Fish farming has an important role to play in the Scottish economy, particularly in the rural economies of the islands, as well as the mainland of north and west Scotland. To help separate the dual role that the Crown Estate had as landlord and regulator, the development of marine fishfarms (both shellfish and finfish) joined freshwater farms under the control of the planning system on 1 April 2007.
Policy summary
Scottish Planning Policy provides policy on both marine and freshwater farms, the aim is to promote an aquaculture industry that is:
- sustainable
- diverse
- competitive
- economically viable
To help achieve these aims, planning authorities should support, encourage and make positive provision for the continued growth of fish farming in sustainable locations.
Information and Guidance
There are a number of bodies that provide statutory views or advice on planning applications when consulted by planning authorities.
As well as discussing any proposed development with the relevant planning authority, some of these bodies provide information and advice to prospective applicants and it is therefore helpful to discuss your plans with them as well before you submit an application. This well help to identify what information you need to supply with your application form.
The following links will give you with further information to assist with your application:
Working Arrangements
The main statutory consultees have recently finalised a helpful working arrangements document. This document sets out their roles and responsibilities, including how they will consult each other and share information, and it provides some useful advice on the types of information they need to see to assist with their assessment for their interests.
Working Group
The Improved Systems for Licensing Aquaculture Developments (ISLAD) working group is one of five groups established in 2009 following the launch of A Fresh Start - the renewed Strategic Framework for Scottish Aquaculture.
Latest
On 09 March, 2010, the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth and the Minister for Environment jointly published Delivering Planning Reform for Aquaculture.
On 30 September 2010, a Planning for Development event was held in Inverness, led by John O'Brien of Marine Scotland. Further information and presentations from that event are now available online.
Research