks.
Extending local authority responsibilities
Fish and shellfish farms require planning permission out to twelve nautical miles, however local authority responsibilities for planning controls currently only extend to three nautical miles. Under new proposals, the marine planning zones will be extended.
This consultation paper seeks views on Scottish Ministers proposals to extend existing marine planning zones out to 12 nautical miles, via a Scottish Statutory Instrument (SSI). The consultation proposal writes “Clarifying responsibilities and stretching the current limit creates the potential for new sites to bring in more investment and jobs, particularly for island and coastal communities.
Innovations in technology mean that aquaculture sites can now be located further from the shore. These developments have the potential to reduce the environmental impact of marine farming by lessening interactions with wild salmonids and supporting farmed fish health and welfare.”
Currently, there is no designated planning authority to which a developer may submit an application for a farm located between 3-12 nautical miles. When the marine planning zones were first designated in 2007, it was considered highly unlikely that applications for planning permissions between 3-12 nautical miles would be lodged in the near future.
Public Finance Minister Ivan McKee said: “These proposals progress our Vision for Sustainable Aquaculture commitment to explore the regulatory framework beyond three nautical miles and to support innovation. Our proposals could boost the marine fish and shellfish farming industry, with more opportunity for development and use of new technologies, whilst ensuring consistency in roles and responsibilities and robust assessment of development proposals.
“Protecting Scotland’s marine environment is crucial and supports marine industries. Developments must balance environmental impact alongside the economic opportunities.
“The benefits to coastal and island communities could be significant and these communities in particular are encouraged to share their views.”
Read the consultation paper and associated impact assessments. The consultation paper contains full background information for this consultation.
The 12 week consultation runs until 11 December. View the marine planning zone consultation.
The Scottish Government will analyse responses and will continue to work with stakeholders to develop final plans.