Marine Planning Zones extension proposals: consultation analysis

Next steps

Following analysis of all the responses received, Scottish Ministers have decided to enact the proposals to extend marine planning zones out to 12 nautical miles.

This will allow fish and shellfish farming businesses to consider opportunities to develop farms further from the coast in deeper and more energetic waters, which have potential to reduce environmental interactions and to support fish health and welfare in line with the aims of our Vision for Sustainable Aquaculture.

The extension to marine planning zones will also ensure consistency in planning requirements for fish farm developments within the 0-12 nautical mile zone across Scotland, continuing local authorities role in the consenting process and enabling input into the planning process from a wide range of stakeholders.

Scottish Ministers will bring forward an affirmative Scottish Statutory Instrument (SSI) to amend The Town and Country Planning (Marine Fish Farming) (Scotland) Order 2007 this year.

The amended Order will identify each marine planning zone by describing the position of the relevant boundaries including by identifying coordinates where relevant.

Each identified marine planning zone will extend out from the coastline of each local authority to the seaward boundary of the Scottish marine area (12 nautical miles), except in instances where a section of a marine planning zone meets the boundary of another marine planning zone, or where a section of a marine planning zone meets the Scottish Adjacent Waters Boundaries.

The partial Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment and Island Communities Impact Assessment have been updated and finalised based on responses received. The finalised impact assessments will be published on the Scottish Government website and on legislation.gov.