Offshore wind - strategic compensation policy: consultation
Sets out the proposed strategic compensation policy as well as the proposed approach to reforming the Habitats Regulations for offshore wind.
Closed
This consultation closed 2 September 2025.
View this consultation on consult.gov.scot, including responses once published.
Consultation analysis
Footnotes
1 The requirements of the European Union Council Habitats and Birds Directives are transposed in Scotland to the limit of ‘inshore’ waters at 12nm from the territorial baseline through a combination of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 and the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994. Beyond this, the Scottish offshore region which lies beyond 12nm, the UK Government has legislative competence, with decision-making on offshore wind consenting executively devolved to Scotland, and the Conservation of Offshore Marine Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 are in force. Within this document these are collectively referred to as the ‘Habitats Regulations’. The Habitats Regulations have been amended as a result of leaving the EU so that European sites are both protected, and continue to operate, as they have done since their original designation. The requirements of the Directives continue to be relevant to the management of European sites.
2 The UK National Site Network comprises Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs).
3 Crown Estate Scotland (2024) Briefing: ScotWind Leasing for offshore wind [online] Available at: ScotWind Leasing Briefing Nov 2023 PDF.pdf
4 Crown Estate Scotland (2024) Briefing: ScotWind Leasing for offshore wind [online] Available at: ScotWind Leasing Briefing Nov 2023 PDF.pdf