Marine Planning Zones extension proposals: consultation analysis

Consultation

The consultation asked respondents to provide their views on the proposals to extend marine planning zones out to 12 nautical miles and on illustrative and interactive maps which outlined the extended marine planning zones. Views were also sought on impact assessments undertaken as part of the policy development, which were published alongside the consultation paper.

Respondents were invited to respond to the consultation using the Scottish Government's consultation hub, Citizen Space. Those unable to access or use Citizen Space were asked to respond via email or in writing to the addresses provided.

The consultation asked the following questions:

Question 1(a): Do you agree with the proposal to extend marine planning zones out to 12 nautical miles? (Agree/Disagree)

Question 1(b): Where applicable, please give reasons for your answer.

Question 2(a): Do you agree with the proposed marine planning zones, extended out to 12 nautical miles, as presented in the illustrative and interactive maps? (Agree/Disagree)

Question 2(b): Where applicable, please give reasons for your answer.

Question 3: Do you have any other points you wish to raise regarding the proposal to extend marine planning zones out to 12 nautical miles?

Question 4(a): Do you agree with our approach to the impact assessments for the proposed extension to marine planning zones? (Agree/Disagree)

Question 4(b): Where applicable, please give reasons for your answer.

The consultation was launched on Citizen Space on 18 September 2024 and closed on 11 December 2024. The consultation was promoted via Scottish Government press release, social media posts and via the Scottish Government’s Planning, Architecture and Regeneration Newsletter. Key stakeholders with a known interest in the issue were also contacted by e-mail directly to alert them to the consultation.

We would like to thank all our stakeholders for responding to this consultation and providing detailed information to inform our next steps. We have considered all the comments provided.

This report does not aim to reflect every viewpoint expressed in the consultation responses. It provides a summary of common themes submitted to this consultation and some key points raised. The full responses of all those organisations and individuals who gave permission to do so have been published on the Citizen Space website.