Plans to extend marine planning zones in Scottish waters have been put out to public consultation.
Fish and shellfish farms require planning permission out to 12 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.
The Scottish Government argues that clarifying responsibilities and extending the limits for local planning authorities 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, the Government says, adding that 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.
The 12 week consultation runs until 11 December and the document Extending Marine Planning Zones can be accessed online.
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.”
Informal consultation has already taken place with the local planning authorities aquaculture group, Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA), Heads of Planning Scotland (HoPS), aquaculture regulators, Salmon Scotland, Association of Scottish Shellfish Growers and British Trout Association.
Extension of the marine planning zones would be carried out by means of an affirmative Scottish Statutory Instrument (SSI) to amend: The Town and Country Planning (Marine Fish Farming) (Scotland) Order 2007.