Fish farm consenting pre-application pilots: independent evaluation report

Appendix D – Semi-structured interview for other stakeholders

Section 1: Request for Pre-Application Advice

1. How would you describe your experience with the initial request for pre-application advice (if you have any experience with this stage- some stakeholders may not?

2. Were you provided with clear guidance on the necessary steps and required information for the pre-application process?

3. How effective was the communication between you and SEPA during this stage?

4. Were there any unnecessary delays or duplications in this stage? If so, could you elaborate?

Section 2: Provision of Joint Pre-Application Advice

1. How well did the provision of joint pre-application advice meet your expectations?

2. Was there a noticeable improvement in coordination between different consultees at this stage?

3. From what you saw, did you find the advice from various stakeholders consistent and cohesive?

4. How did the joint advice impact your understanding of the required consents and supporting information?

5. Were there any challenges you faced in this stage? If so, what were they and how were they addressed?

Section 3: Community and Third-Party Engagement

1. How would you rate the effectiveness of the mechanisms provided for community and third-party engagement?

2. Did the process ensure transparency and provide meaningful opportunities for engagement?

3. How clear and straightforward was the process for informing and involving third parties?

4. Were there any specific community or interest group concerns that were effectively addressed through this engagement?

5. Can you identify any areas where the engagement process could be improved?

Section 4: Screening/Scoping Opinion Request and Issue of a Joint Scoping Opinion Report and Advice

1. How effective was the screening/scoping opinion request process in identifying key issues and constraints?

2. Based on the advice you’ve been able to give to date, what impact do you see this having on the process down the line?

3. Was the information required for regulatory decisions well-communicated and understood?

4. Are there any remaining issues or areas for further exploration that you identified during this stage?

General Outcomes

1. To what extent do you believe the pilot process minimised delays in the consenting process?

2. How has the project improved coordination and communication between stakeholders?

3. How did the process help you understand and manage potential constraints early in the process?

4. What impact did the project have on third-party and community engagement?

5. Are there any aspects of the pre-application process that you feel require further improvement or exploration?

6. Do you believe the pilot programmes have the potential to be scaled up across the aquaculture sector in Scotland?

7. What measures would be necessary to ensure the sustainability of the new pre application process?

8. Based on your experience of these changes, what additional changes or updates to the next stage of the process to maximise the value of this pre application process.